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 f...

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 event...

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 Lea...

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...

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...

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 (t...

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...

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.

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 t...

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 perio...

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.

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 disciplin...

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 no...

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 positi...

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, play...

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...

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 c...

How important are Captains in the Modern Game? In this episode, we look  at the ins and outs of captaincy and the importance of the role for the  fans, the manager, and the club. We learn how a manager picks his  captains and what it is to be the captain on the pitch.  In this episode, we reference the change of Captain at Arsenal due to  disciplinary issues in December 20...

Does your Club Manager have a plan B? When are things not happening for  your team on the pitch do you tear up everything you worked on in  training when things are not going your way in the match? In this  Episode, Gus gives us an insight into planning the tactical ins and outs  of a game. While explaining the true meaning of Plan A and Plan B in  the modern game. We look...

It was a question that needed two episodes, Are you a Coach or a  Manager? In this second part we look at two of the most successful  managers in the game, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger and their  roles as managers at their clubs and the role of a modern coach and  their relationship with the Director of Football.

In this Episode, Steven asks Gus Poyet the big question, “Are you a Coach or a Manager?” With the introduction of more football directors in the British game, Gus explains the difference and gives personal insights from his career where at different times he was either seen as a Manager or a Coach, giving an insight into the time he was close to signing Liverpool Captain Virgil Van Dijk for Bright...

We talk football, with an emphasis on learning. In this episode we aim to close the gap between football fans and the football manager, by answering the questions the fans would like to know. We look into different situations managers finds themselves in and how fans and football professionals view the game through a different lens. In this episode we reference the 3-2 Hotspur victory against Leic...