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Niko Kovač - An Analysis [THREAD]

Kovač began his managerial career in 2016, once he took over Frankfurt in 2016. In the 2016/17 season, he ensured their survival in the Bundesliga with a win over Nürnberg

The subsequent season he finished 11th, but made it to the DFB Pokal final, where they lost 2-1 to Dortmund

In the 2017/18 season, Kovač’s Frankfurt glided to an 8th placed finish, which was enough for them to qualify into the Europa League.

Furthermore, he took Frankfurt to the 2018 DFB Pokal final, where they defeated Bayern Munich 2-1. This was Frankfurt’s first trophy since 1988.

Kovač’s tactics at Frankfurt emphasized defensive stability and wing-play. His preferred formation would be either a 3142 or a 3412, depending on if they were prepared to dominate the ball or not.

Fullbacks had the most onus in his system, as they had to both attack and defend.

For an in-depth detail of his tactics at Frankfurt, here is an excellent video by Tifo Football.

Kovač’s excellent work secured himself a gig at Germany’s most elite club, Bayern Munich, in July of 2018

His tenure is considered a failure, but he did win 3 trophies with the club, the German Super Cup, DFB Pokal, and the Bundesliga. He also famously dismantled Tottenham 7-2.

After a 6 month hiatus from managing, Kovač joined Monaco on July 19 2020. Previously, Kovač was defined by defensive stability and pragmatism, but has completely changed his approach since joining Les Monégasques.

This decision to switch to offensive football was a conscious choice, as Monaco pride themselves as playing attractive football.

Kovač made an explicit promise to respect the values of the club, but also warned against stubborn tactics. A blend of attack and defence suits best.

Kovač’s exciting, fluid, and proud Monaco side looks absolutely nothing like his stale, boring, and stagnant Bayern Munich.

With the mixture of veterans, such as Cesc Fabregas, and youngsters, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Monaco have become one of the most interesting teams to watch.

Kovač has a clear build-up plan, as he emphasizes playing from the back. He usually builds up in a 3-2-4-1, which provides adequate width in order to ensure that the ball-carrier always has an option.

This numerical advantage allows for a swift progression up the pitch.

When combatting a team that likes to press high, Kovač opts for a 2-1-4-3 shape, in order have an extra man on the flank to maintain possession.

No matter the situation, Kovač has a plan to beat the opposition press, which allows them to transition to their offence seamlessly.

Out of possession, Kovač’s Monaco uses a 4-2-4, which clogs up the centre.

Once the opposition force the ball out wide, the ball-side player will initiate the press, and then be followed by his teammates who will take away the short option. This forces the defender to go long.

Here is an interesting video with Kovač speaking to former Tottenham man Paul Mitchell about the importance of recording training sessions.

Interesting to note Kovač’s fluency in English.

In attack, Kovač requires his players to always look for the progressive pass, in order to carry the ball vertically.

Additionally, if the line-breaking pass isn’t on, Kovač is more than happy to swing the ball to the flanks, overload the sides, and release into channels.

Once they take the lead, Kovač’s team is not satisfied just to sit back and protect a lead, as they continually play vigour.

Monaco have now scored 71 goals in 34 games, only 6 less than PSG, and have won four games by at least three goals during the current Ligue 1 campaign.

Prior to the arrival of Kovač, Monaco finished 17th in Ligue 1, narrowly avoiding relegation by a measly 2 points

Now, in the 20/21 season, Monaco find themselves in the midst of a title charge, as they find themselves 2 points off league leaders Lille with 4 games left to play.

Monaco needed a miracle to begin their charge back into Europe, and that miracle came in the form of Niko Kovač.

His electric tactics have propelled his side to European stardom, as they challenge for the Ligue 1 title at best, and CL qualification at worst.

Let me know what you guys think of this thread, would love to hear any feedback.

Do you think Kovač should stay at Monaco next season, or should he challenge himself elsewhere? Would you take him at #THFC? Answer below

As always, RT’s are greatly appreciated :)