When it comes to substitutions, there are no hard or fast rules. Different football managers have different reputations when it comes to making their subs. After doing a bit of research on the subject I've found that the optimum times to make the 3 available substitutions are 59, 68 and 77 minutes. Which managers are more likely to make a double- or triple-substitution at half-time, and which more likely to wait until the dying minutes? But more importantly, do you know what each type of football manager does? And why they do it?
Let's find out.
The Gambler
Keeps key players at all times on the pitch, even if their stamina drops to 70% or below, which means they can barely run around the pitch to fulfill their designated role. They're at this point of very little use to the team and at very high risk of picking up serious long-term injuries. This, however, is a risk this Gambler is willing to take.
Relies on desperate last-minute substitution(s) to earn extra points for his team by replacing one of his more defensive players for an extra attacking one often coupled with an all-out attack instruction. It's a mere Hail Mary attempt which sometimes results in 'all', but more often than not in 'nothing'.
Repeatedly places an extra field player on the substitution bench and starts the majority of his games with no back-up for his Goalkeeper. A risky move, a perhaps desperate move yet a potentially game-deciding one.
Undeterred to opt for a never-before tested tactical set-up in order to hold on to a current scoreline against very attacking oppositions.
Reverts back to one of his more preferred ultra-offensive "outscoring-my-rivals" tactic once the opponent sees red and goes one man down.
Loses his patience the quickest of the three managers after a sour turn of events during the game, and responds swiftly with a double- or even triple-substitution seconds upon conceding a goal. Using up all your 3 available subs is a very risky move of course, especially if they're done so at an early stage in the game which would leave you with no subs left for the remainder of the game in the 2nd half; the most critical time when injuries / fatigueness occur.
The Conservative
Replaces his players when their stamina hits low 80's in order to prevent injuries. Eventho these players could remain on the pitch a couple minutes longer the reward isn't worth the risk according to this Conservative.
Removes any, preferably all, booked players from the pitch as soon as possible, as they're at higher risk of receiving a second yellow thus being at the wrong end of a potentially disastrous 10 vs. 11 situation.
Remains calm and confident when conceding goals and is reluctant to use one of his available subs in the hope the dire situation corrects itself, often to the dismay of the frustrated homefans.
Sticks with his original 11 the longest of the three managers which is by many seen as a steadfast belief that he got his starting line-up right. Critics see it as damaging the team's chances of salvaging a point(s).
Gives consistently underperforming starters as much time as needed to regain form and although it affects team performance in the short run, it's interpreted as a calculated move which sees the player repaying his manager's trust as well as the team in the long run.
Overvalues starters and undervalues substitutes. Ignores the fact that there is a bench with talented subs at his disposal who are becoming increasingly unhappy at the lack of opportunities.
The Guru
Places direct substitutions; meaning the player coming off holds the same position and assigned role on the pitch as the sub he's being subbed for. Form of the day is never to be spotted with for the Guru.
Follows the match highlights rigorously and examines all detailed stats pages comprehensively in order to spot the weakest link (the underperforming player) in his team and does not hesitate to substitute him instantly.
Disciplines all underperforming players at half-time. Anyone scoring a 6 or lower does not feature in the remainder of the game and sits the next one out on top of that. This is seen as a disciplinary punishment which may result in better and more consistent performances.
Uses up all his available substitutions every single game. Not only to give each and every one of his players valuable game time but also because he firmly believes it's a necessity for their future development and ultimately that of the team and its subsequent results.
Strongly believes the effects of fatigueness kick in at the latter stages of the game and brings in a fresh pair of legs up front, also referred to as 'super-sub', in order to influence the game in his favor.
Studies the opposition at half-time for weaknesses in their tactical set-up or for a particular weak/underperforming player in their midst and makes the necessary adjustments to exploit this to the maximum.
When it comes to the part of using (or not using) your subs, which manager are you?
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When it comes to substitutions, there are no hard or fast rules. Different football managers have different reputations when it comes to making their subs. After doing a bit of research on the subject I've found that the optimum times to make the 3 available substitutions are 59, 68 and 77 minutes. Which managers are more likely to make a double- or triple-substitution at half-time, and which more likely to wait until the dying minutes? But more importantly, do you know what each type of football manager does? And why they do it?
Let's find out.
The Gambler
The Conservative
The Guru
When it comes to the part of using (or not using) your subs, which manager are you?
Thanks for reading and please share your thoughts with us.
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