Alan Hansen: Why I'm So Concerned About the Future of Football

As a former player and manager, I've seen firsthand the highs and lows of the beautiful game. But I'm worried that the future of football is under threat. Here's why:

The Attacking Mentality Is Killing the Game
Modern football is all about scoring goals, and that's led to a shift in tactics. Teams are playing with more attacking players and formations, which means there's less emphasis on defending. As a result, games are becoming more one-sided and less exciting. There's no longer the same sense of suspense or tactical battle that made football so captivating.

The Lack of Creativity
Another worrying trend is the lack of creativity in football. Players are becoming increasingly robotic, and there's less room for improvisation and individual flair. This is partly due to the tactical demands of the modern game, which leaves less freedom for players to express themselves. It's also due to the influence of social media, which has created a climate of fear and self-censorship.

The Rise of Money
Money is playing an increasingly dominant role in football. The influx of cash from TV deals and sponsorships has led to a widening gap between the rich and poor clubs. This has made it harder for smaller clubs to compete, and it's also led to a focus on short-term success over long-term sustainability.

The Impact on Fans
All of these changes are having a negative impact on fans. They're being priced out of matches, and they're seeing their favorite teams play a boring, predictable style of football. As a result, attendances are falling, and the atmosphere at matches is becoming more subdued.

What Can Be Done?
So what can be done to save the future of football? Here are a few ideas:

Encourage teams to play with more balance and less emphasis on attacking.
Promote creativity and individuality on the pitch.
Reduce the influence of money in the game.
Make football more affordable and accessible for fans.
Create a more welcoming and inclusive atmosphere at matches.

I believe that these changes would help to make football a more exciting, sustainable, and fan-friendly sport. If we don't act now, the future of the beautiful game is in jeopardy.

What do you think? Are my concerns justified? What would you do to save the future of football?