Russell Martin

Russell Martin was named Swansea City manager in August 2021, and in his first season at the club masterminded the first ever league double in the fierce local rivalry with Cardiff City. In this exclusive Coaches’ Voice Masterclass, Martin delivers an incredible insight into the tactical approach for the second of his team’s victories: a comprehensive 4-0 that silenced a stunned home crowd in April 2022.

In the Masterclass, Martin reflects on the 3-0 home win over Cardiff from earlier in the season, before explaining the changes that had come into play for the reverse fixture. Out of possession, he speaks about the way in which he looked to use deep-lying midfielder Flynn Downes in front of the team’s three centre-backs, and how important it is that his team’s defensive units remain connected from front to back. On the ball, he explains the importance of middle centre-back Kyle Naughton, the role of his attacking wing-backs in tandem with number eights Joël Piroe and Jamie Paterson, and the job Michael Obafemi had in stretching the pitch in behind the Cardiff centre-backs.

It’s a superbly detailed but clear exposition of tactics that work to full effect in a hugely important fixture for both club and coach.   

Starting line-ups

Cardiff CitySwansea City

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Cardiff City3-5-2

Swansea City3-4-2-1

25Alex Smithies

33Andy Fisher

2Mark McGuinness

5Ben Cabango

5Aden Flint

26Kyle Naughton

38Perry Ng

22Joel Latibeaudiere

3Joel Bagan

23Cyrus Christie

8Joe Ralls

4Flynn Downes

15Ryan Wintle

8Matt Grimes

22Tommy Doyle

13Hannes Wolf

17Cody Drameh

17Joël Piroe

9Jordan Hugill

12Jamie Paterson

29Mark Harris

9Michael Obafemi

Author: The Coaches' Voice