tactical planning of Felix Magath

In this months Bundesliga magazine, Felix Magath segues from his hobby with chess to tactical play on the pitch. Although not mentioned in the magazine article, many top-flight academies, higher academic groups will utilize chess (or backgammon with a number of unique variants) to promote right-brained thought and advanced tactical planning. Equally and more important for observers, many classic strategies on the pitch are based in advanced theory's taught on chess.

In bringing in players Mr. Magath notes:

"They have to understand strategy and tactics to play at the top level."

Whilst Wolfsburg has employed Zvjezdan Misimović in centralized lynch-pin of the attack with Grafite as the final piece in the attack, the tactical plan hasn't been as precise as some coaching luminaries model like chess given the massive exposure to the downside the club has shown. Effectively Wolfsburg has shown itself to be blood-letting ready to happen at any moment given as they throw forward and expose themselves to the contre-attaque. Dictation of the oppositions attack through your own defensive characteristics allows you to serve-up your desired attacking options.