The Rinus Michels / Total Football Revolution (1965–1974)

Lore & Background

Manager Rinus Michels is generally credited with introducing this system during the 1970s, at Dutch club Ajax and the Netherlands national team. However, some authors credit teams such as the Austrian Wunderteam of the 1930s or the Golden Team of Hungary of the 1950s for having played in a similar style to Total Football. Both sides were influenced by Jimmy Hogan, who was in turn influenced by the combination game. The first foundations were laid by Jimmy Hogan, working with Austrian coach Hugo Meisl in the early 1930s.

In the 1940s, English manager Jack Reynolds implemented a style bearing similarities to Total Football at Ajax. Rinus Michels, who played under Reynolds, later became manager of Ajax in 1965. Michels developed the tactics of Total Football after 1970, most importantly with the introduction of forward Johan Cruyff. Michels and Cruyff saw unprecedented success with the system, winning eight Eredivisie titles, three European Cups, and one Intercontinental Cup.

Reader's Guide

Total football's tactical success depends largely on the adaptability of each player in the team, and in particular their ability to quickly switch positions depending on the on-field situation. The theory requires players to be comfortable in multiple positions; hence, it requires intelligent players with many skills. The major component was the use of space, with the need to consistently create space central to the concept of Total Football. Former Ajax defender Barry Hulshoff described it as '[the thing] we discussed the whole time.

Cruyff always talked about where to run and where to stand, and when not to move'. He further elaborated that position switching was only made possible due to apt spatial awareness. He also described Total Football being proactive, as well as highlighting the use of pressing, which would be used to win back the ball or put the opposition under considerable pressure.

Did You Know?

• Rinus Michels won three Eredivisie titles (1965–66, 1966–67, 1967–68) and one European Cup (1970–71) with Ajax.
• Ernst Happel managed the Netherlands national team to a runner-up finish in the 1978 FIFA World Cup.