Football Struggles – Real Issues Behind the Game
If you’ve watched the Premier League lately, you’ve seen big clubs stumble as often as they dominate. Whether it’s a shaky back‑line, a striker who can’t find the net, or a squad that loses confidence after a bad result, the problems feel familiar. This tag page pulls together the most talked‑about struggles on the pitch and gives you clear, bite‑size advice you can use right now.
Defensive Woes and How to Fix Them
One of the most recurring complaints is a porous defence. Take Crystal Palace’s 3‑0 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park – Villa’s defence looked disorganised, allowing goals from Mateta, Guehi and Sarr. The issue? A lack of clear communication and players drifting out of shape. Coaches can solve this by setting up a simple “three‑zone” drill: keep a line of four defenders tighter, assign a midfielder to stay back as a safety net, and run quick shifting exercises that force defenders to talk and move as a unit. A short, 15‑minute session before training repeats the same pattern, and you’ll see fewer gaps in matches.
Another example is Manchester United’s 1‑1 draw at Fulham, where Emile Smith Rowe’s first‑touch equaliser exposed a midfield‑to‑defence transition problem. United gave the ball away too quickly, letting Fulham press high and win the ball near their own box. To tighten up, implement a “two‑touch” rule in the final third during practice. Players learn to hold the ball a beat longer, giving defenders time to adjust and making the whole unit harder to break down.
Breaking the Scoring Drought
Scoring can feel like a curse for many sides. Kobbie Mainoo’s struggle to break into Manchester United’s starting XI shows how competition can sap confidence. When a young player watches senior stars like Bruno Fernandes dominate, it’s easy to doubt your own ability. The fix lies in creating personalised shooting routines that mimic match pressure. Have the player take ten shots from the edge of the box, each time visualising a real game defender closing in. After a few weeks, the muscle memory and mental confidence grow, turning hesitation into decisive finishes.
Even seasoned forwards can hit a slump. If a striker goes five games without a goal, revisit the basics: is the player getting enough quality service? Look at the recent match where Fulham’s Emile Smith Rowe scored from a corner‑kick scramble. The set‑piece delivery was crisp, and the striker reacted instantly. Coaches should emphasise varied delivery in training – inswinging, out‑swinging, low drives – so forwards learn to adjust their timing and positioning.
Beyond drills, mental recovery matters. Encourage players to keep a simple journal of three positives after every training or match. Seeing progress on paper builds a habit of confidence that spills over onto the pitch.
In short, football struggles aren’t mysteries; they’re patterns you can break with focused work. Tighten defence with clear communication drills, give attackers realistic shooting routines, and nurture mental resilience through simple habits. Keep an eye on real‑world examples like Palace’s clean sheet, United’s midfield hiccup, and Mainoo’s fight for minutes – they illustrate exactly what works and what doesn’t. Apply these tips in your next training session and watch the struggles start to fade.
Kieran Lockhart, Apr, 11 2025
Paul Mullin, once a key figure in Wrexham's promotions, struggles in the 2024-25 season with limited playtime and just five goals. Despite his outstanding past performances, he's been pushed aside for newer signings. With Wrexham's ambitious goals and manager Phil Parkinson's tough decisions, the possibility of a summer transfer looms as Mullin's future with the club hangs in the balance.
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