[1/9] Xabi Alonso is about to enter his third season as the coach of Bayer Leverkusen, where the Basque manager has demonstrated his great
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[2/9] talent in strategically finding the right tactical solutions with a well-defined identity and clear principles of play.
In the Bundesliga opener away at Gladbach, the game plan in the non-possession phase was a key factor that shifted the balance of the match.
In the Bundesliga opener away at Gladbach, the game plan in the non-possession phase was a key factor that shifted the balance of the match.
[3/9] This structure, which we often admired last season as well (particularly in the game against Bayern in Leverkusen), is a system that manipulates and directs the opponent's ball management to then activate an aggressive ball recovery in well-defined areas.
The starting
The starting
[4/9] structure in the non-possession phase is a 5-2-3, with the second and third lines (2+3) forming a 'pentagon' that must contain the opponent's two playmakers. This setup is used to maintain total control of the center, preventing opponents from finding direct solutions
[5/9] in the middle of the pitch and directing them towards the flanks. We will refer to these flanks as 'pressing traps,' because it is precisely when the ball is moved laterally that a forward pressing mechanism is activated, which, as we will see, is effective in recovering
[6/9] the ball or limiting the opponent's options.
With the ball in the wide areas, the midfielder from the second line opposite to the ball (Xhaka in this case) immediately offers support to the three CBs. The wing-back on the ball side pushes up aggressively in
With the ball in the wide areas, the midfielder from the second line opposite to the ball (Xhaka in this case) immediately offers support to the three CBs. The wing-back on the ball side pushes up aggressively in
[7/9] high pressing, while the opposite wing-back tucks inside to form a back four. The entire structure is positioned within the opponent's half, with such compactness and concentration of players in that area of the pitch that it leaves little room for the opponents to think
[8/9] and find immediate solutions.
In the play that leads to the opening goal, we can perfectly understand how effective this strategy can be in all areas of the pitch. This defensive structure is employed both when the opponents build from the back and when they are in
In the play that leads to the opening goal, we can perfectly understand how effective this strategy can be in all areas of the pitch. This defensive structure is employed both when the opponents build from the back and when they are in
[9/9] an 'open play build-up' situation. The characteristics and functions of the three CBs are crucial for executing this system effectively, as they are often required to quickly shift into wide areas, allowing the wing-backs to push out aggressively.
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