John Aloisi Highlights Overlooked Tactics: Here’s Our In-Depth Analysis

Last week, John Aloisi remarked that his tactics with Western United often go unnoticed. This weekend, aleagues.com.au analyses his strategic approach as the team gears up for the Isuzu UTE A-League Semi-Final.

“The perception is that my team’s tactical approach hardly gets any attention. It’s like no one ever mentions it,” the Western United manager told aleagues.com.au prior to last weekend’s Elimination Final victory over Adelaide United.

“I’m confident that my teams are set up to play a specific style, and it’s quite evident.”

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But what exactly are Aloisi’s tactics? What influences have shaped his coaching vision, which has seen him achieve the third most wins in the Isuzu UTE A-League’s 20-year history?

During his inaugural season at Western, which marked the club’s third campaign, the Socceroos legend led them to an unprecedented title. This championship was based on seasoned players and a win-oriented mindset.

The core of that title-winning squad comprised Jamie Young (36), Aleksandar Prijovic (32), Leo Lacroix (30), Tomoki Imai (31), Neil Kilkenny (36), Steven Lustica (31), and Alessandro Diamanti (39), along with talents like Nikolai Topor-Stanley (37), Ben Garuccio (27), and Josh Risdon (29).

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Aloisi had to adapt his strategy that season, with a focus on a strong defence that became the second-best in the league, despite fewer goals scored.

Fast-forward to the present, and Western United embodies Aloisi’s evolving philosophy. With a youthful core sprinkled with academy graduates, the current Semi-Finalists exhibit quickness, clinical finishing, and entertaining play, all while demonstrating greater endurance when pressing.

This season, the club set records for the most goals, wins, and points in an Isuzu UTE A-League season. Leading the charge is 23-year-old Noah Botic, who has netted a personal best of 15 goals, with key contributions from young talents such as 17-year-old Dylan Leonard, 21-year-old Rhys Bozinovski, Abel Walatee, and Matthew Grimaldi, along with Angus Thurgate (25).

“Through my playing career and the time since, I’ve absorbed a lot,” said Aloisi in a previous interview with aleagues.com.au. “What makes a team successful and what doesn’t?

“Many have wanted to emulate Barcelona’s style, but that’s because their players have been groomed in that system from a young age, allowing them to play that brand of football.

“Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti has been a significant influence for me. I’ve read his books and observed how he adapts to different situations with his squads. Initially, he struggled to be flexible in his tactics but learned the importance of adjusting based on the players at his disposal. He preferred a 4-4-2 formation but realised the need for flexibility as he progressed through his career.”

“Observing Ancelotti’s teams, you can see they adapt their approach based on the opposition’s style.”

“Indeed, we aim to play proactively. We want to be assertive both with and without the ball, but there are key moments where situations dictate our approach, particularly when the opposition opts for long balls. At times, we might set traps for the opponent, and I find that aspect of analysing opponents particularly fascinating.”

“We maintain our playing philosophy and principles. It’s essential to address every facet of the game. How will we build up from defence against different pressing styles? How do we progress when teams are set up in a mid-block or deep block? It’s crucial to adapt accordingly, as opposition teams can vary greatly in their approach.

“Our strategy must include how to engage with teams that focus on ball retention at the back and our pressing tactics. Transitioning moments in a match are often undervalued.”

“I’ve closely followed Ange’s coaching journey and engaged in numerous discussions with him. While he has distinct principles, similar to our own, he also teaches his players the importance of collective defensive work when necessary, transitioning quickly into attack.”

“For my team, when we regain possession, the focus is to advance quickly. How can we move forward effectively? Some opponents may not allow us much ball control, yet we can still assert ourselves both offensively and defensively.”