Arsenal U18 coach Dan Micciche: “if you’re rigid in your thinking the game will leave you behind”

Systems | Dan Micciche | 12.08.2021

Arsenal academy coach, Dan Micciche (pictured above during his time as England U16 coach), explains how the modern game is increasingly based on flexible systems of play. Image: Getty images

Learning: 

• Developing a flexible approach to systems of play

• Applying your playing principles in different systems of play

• Developing a system to fit your players

Arsenal’s Dan Micciche believes coaches must be flexible in their approach to systems of play otherwise the game will ‘leave them behind’. 

The Arsenal U18 coach has spent the last 12 months developing a personal game model and the process has underlined the importance of adopting a flexible approach to systems of play, he explains.

“I think if you look at the game tactically in terms of systems and fluidity of play, I think the days of being rigid with your thinking are gone really.

“I see a lot of adaptability system wise,” explains Micciche. 

“Take Brendan Rodgers [Leicester City manager], for example, he’s very flexible tactically. 

“We've got it at our club with our manager [Mikel Arteta] who has changed [systems] a lot. You see a lot of different ways that he's approaching the game. 

“So, I think you've just got to stay on your toes or the game will leave you. 

“You'll get left behind because there are so many talented people in this industry who are constantly thinking and constantly evolving.”