The Spectre of Pep: How Guardiola Haunts Modern Football Tactics

A spectre is haunting European football. Watch almost any game, no matter the level, and you will notice it. From inverted full backs to extreme high lines, the tactical threads of the match will eventually converge onto a singular point: Pep Guardiola.

For some though, his near total dominance has come at the cost of the game itself. Viewed in this way, the story of modern tactics becomes one in which the protagonists are caught between acknowledging Guardiola's greatness, and wanting to ev...