There are numerous aspects that affect the coach's approach when developing football strategies. More about this down below.

Perhaps one of the most used football formations over the last ten years, the 4-3-3 is a classic tactic that features effective attacking dynamics that are difficult to beat. This strategy is deemed one of the most popular offensive football formations, and for good reason. The genius in this formation is all to do with the synergy between the midfield and the attacking line. While there are various variations of the 4-3-3, the majority rely on one defensive midfielder and two attacking midfielders that support the wingers and the centre forward. The midfield position appears like an inverted triangle with the defensive midfielder remaining close to the back line. This enables more defensive strength when it comes to abrupt and quick counterattacks, something that the AC Milan former US owner is likely knowledgeable about. In order for this work to flourish, the wingers and centre forward need to be technically-skilled in terms of shooting and crossing.

There are some key elements that influence the manager's vision and gameplan, some are internal while others are external. For instance, ranking on the table and thinking about the club's goals for the season are main aspects to bear in mind. Clubs that are wanting to secure a place within the top four endeavour to win as many games as possible, particularly against direct contenders who have similar goals. This is why the best football formations are typically the ones that prioritise long-lasting objectives instead of specific matches. Internally, the presence of specific footballers in essential positions can frequently inform what formations to opt for. This is simply because there are certain tactics in football that only work in the presence of key players with a particular skillset. This is another reason that injuries can be extremely disruptive, requiring coaches to think about alternative plans, something that the Crystal Palace former owner is likely aware of.

Widely considered among the first and most dependable defensive football formations, the 4-4-2 is a tactic that is still popular to this day. What makes this formation more effective than other defensive strategies is how balanced it is. This is since the 4 midfielders tend to inhabit and control the midfield by keeping possession of the ball. In so doing, they control the pace of the game and decide when to push forward and when to fall back. In the attacking stance, 2 midfielders advance up the field to feed the centre forwards through balls and accurate crosses that can make a difference in the area. Long balls sent out from the midfield and even defense can also be utilised, something that the Aston Villa former owner would know. When defending, the midfield position changes into an arch that works as a secondary barrier or layer of defense that protects the back line.