#RBAglossary To "nick a goal" means to score unexpectedly, often against the run of play. It comes from the slang "nick something," meaning to take or steal. For example, a team may defend all game and nick a goal at the end from a set piece.

#RBAquotes #AtleticoMadrid head coach Diego Simeone rejects the idea of labelling his team as purely defensive. #Atleti #football #soccer

#RBArecommends This article focuses on the data analysis required to make an informed choice when appointing a head coach. Among the metrics considered are pass length, defensive 3rd build-up, player involvement per possession and pressing effectiveness. buff.ly/2fXUNc7

#RBAglossary Verticality refers to a tactical approach focused on progressing the ball quickly and directly toward the opponent’s goal - often through forward passes, runs, or transitions - rather than prioritising possession or lateral movement.

#RBArecommends This PyData Eindhoven 2024 talk explains how to automate contextual metrics from tracking data at scale. Especially useful for data scientists, engineers, and analysts working with data. buff.ly/7oMtLgK

#RBAquotes Carlo Ancelotti, who will leave #RealMadrid at the end of the season, holds a rather unconventional - and at times contradictory - view on game organisation. Nevertheless, this approach can deliver results, especially at top clubs.

#RBArecommends This paper presents a new framework for player valuation by combining principles from financial mathematics and network theory. Unlike traditional approachesthis model focuses on in-game contributions as they evolve over time. buff.ly/KqFQmNC

#RBAglossary The age curve refers to the general pattern of how a player's performance changes over time as they age. While individual cases differ, outfield players usually peak between the ages of 23 and 29, whereas goalkeepers tend to peak between 28 and 34.

#RBAquotes Former #GenoaCFC head coach Alberto Gilardino, speaking about the importance of adaptation, suggests that it’s possible to achieve results through tactical means - even when the squad lacks top-level quality.

#RBAtrivia #ACMilan won the 1993–94 #SerieA title scoring just 36 goals in 34 games—the lowest ever for a champion. Their secret? An iron-clad defence that conceded only 15 goals all season under Fabio Capello. A masterclass in winning without attacking flair.

#RBAglossary Positional Play (Juego de Posición) is a tactical framework where players are trained to occupy optimal zones of the pitch to ensure passing lanes, overloads, and spatial superiority are constantly created and maintained. Core to #Guardiola-style #football.

#RBArecommends Podcast with Rene Maric, assistant coach at #FCBayern and one of Europe’s most highly rated young coaches. From founding Spielverlagerung to coaching in top leagues, his journey is truly remarkable. buff.ly/9J0awKU

#RBAquotes Wise words from former #LFC coach Jürgen Klopp. #LiverpoolFC #football #soccer #EPL

#RBArecommends This article highlights how stats are replacing traditional methods of searching for a new manager. buff.ly/dOwgHf1

#RBAglossary Ball-Oriented Pressing is a defensive pressing style where the team swarms toward the ball rather than maintaining shape — popularised by Jürgen Klopp’s gegenpressing. #LFC #football #soccer

#RBAquotes #Uruguay national team coach Marcelo Bielsa knows a lot about player development, which ultimately leads to improved group and team interactions. Even when discussing tactics, it’s important to remember that tactics are shaped by individuals as part of a whole.

#RBAtrivia Switzerland is the only team ever knocked out of a World Cup without conceding a goal. In 2006, they kept 4 clean sheets, but lost 0–3 on penalties to Ukraine, also becoming the first team in World Cup history to fail to score in a penalty shootout.

#RBAglossary Automatisms are pre-rehearsed movements or passing patterns that players execute instinctively during a match. These are key to structured systems like those employed by Antonio Conte or Thomas Tuchel.

#RBArecommends An analysis of French #Ligue1 transfer trends. The league has consistently supplied an average of 14 players per season to the #EPL—a reflection not only of recent success, but also of a stable, long-term connection. buff.ly/iY1Ob0K

#RBAquotes #Atleti coach Diego Simeone on a dilemma that arises at every level of the game: perhaps only at youth level does talent outweigh other factors. #football #soccer