UEFA Super Cup Final: Tactical Breakdown of Manchester City vs Sevilla
Manchester City added another trophy to their collection with a UEFA Super Cup win over Sevilla, but their victory was marked by tactical rigidity rather than Pep Guardiola’s usual adaptability. This analysis explores how City’s approach on the night reflected an uncharacteristic adherence to system over player strengths and the impact this had on their performance.
Manchester City’s Shift from Adaptive Tactics
During the 2022/23 season, Manchester City often relied on innovative tactical tweaks, including the use of John Stones as an inverted centre-back. Stones’ movement from the defensive line into midfield became a cornerstone of City’s possession play, adding fluidity and unpredictability to their build-up. Guardiola’s willingness to rotate personnel and systems, especially during high-stakes matches, was central to their domestic and European successes.
Earlier in the season, against teams like Burnley, City’s build-up was notably adaptive. Ederson played high up the pitch, with midfielders like Mateo Kovačić and Bernardo Silva operating deeper to combat pressing structures and man-to-man marking. This dynamic approach was highly effective in breaking through compact defences.
Tactical Decisions for the Super Cup: A Return to Familiarity
Against Sevilla in the Super Cup, Guardiola reverted to his favored 3-2-4-1 system — a setup that had functioned well with Stones but needed adjustment given his absence. Logic might suggest moving experienced full-back Kyle Walker into the midfield role, leveraging his composure under pressure and ability to progress play. Instead, Guardiola opted for Manuel Akanji, shifting him out of his natural central defensive position and into midfield alongside Rodri.
Manuel Akanji is a robust and incisive defender, known for his ability to cover ground and contribute to transitions. However, his strengths lie in his vision with the field ahead of him, not in crowded midfield positions facing pressurizing opponents. Walker, meanwhile, excelled at regaining defensive shape and nullifying counters, making him highly effective when part of the defensive trio during transitions.
Why Akanji Struggled in City’s Midfield
Akanji’s deployment in an advanced midfield role proved problematic. Sevilla, under head coach José Luis Mendilibar, targeted Akanji with aggressive pressing. Unlike Walker or Kovačić, Akanji is more comfortable when he can assess the play and move forward with the ball at his feet, not when forced to play with limited time and space.
When placed in midfield, Akanji faced multiple opponents who pressed tightly whenever he received possession. This restricted his ability to make measured decisions and limited City’s capacity to retain possession and progress play through the centre. By contrast, a midfielder like Kovačić, known for his ability to evade pressure via quick dribbling and tight control, would likely have coped better in these situations, providing stability and attacking impetus.
Defensive Implications and the Role of Rest Defence
One of the key tactical downsides to shifting Akanji into midfield was the weakening of City’s defensive structure during transitions. Frequently, Akanji and Rodri pushed forward together, leaving just two defenders at the back — typically Nathan Aké and Walker. This left wide gaps through the centre, making City susceptible to Sevilla’s breaks.
In modern football, sustaining a minimum 2+1 or 3+1 defensive shape (known as ‘rest defence’) is critical for stopping counter-attacks and rapidly regaining possession. With Akanji absent from his central defensive role, Sevilla often found spaces to exploit, creating more transitional opportunities than would typically be acceptable for a Guardiola team.
Alternative Choices and the Value of Tactical Flexibility
The match exposed the risks of sticking too rigidly to a system, especially without the appropriate personnel for key roles. With Akanji less comfortable under pressure and not ideally suited to midfield, City missed both his composure in the defensive line and the dynamism of players like Kovačić when playing deep.
Guardiola could have restructured the midfield, either by allowing Kovačić to operate in a deeper playmaking role or asking Walker to step into midfield during possession phases. These alternatives may have preserved both City’s defensive solidity and creative capacity in transition.
Looking Ahead: Tactical Adjustments for City
As Manchester City continue their campaign, an early lesson from the Super Cup is the importance of tailoring systems to the players available. While their squad depth and quality allow for remarkable flexibility, the right balance between system and individual strengths remains essential — especially when key figures like John Stones are unavailable.
City fans will be eager to see Stones return to action, allowing the team to play to its maximum strengths. Meanwhile, Guardiola’s willingness to adapt will likely be crucial in maintaining their competitive edge throughout a demanding season.
