It has been a year of ‘teams’ rather than individual stars winning big football tournaments – teams managed by wily coaches with tactical nous.

Leicester City, managed by Claudio Ranieri, led the way in the Premier League.

And Euro 2016 then further underlined this with Portugal’s tactics under Fernando Santos culminating in success in France.

Libya’s Al-Ahli SC’s newly appointed coach Tarik Al Ashri, former Saudi Arabia midfielder Saleh Al Motlaq and former Egypt’s goalkeeping coach Ahmad Sulaiman all agreed that Euro 2016 was a “the tournament of the coaches.”

“Portugal was a huge surprise that no one saw coming their way in Europe,” Egypt’s Enppi FC former coach said.

“Despite not being a nominee to make it till the end, they won that tournament.

“This tournament was without a doubt the tournament of the coaches and surprises, and Portugal’s title win will revolutionise coaches’ mentalities around the world,” he agreed.

“Although, we must say that Portugal were one of the teams who were helped by the tournament’s round-16 picks by being on the less-challenging side in the knockout stages.”

He added: “It’s like they were meant to win the tournament.”

Saudi Arabia’s Al Nasser FC former midfielder Al Motlaq believes the tournament brought about crucial tactical lessons in terms of allocating a team’s resources effectively and coping with difficult situations.

“The tournament highlighted great use of successful defending tactics and securing one’s defensive lines.

“The idea of the one-man team was drastically diminished in the tournament as they were replaced by a rather successful unified team game.

“Portugal’s Santos was one of the coaches with effective and successful tactical game.”

Talking about Spain, the Saudi Sport channel pundit said: “They don’t have what we call a ‘figurative football school’ which is why they did not make it that far.

“After their 10-year-old first 11’s shine came to an end, they failed to replace any of them.

“Italy; however, they still have that school, which is why they had a good run.”

Former Zamalek SC board member Sulaiman was pleased with the fans at Euro – despite some hooligan incidents.

“European fans see the stadium as a sacred place, they treat it with absolute class and decency which is exactly how it should be treated.”

From a professional goalkeeping coach perspective, the Al Hayat sports pundit added: “Goalkeeping was crucial in this tournament, and Lloris carries 100 per cent of the blame for the goal his team conceded.”

Asked about his opinion on whether Portugal were lucky to win the title, Suliman said: “Luck will always help the diligent team. In Portugal’s case, luck together with hard work granted them the title.”

Al Ashri said: “If you ask any coach in the tournament about what they focused on the most in their games, you’ll find that they had winning over performing in a game.”

— The writer is an intern with Gulf News.