How To Coach Build-Up Play Like Jens Berthel Askou Tactics At Toulouse FC 2026/2027 - Tactical Theory
Jens Berthel Askou’s Toulouse use clever double-pivot rotations, wide movements and rehearsed goal-kick patterns to escape aggressive pressure. This tactical analysis also explains how coaches can train those build-up ideas through rondos and game-based practices.
This summer saw the arrival of Jens Berthel Askou in the south of France as the former IFK Göteborg and AC Horsens manager took over the reins at Ligue 1 side Toulouse.
Whilst facing a tough start to the season, picking up just two points from four games, Toulouse have still managed to impress in Ligue 1 with their exciting brand of possession-based football.
The former Motherwell boss has already imposed his progressive style of play that was much lauded during his time in the Scottish Premiership.
The Dane endured a very similar start to his time in the west of Scotland, winning just once in his first eight league matches, but, as with Toulouse, the positive signs were showing from the very beginning.
After the rough start, points-wise, the Steelmen went on a run of just one defeat in 16 league games.
That run included a 2-0 dismantling of the champions, Celtic, and saw Motherwell tipped with an outside chance of breaking the Old Firm's 40-year dominance in Scottish football.
Askou’s influence cannot be understated, with many managers in the league publicly stating they’ve changed their approach this season, having been shown by Askou that it can be done.
This impact even stretches to the Scottish National Team.
The Scottish FA’s recent reshuffle of its coaching staff, from the youth teams through to the senior national team, can also be attributed, at least in part, to Askou’s impact on Scottish football.
This Toulouse tactical analysis and tactical theory analyses how Askou has introduced various tactics into his side’s build-up play from goal kicks, and, in particular, Askou’s use of a double pivot when playing out from the back.
Also included in this tactical theory is how coaches can implement these build-up principles and patterns through their coaching sessions.
Double Pivot Goal Kick
What stands out when watching an Askou side is how often they escape an intense high press and end up with either an attempt at goal or, at the very least, comfortable possession higher up the pitch.
