Watch the Throne: The Tactics Behind the Premier League's European Champions, 1999-2019

Watch the Throne: The Tactics Behind the Premier League's European Champions, 1999-2019 explores the tactics used by Premier League clubs to win the Champions League, including Manchester United's 1999 victory, Liverpool's 2005 win, and an all-English 2019 final between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 26 April 2021
Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd

Watch the Throne: The Tactics Behind the Premier League's European Champions, 1999-2019 delves into the strategies employed by Premier League clubs on their remarkable journeys to Champions League triumph. Spanning from Manchester United's inaugural victory in 1999 to Liverpool's historic 2019 triumph, this comprehensive documentary offers a detailed analysis of how Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool overcame formidable obstacles to secure the ultimate prize in European club football. While United's 1999 triumph stood as an exceptional achievement, Liverpool's victory in 2005 marked the beginning of a dominant era for Premier League clubs, as they secured eight English finalists in eight seasons from 2004/05 to 2011/12. However, significant changes in tactical trends occurred during this period, with Spanish, German, and French sides briefly surpassing their Premier League counterparts. This shift in fortunes was followed by an all-English 2019 final between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, which showcased the technical and tactical recovery of the world's wealthiest football league.

The 1999-2019 era witnessed a remarkable transformation in the tactics employed by Premier League clubs. Manchester United's inaugural victory set the tone, showcasing a combination of traditional English football and innovative strategies. United's success was followed by a period of dominance by English clubs, with eight English finalists in eight seasons from 2004/05 to 2011/12. This dominance was largely attributed to the emergence of new tactical trends, such as the 4-4-2 formation and the use of wingbacks.

However, the 2012/13 and 2016/17 seasons marked a period of transition as Spanish, German, and French sides briefly overtook their Premier League rivals. This shift in fortunes was driven by the implementation of new tactics and philosophies by these European clubs. Spanish sides, known for their tiki-taka style of play, emphasized possession, quick passing, and intricate movement. German sides, on the other hand, focused on discipline, organization, and a high-pressing game. French sides, known for their attacking prowess, relied on a combination of technical skill and tactical flexibility.

Despite these challenges, Premier League clubs remained resilient and adaptable. They continued to invest in talent, technology, and training facilities, enabling them to stay at the forefront of the football world. The 2019 final between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur was a testament to the technical and tactical recovery of the Premier League. Liverpool's victory showcased their ability to combine traditional English football with modern tactics, while Tottenham Hotspur's performance demonstrated their commitment to a high-pressing game.

In conclusion, the 1999-2019 era has been a period of significant transformation in the tactics employed by Premier League clubs. While English clubs initially dominated, Spanish, German, and French sides challenged their dominance. However, Premier League clubs remained resilient and adaptable, investing in talent, technology, and training facilities to stay at the forefront of the football world. The 2019 final between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur showcased the technical and tactical recovery of the Premier League, and it is exciting to see what the future holds for this prestigious football league.

Weight: 346g
Dimension: 172 x 358 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785317705