Counter-attack football is an art. It might seem regressive to allow the opponent to take the initiative, but the best managers have the ability to manipulate the game, even influencing their opponent’s possession and passing patterns.
As with boxing’s ‘rope-a-dope’, you lure them in and then hit them with an incisive attack, precisely where you’re strong and they’re weak.
The very best coaches have a clarity of vision, too. They sell their game plan to the players. They can even convince world-class players, used to being more expressive and dominating possession, to buy into their strategy.
Son Heung-Min starred when Spurs played the perfect counter-attacking football at St Mary's
Sunday’s game is a conundrum.