Tactical modifications Alex Neil should make for 2026/27 season

Millwall have been very one-dimensional at instances final season, and utilizing completely different techniques might assist Alex Neil proceed his superiority at The Den.

Millwall are a staff anticipated to problem for a top-eight end subsequent season. The Lions completed third within the Championship final time period, and falling brief within the play-offs ought to gas them to purpose greater.

If the South London outfit are to progress subsequent marketing campaign, Alex Neil must enhance on the techniques relied upon in the course of the 2025/26 season. At instances, his aspect was too depending on taking part in direct and due to this fact discovered it troublesome in opposition to groups taking part in a low-block.

When Josh Coburn was sidelined attributable to harm and the staff couldn’t play aggressively, the Lions struggled to successfully break down opponents. For the following time period, Neil must be able to adjusting his staff’s fashion of play primarily based on the opposition.

Millwall may have hopes of reaching the Premier League inside the subsequent few years, and so they have a fantastic probability with the Scotsman in cost. Nevertheless, turning into a extra versatile aspect could possibly be the lacking think about reaching the very high.

Alex Neil might change formation

Whereas specializing in having the ability to change between being possession-based and direct, Neil might additionally choose to utilise a couple of formation subsequent time period. The Lions primarily operated in a 4-2-3-1 form final marketing campaign. While efficient, they may determine to experiment in pre-season.

Of their EFL Cup fixture in opposition to Crystal Palace final 12 months, Millwall used a 5-2-3 formation, and it labored in limiting the Premier League outfit’s high quality. The South London outfit’s switch enterprise to date this summer time might additionally point out a everlasting change in technique.

The Lions have signed Jenson Metcalfe, Tairyk Arconte, and Mathis Servais. All three have thrived beforehand in formations that function with 5 on the again. Additional additions could be wanted to accommodate this variation. Nevertheless, Neil might determine to show to this formation subsequent time period.

Millwall should do higher with the ball

Arguably, the Lions’ greatest downside final marketing campaign got here once they had the vast majority of the ball. In video games the place they have been compelled to dominate possession, Neil’s aspect struggled to interrupt down their opposition.

Winter signings like Barry Bannan have been meant to have mounted that downside for Millwall. Nevertheless, after his departure, Servais will doubtless be the participant tasked with serving to the South London outfit grow to be extra harmful within the ultimate third. Particularly once they have the ball for big intervals of time.

Mathis Servais’ stats – 2025/26 season