State Of The Bundesliga – Part Three
March 2, 2016 The proof of uniqueness
A look at the numbers proves that the Bundesliga is at the very least different. Dustin Ward, one of the best BL analysts to be found online, has provided us with impressive statistics. According to him, the average Bundesliga team plays fewer successful passes in the final third and has a lower passing accuracy in the opposing box than in other leagues.
Furthermore, those advanced stats show that German teams play a more intense pressing that turns every attacking zone entry into a dangerous moment. They are more direct with the ball (a highly vertical and impatient game) and the Bundesliga creates a high number of shots and goals per pass.
Verdict
It can be proven objectively that the Bundesliga plays a wilder and more direct style than other top leagues do. Does this lead to a more entertaining product with high intensity or to an uncreative anti-possession league without self-initiative? Nobody can make an ultimate judgment of that, as those decisions are completely subjective. The Bundesliga is very unique, that’s for sure.
As the statements of our experts showed, the main issues of the league are caused more by the lack of tactical individuality and the lack of risk-taking. Nobody wants to embarrass themselves, criticism of the own ideas is to be avoided – many coaches end up choosing the comfortable path of least resistance. He who plays more or less the same stuff as the opponent can hardly be criticized for his tactical approach.
Maybe this is just a defensive mechanism. Football is largely influenced by luck, only few actions end up influencing the result. Because of that, it’s not always the better team that prevails – a fact that must make any coach nervous, as he is never in complete control of his own destiny.
In a rather conservative country that prefers proven ideas over unknown innovations, a decision for the standard pressing system won’t be criticized. If things still don’t work out, you can just blame the opponent for having a bigger budget, more luck or a bigger willingness to fight – things that you either can’t change at all or change very quickly. A systematic, close examination of your own ideas and the development of abilities would be hard work and probably too difficult for some coaches to achieve. So, by choosing the safe path, you protect your own reputation as you’re judged by the board, fans, media and, most importantly, your own players.
To end the series, here’s a short attempt to recap the state of the league: The Bundesliga is currently a healthy, respectable league. At the same time, it could be a lot better with a more confident, innovative and progressive approach. In the end, the current situation is probably way too accepted and established to cause any big changes. As they’ve said for decades: never change a winning team.
PART ONE – FINANCES AND REVENUE
PART TWO – POINTS AND SUCCESS
PART THREE – TACTICS AND MENTALITY
Thank you for this series. It was a pleasure to read.