The Twelfth Man Academy

In the final episode of Season 2, we take a comprehensive look at the campaign and discuss what a manager must analyze at the season's end. What key aspects and pivotal moments can a manager identify throughout the season? Which lessons need to be learned to progress, and how can mistakes made by managers and players be addressed positively during the season? Moreover, how does a manager prepare for the next pre-season's demands and the transfer window's challenges? Additionally, what would be a good way for fans to measure the evolution of their team, their identity, and how their players' characteristics have evolved and contributed to the team throughout the season?

In this episode, we cover one of the most isolated positions in depth, the goalkeeper. We talk in detail about the evolution of the position, the player characteristics and their contribution to the team. We also discuss how they train and impact the game and their teammates.

In this episode, we delve into the psychology of football derbies from three perspectives: a player, a coach, and a fan. How do all three deal with the emotional intensity, pressure and expectations, motivation and mindset, and the emotions of playing against your biggest rival? Whether you're on the pitch, in the dugout, or the stands, derbies are more than just games; they are cultural events that ignite passion, shape identities, and create lasting memories. We examine how players stay focused under pressure, how coaches develop strategies amidst chaos, and how fans' intense loyalty elevates the game's atmosphere. These elements contribute to making derbies profoundly impactful experiences for everyone involved.

In this eye-opening episode, Gus Poyet guides us into the pressures and challenges faced by football managers, a side of the sport rarely seen by fans. We discuss the emotional contrast between fan experiences and the intense stress and expectations placed on managers. They share insights into the physical and mental toll of managing a team, the necessity of support from organizations like the League Manager Association, and the crucial need for rest and a work-life balance. In this episode, you will also gain a unique perspective on how external factors, including media scrutiny from “so-called” pundits and the complex dynamics between managers and club owners, affect the world of football management. Through personal stories and candid discussions, this episode illuminates the often invisible struggles of football managers, offering fans a deeper understanding of the beautiful game's behind-the-scenes realities.

In this episode, Gus, Steven, and Mariano focus on fans - their interests and passions. They explore the different types of football fans today, their preferences, and idiosyncrasies. Do they follow one club for life, or are they more interested in stats and tactics? Or do they follow their favorite footballer? Are they always loyal and supportive, or negative in their views of the club? They also talk about fans in different countries and the unavoidable problem of when passion turns to violence. We invite you to contact us and send your views and opinions to our social media channels. How do you feel about the game? Do you have any questions or themes you want us to discuss?

In our new episode, Kristopher O'Hare, our first guest in the podcast, alongside Gus Poyet, Steven and Mariano, explores the intricate blend of sports psychology and coaching for youth football development. This in-depth discussion illuminates how a coach's adeptness in fusing psychological acumen with training methodologies can significantly enhance both individual player progression and overall team synergy from U16 u18 to first-team football The episode unpacks pivotal topics like the importance of cultivating players' mental resolve, balancing technical skill enhancement with fostering individual flair, and the nuanced role of mentorship in youth football. Our dialogue aims to offer listeners—be they passionate fans or discerning coaches—a deeper comprehension of the essential role that psychological insight plays in shaping young athletes, contributing to team triumphs, and influencing the beautiful game as we experience it.

Join us for a thought-provoking podcast episode that delves into the significance of effective communication between football managers and players. Explore how this crucial relationship impacts player development and team dynamics. Listen to the discussion on various topics, such as understanding player personalities, making informed decisions on player selection and substitutions, and fostering the growth of tactical and technical skills. Gain valuable insights into managers' essential role in shaping individual player skills and overall team success through effective coaching and communication strategies.

In this episode we delve deep to shed light on the fascinating dynamics of international football, the challenges of international management, the significance of international matches, and the selection and development of players. We examine football identity and player characteristics from behind the scenes of Gus' Greek team. We explore how a manager can imprint his style in the short periods of time he has to work with players, the difficulties of playing against teams with varying levels, and how to adapt tactics and player selection accordingly. We also discuss the scouting work involved in building a successful international team.

After three games of the 2023/2024 Premier League season, Gus Steven and Mariano explore the importance of the number 6 position in the Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Manchester United teams. We delve into its tactical significance and the individual characteristics each player brings to the identity of their team. Recorded on August 28th, 2023.

In this insightful episode, we will be exploring the complex dynamics that exist between football managers and referees. We will delve deep into the multifaceted challenges that referees face, the intricate perspectives of various stakeholders on the rules of football, the transition of refereeing into a professional realm, the influence of the relatively new and ever-evolving technology of VAR (the Video Assistant Referee), and the nuanced relationship that managers maintain with referees.

In this episode of Players' Responsibilities, we explore the vital obligations that football players undertake. From their unwavering dedication to training, where they push their boundaries to give their maximum, to their crucial role in defending their team's colours on the pitch, we dive deep into the world of players' responsibilities. We also discuss the significance of individual accountability and how players can make a game-changing impact in every match. Join us as we uncover the intricate details of what it means to be a football player, examining their commitment to training, defensive prowess, and their ability to leave a lasting mark on the game. This episode sheds light on players' indispensable role in shaping their team's success.

Following a topsy-turvy week for managers this week, we spoke about the Antonio Conte, Brendan Rodgers and Graham Potter's latest sackings and discussed the importance of a clear message from the hierarchy to the manager and how this impacts results, and most importantly, the fans and the club.

Player Discipline is not far from a fan’s lips, but what do they  really know about what goes on behind closed doors at a club? Gus gives  us the inside track of how a new manager introduces discipline and rules  when they arrive at a club. We learn how a manager deals with this with  their players and how they deal with the media. In this episode, we reference player disciplinary issues at Man City made public in December 2021.

Free kicks win matches, how does a manager work on the training ground  to utilise the opportunity a dead ball gives a team. We discover the  ABCs of the perfect crossed free kick, the work taken on the training  ground. From delivery of the ball into the box and the importance of the  timing from the targets in the box, we understand the work the set  piece coaches are now doing on the training ground working with their  squads and player characteristics.

It’s an important part of football and something that is being trained  more than ever at clubs, the Set-piece. Historically through football  history the training of set pieces has evolves so much that clubs are  now employing specialist coaches. Fundamentally, we learn that the  responsibility of set pieces lies massively with the players, from  understanding them positionally to executing them perfectly on the  pitch. We learn of Steven’s dislike of short corners, with Gus  explaining to him the option of having this in a team’s arsenal is  important.

We’ve learnt that player characteristics play an important role in  create a team’s identity, but what are these characteristics, what is  needed from players to help a team to create and work within their  identity? Understanding the different playing field between clubs from  those with big budgets to those with small and whether a manager adapts  his team identity to the players he has or, players needing to adapt  their game to a teams’ identity. In this episode, we reference to the work of Guardiola at his clubs, the Spurs of Conte, and Tuchel's Chelsea at the time they lost 3-0 against Leeds.

In this episode, we learn that fans should not discuss systems anymore.  Gus explains it is about how a team plays the game within various  formations and with different ideas before and during games. What is the  best formation to play in English football today and its link to  various team identities and player characteristics.

There is a lot of talk in modern football about a team’s identity, but  what exactly is it. Gus takes us on the journey of creating a team’s  identity, from what is needed in the characteristics of club and  players. We learn how long it can take to create and the important  factors of time and money to create a winning formula in football today.

What is the difference between the team identities of Manchester City  and Liverpool. In this episode we learn what these are and how it they  were achieved. For one team, it takes time, a lot of money and specific  player characteristics to create the identity to allow them to play in a  certain way. For the other club it is the understanding of the system  and having the right players to allow them to play in a certain way.

Each coach has an identity and needs to imprint this on their teams.  Gus explains, how important it is to each team to have a team identity  and how coaches use this identity to win football matches. We learn the  differences in creating identity between club football and international  football. We also ask whether Pep, Simeone, Conte and Gus as players  have the right characteristics to fit into their own teams and under  their coaching identity. In this episode, we reference Gus becoming the Greece National Coach in February 2022.