KUCHING: Football, a sport renowned for its intensity and global reach, continues to evolve at a remarkable pace.
As coaches continually push the boundaries of tactical innovation, the game has adapted to meet new challenges, evolving to satisfy ever-increasing demands and redefine its limits.
In a recent discussion with Sarawak Tribune, former Malaysian goalkeeper Syed Adney Syed Hussein and football host Roshan Narayan explored the rapid evolution of football formations and coaching techniques in modern times.
Roshan highlighted the significant contributions of managers like Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp in revolutionising football tactics.
He focused on Klopp’s influence, particularly at Borussia Dortmund, where his innovative 4-2-3-1 formation and structured player development system held a lasting impact.
“Jürgen Klopp had always been an innovator, turning raw talents into world-class players,” Roshan said, underlining Klopp’s pivotal role in modern football.
Syed Adney added that football formations had become increasingly fluid to match today’s fast-paced game.
He pointed out that modern teams adjusted their structure based on possession or defensive scenarios.
He gave the example of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, who frequently shifted from right-back into midfield, illustrating how coaches adapted strategies in real-time.
The discussion then moved to coaching, with Syed Adney sharing insights from his experience as a youth coach at the Kim Do Heon (KDH) Youth Academy, which also has a branch in Kuching.
“Coaching young players offers a great opportunity to experiment with different formations.
“It is imperative to be flexible and adaptable, especially when working with kids who are still learning the game,” he said.
Both Syed Adney and Roshan agreed that understanding the identity of a team or coach was the key to success.
“Whether as a coach or a presenter, finding your own identity is crucial.
“Once you know who you are, you can build a system that works best for you,” Roshan explained.
The conversation served as a timely reminder of football’s ever-changing nature, underscoring the importance of adaptability in both tactics and coaching philosophy.
As the game continues to evolve, these innovations will undoubtedly shape the future of football at all levels of play.
