Tactics
Why everyone suddenly wants a left-footed centre-back
It started in Bangkok and spread to Jakarta. A short history of the most copied idea of the year.
October 19, 2026 · 14 min
Ten years after the academy opened, where did the first intake go?
I found eleven of them. Three play professionally. All of them still talk about the same coach.
Next issue: Sunday 16 November
Get the letter on Sunday morning
One long read on the week’s football, a few short notes and your letters. Free, and it always will be.
More posts
Interview
A morning at the training ground with the coach nobody can sack
He arrives at five, sets out the cones himself, and has a theory about rice and stamina he would like you to hear.