If you take the ecstatic phrase mainly used to add enchanted excitement to any viewing of an English FA cup game - “The Magic of the FA Cup” - and look into what it really means, you’ll find it’s simply a foundation that supports a game where a “David” slays a “Goliath”.
Now I am sure you all acknowledge what I mean to portray here and that’s the underdogs completing an uncalled triumph over the bigger side, potentially ruining many punters’ bets. Some people consider this competition a mere waste of time or unimportant.
If you have a look at how many times a small team has taken on, and beaten a bigger side you’ll vaguely notice that such an overturning might be pretty common.
While complacency by the “better team” plays a big part in this, it’s also fuelled with a big change of tactics by the management side from their usual game plan which is eked out on their notepad for a usual league face-off.
A different side containing squad players might be put out, or a differently eccentric formation could be deployed- but if it works in the league then why change? Because there is simply less chance of opposing team scouts snuffing out your team potency after picking up on statistics and weaknesses from the comfort of your own stands.
While working on your main league tactics, you as a manager cannot enter a competition without a Plan B. A plan B could, later on, become your plan A meaning you’ll also need a plan C which will shift into your plan B bringing your re-organization skills into the focal point too- it’s just the complexity of football- or any tactically reliant sports- for this matter.
Cup games could also be something that a manager may use to field his younger or squad players who may have something to prove.
However, if you’re aiming to win the cup competition you cannot take any clear risks which will dent your chances badly- or there’s a price you’ll pay.
Introducing a European taste to this piece, we’ll also take a look at how management would work in games abroad or at home against complete strangers.
You’re a manager of an FA cup winning Championship side which has granted you entry to the Europa. You’re given the list of your competitors within the group whom you or any of your TV reliant couch fans have never ever heard of.
Each side that’s listed on your email is completely unfamiliar to you unless you’re a total football nerd. I'd be impressed if you could even tell me what country the clubs are from, let alone know who they are.
FC Vaduz
FC Aktobe
Ironi Kiryat Shmona
And finally, yourselves.
It is likely every single team there will need a slightly or even entirely different set of tactics that will possibly put the pieces of your game correctly against their own game plan which could also be shuffled like a set of playing cards.
It’s more than just a glorified holiday you’ll take lightly- you’re expected to lead training and tactical refurbishing sessions abroad in unfamiliar conditions and in an elite manner rather than enjoying yourselves in the sun if it’s a warm country.
Keeping that latter scenario in your mind, follow onto the next section and merge the following concept with your European dream.
In my eyes, if you’re to prepare for such competitions you’re to split it up accordingly and sorted strategically so that your players can take it in much better in order, and not in messed up clusters.
I’ll begin with the introductory phase. This is a light and short (say maybe, a week) unit where you’re to explain to your guys why you’re doing it and how you aim to do it- like a new unit at school or college with a success criteria aim for your men to keep in mind and follow.
This can be considered "baby steps" or a foundation you're going to aim to build upon, it won't take one day, after all.
You’re then going into your physical stage. This is the part of this metamorphosis that your boys will be put through their paces. This is where the acceleration of progress and major determination comes into play after the relaxed first period.
Hard work, fitness insight plus agility and pace exercises are what will be in use here. Assigning partnership groups according to who plays where and having increased teamwork in places you'll be planning to have new links play a part in newly established tactics is also a good idea.
Finally, you’ll enter the mental stage. This is where you put your men up to date with the work you’ve gathered and collected while they’ve been busy training hard- so again, a multitasking job is expected of you.
Going deeper into this stage, you’re gonna introduce your new opponent(s) to your men. You’ll teach them tactics or only one tactic that will be used against themselves, how they can bring it out, and eventually counter it for the opponent’s demise. You’ll need to whip up a batch of experienced and brainy, like-minded individuals in order to succeed and outsmart your invaders or defenders.
Below is how I'd segregate all of the modules of this concept into informative blocks.
This whole concept was bound to have boggled your mind to Serbia and back, however you’re expected to do a job of this- do not screw it up- which is what the board’s voices could be imagined like.
Your men are as confused as you are but you’re going to work with what you’ve got. Limited resources as a Championship side (think Wigan 2013-14) meant that you’re not prepared for this. A shining light in the form of some valuable time to prepare could mean you’ll have a lengthy time to put in extra work than what your pre-FL seasons might expect of you and your players.
The first game up will most likely be in the midst of your season which just doesn’t help. A sense of multitasking is expected to be deployed by not only yourself but ensuring your squad’s main center of focus should be guided by this big switch too.
A night spent observing your upcoming rivals over and over again on YouTube or recordings as if you’re binge-watching a newly found Netflix series is what researching thoroughly and scanning for any weaknesses ahead of a match would feel like- except it’s the same football team in different case scenarios.
A good coach would reflect a great attitude onto the board of which he wants his players to take note and learn from. You’ve got one and only one chance at a cup match or else you’re relentlessly dumped out of the competition.
But looking on the plus side of Cup competitions, if they’re anything to take away lessons from, it is to take every match at a time. You’re learning patience and sure, thorough preparation ahead of a match which could as well rub off onto your league endeavors.