11 - Pep Guardiola Attacking Tactics Tactical Analysis and Sessions

 

PEP GUARDIOL GUARDIOLA  A    AT  A T TACKING TACTICS Tactical Analysis and Sessions from Manchester City’ City’ss 44 -33-3 3 WRITTEN BY

ATHANASIOS TERZIS

PUBLISHED BY

 

PEP GUARDIOL GUARDIOLA  A    AT  A T T ACKING T ACTICS Tactical Analysis and Sessions from Manchester City’ City’ss 44 -33-3 3 First Published May 2019 by SoccerTutor.com [email protected] | www.SoccerTutor.com UK: 0208 1234 007 | US: (305) 767 4443 | ROTW: +44 208 1234 007 ISBN: 978-1-910491-31-7 Copyright: SoccerTutor.com Limited © 2019. All Rights Reserved. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of the copyright owner. Nor can it be circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without similar condition including this condition being imposed on a subsequent purchaser. Author Athanasios Terzis © 2019 Edited by Alex Fitzgerald - SoccerTutor.com Cover Design by Alex Macrides, Think Out Of The Box Ltd. Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 208 144 3550 Diagrams Diagram designs by SoccerTutor.com. All the diagrams in this book have been created using SoccerTutor.com Tactics Manager Software available from www.SoccerTutor.com Note: While every effort has been made to ensure the technical accuracy of the content of this book, neither the author nor publishers can accept any responsibility responsibility for any injury or loss sustained as a result of the use of this material.

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CONTENTS Meet the Author: Athanasios Terzis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Pep Guardiola’s Achievements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Manchester Ci City’s Tr Trophies an and Re Records (2 (2017-2019) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Pep Gu Guardiola’s Ma Manchester Ci City Fo Formation (4 (4-3-3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Pep Gu Guardiola’s 22-3-2-3 At Attacking Fo Formation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11  The Manchester Manchester City Players Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Coaching Fo Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

ATTACKING AGAINST THE 4-4-2 OR 4-2-3-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

16

TACTICAL SITUATION 1: Overcoming the Pressing of the Opposing Forwards . . 19 Overcoming the Pressing of the Opposing Forwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SESSION 1: Overcoming the Pressing of the Opposing Forwards  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Practice Pra ctice 1: Overc Overcomin oming g the Pre Pressing ssing of the the Opposi Opposing ng Forwar Forwards ds in a Tactic actical al Patte Pattern rn of Play . . . . . . . . . Practice 2: Overcoming the Pressing of the Opposing Forwards and Switching Play in a Dynamic 2 Zone Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

20 25 26 28

TACTICAL SITUATION 2: Positioning and Rotations with Inverted Full Backs  . . . 29 Positioning an and Rotations with In Inverted Fu Full Ba Backs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30  The Benefits of of Inverted Full Full Backs and their their Central Positioning Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Rotating Rota ting Positi Positions ons of the Inverte Inverted d Full Back, Back, Attacking Attacking Midfielde Midfielderr and Winge Wingerr to Retain Retain Balance Balance . . . . 34

SESSION 2: Positioning and Rotations with Inverted Full Backs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Practice Practi ce 1: Rota Rotatin ting g Move Moveme ments nts wit with h Inve Inverte rted d Full Full Bac Backs ks in in a Pass Passing ing Rot Rotati ation on Pra Practic ctice e . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Practice Pra ctice 2: Rotati Rotating ng Movem Movements ents with Inve Inverted rted Ful Fulll Backs Backs in 2 Simulta Simultaneou neouss Dynamic Dynamic Game Gamess . . . . . . . 37

TACTICAL SITUATION SITUATION 3: Creating and Exploiting Exploi ting Overloads in Wide Areas . . . . . . 38 Creating and Exploiting Overloads in Wide Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expl Ex ploi oiti ting ng th the e Ov Over erlo load ad in a Wid ide e Are Areaa to to Rec Recei eive ve Be Betw twee een n the the Li Line ness and and Tur urn n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exploiting the Overload by Receiving, Receiving, Turning Turning and Moving Inside with the Ball. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Moving Mov ing the the Ball Ball to the Fre Free e Wing Winger er when when Put Put Under Under Pres Pressur sure e Receiv Receiving ing Betwe Between en the Line Liness . . . . . . . . . Exploiting Gaps Between Defenders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

39 40 43 45 47

SESSION 3: Creating and Exploiting Overloads in Wide Areas  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Practice Pra ctice 1: 1: Exploiting Exploiting Overlo Overloads ads in Wid Wide e Areas Areas by Receiv Receiving ing and Tu Turning rning to to Outside Outside (Patte (Pattern) rn) . . . . . . . 49

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Practice 2: Exploi Practice Exploiting ting Over Overload loadss in Wid Wide e Areas Areas by Recei Receiving ving and Tu Turning rning to Inside Inside (Pa (Patter ttern) n). . . . . . . . . 50 Pract Pr actic ice e 3: Exp Explo loit itin ing g Over Overlo load adss in Wid Wide e Area Areass by Movi Moving ng the the Ball Ball to to the the Free Free Wi Wing nger er. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Practi Pr actice ce 4: Rea Readin ding g the the Opp Oppone onent’ nt’s Reac Reactio tions ns to Bes Bestt Expl Exploit oit Ove Overlo rloads ads in Wi Wide de Ar Areas eas . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Practice 5: Exploiting Exploi ting 2v1 Overloads Overload s Out Wide in a Dynamic Small Sided Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Pract ctiice 6: 6: Ex Exploiting 2v 2v1 Ov Overloads Ou Out Wide in in a Co Conditioned Ga Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

TACTICAL SITUATION 4: Attacking Options when the Overload Out Wide is Blocked  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Attacking Op Options wh when th the Ov Overload Ou Out Wide is is Bl Blocked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

SESSION 4: Attacking Options when the Overload Out Wide is Blocked  . . . . . . . . . 60 Practice 1: Attacking Options when the Overload Out Wide is Blocked in a Functional Practice (vs 4 Players) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Practice 1: Attacking Options when the Overload Out Wide is Blocked in a Functional Practice (vs 6 Players) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Practi Pr actice ce 3: 3: Attac Attackin king g Option Optionss when when the the Overl Overload oad Out Wi Wide de is is Blocke Blocked d in a Dyna Dynamic mic Gam Game e ......... Practice Pra ctice 4: 4: Attacking Attacking Option Optionss when the the Overload Overload Out Out Wide Wide is Blocke Blocked d in a Conditio Conditioned ned Game Game . . . . . .

61 63 66 67

TACTICAL SITUATION SITUATION 5: Moving the Ball Wide and Receiving in Behind the Full Back (or Create Space for Inside Pass)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Moving the Ball Wide and Receiving in Behind the Full Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Exploiting th the Sp Space Be Behind th the Fu Full Ba Back Aft Afte er Mo Moving th the Ba Ball Wi Wide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Usin Us ing g the the Run Run Beh Behin ind d the the Ful Fulll Back Back to to Crea Create te Sp Spac ace e for for an Ins Insid ide e Pas Passs to th the e Forw Forwar ard d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

SESSION 5: Moving the Ball Wide and Receiving in Behind the Full Back (or Create Space for Inside Pass)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Practice 1: Receive in Behind the Full Full Back or Create Create Space for Inside Pass Pass in a Functional Functional Practice Practice . . 73 Practice 2: Receive Receive in Behind the Full Full Back or Create Space for for Inside Pass Pass in a Small Sided Sided Game . . . 75 Practice 3: Receive in Behind the Full Back or Create Space for Inside Pass in a Conditioned Game . . . 76

TACTICAL SITUATION SITUATION 6: Combination Play Out Wide when the Overload O verload is Blocked  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Moving th the Ball Wide when the Overload is is Bl Blocked. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Onee-TTwo Combination Out Wide when the Overload is Blocked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Give-and-Go Combination when the Overload is Blocked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

SESSION 6: Combination Play Out Wide when the Overload is Blocked . . . . . . . . . . 83 Pract ctiice 1: 1: Co Combination Pl Play Ou Out Wi Wide in in a Te Technical Pa Passing Pr Pract ctiice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Practice 2: 2: Co Combination Pl Play Ou Out Wide in in a Functional Pr Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pract Pr actic ice e 3: Com Combi bina nati tion on Pla Playy Out Out Wid Wide e in a Dyna Dynami micc Smal Smalll Side Sided d Game Game wit with h End End Zone Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prac acti ticce 4: Combi bina nati tion on Pl Plaay Out Wid ide e in a Dy Dyn nam amic ic Con ondi diti tio one ned d Ga Gam me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

84 86 88 90

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TACTICAL SITUATION SITUATION 7: Stretching the th e Opposition’ Opposit ion’ss Defence and Switching Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Stretching th the Op Opposition’s De Defence an and Sw Switching Pl Play. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Long Passes into the Available Space on the Weak Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

SESSION 7: Stretching the Opposition’s Defence and Switching Play. . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Practice 1: Stretching Stretching the Opposition’ Opposition’s Defence and Switching Switching Play in a Technical Technical Passing Passing Practice . . 97 Practice Pra ctice 2: Stret Stretching ching the Oppos Oppositio ition’ n’s Defence Defence and Switch Switching ing Play Play in a Tactic Tactical al Pattern Pattern of Play Play . . . . . 99 Practice 3: Stretching the Opposition’s Defence and Reading the Attacking Options in a Functional Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Practice 4: Stretching the Opposition’s Defence and Reading the Attacking Options in a Zonal Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Practice 5: Stretching the Opposition’s Defence and Reading the Attacking Options in a Conditioned Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

TACTICAL SITUATION 8: Attacking Options when the Attacking Midfielder Receives Between the Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Attacki kin ng Mi Midfielders Mo Move in into Av Available Pa Passing La Lanes to to Re Receive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Receiving th the Ba Ball wi with an an Op Open Bo Body Sh Shape (o (on th the Ha Half-Turn) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Attac At tacking king Opt Option ionss Afte Afterr Rece Receivi iving ng Bet Betwe ween en the Lin Lines es (Re (Readi ading ng Rea Reacti ction on of Fu Fullll Bac Back) k) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 109 9

SESSION 8: Attacking Options when the Attacking Midfielder Receives Between the Lines  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Practice 1: Attacking Options when the Attacking Midfielder Receives Between the Lines in a Passing Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Practice 2: Attacking Options when the Attacking Midfielder Receives Between the Lines in a Functional Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Practice 3: Attacking Options when the Attacking Midfielder Receives Between the Lines in a Conditioned Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

TACTICAL SITUATION 9: Exploiting Space Created when the Opposing Centre Back Pushes Out to Press the Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 1 18 Exploi Exp loitin ting g Space Space Cr Creat eated ed when when the Opp Oppos osing ing Ce Centr ntre e Back Back Push Pushes es Out Out to to Pre Press ss the the Ball Ball . . . . . . . . . . . 11 119 9

SESSION 9: Exploiting Space Created when the Opposing Centre Back Pushes Out to Press the Ball  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Practice 1: Exploiting Exploiting Space Created Created when the Centre Centre Back Pushes Out Out to Press Ball (Unopposed) (Unopposed) . 122 Practice 2: Exploiting Space Created Created when when the Centre Centre Back Pushes Out Out to Press Press Ball Ball (Opposed) (Opposed) . . . . 124 Practice 3: Exploiting Space Created when the Centre Back Pushes Out to Press Ball in a Functional Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Practice 4: Exploiting Space Created when the Centre Back Pushes Out to Press Ball in a Conditioned Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

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TACTICAL SITUATION SITUATION 10: Attacking Through the Centre with the t he Forward Dropping Back to Receive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Att ttac acki king ng Th Thro roug ugh h th the e Ce Cent ntre re wi with th th the e For orw war ard d Dr Drop oppi ping ng Ba Back ck to Re Rece ceiv ive e. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 130 0

SESSION 10: Attacking Through the Centre with the Forward Dropping Back to Receive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Practice 1: Attacking Through the Centre with the Forward Dropping Dropping Back in a Functional Practice. 133 133 Practice 2: Attacking Through the Centre with the Forward Dropping Dropping Back in a Dynamic Conditioned Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

ATTACKING AGAINST THE 4-3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136  TACTICAL SITUATION SITUATION 11: Switching Play to the Weak Weak Side when the t he Overload is Blocked Against the 4-3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 Ava vail ilab able le Spa Space cess to to Move Move th the e Ball Ball whe when n the the Over Overlo load ad is is Blo Block cked ed Ag Agai ains nstt the the 4-34-3-3 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 139 9 Moving the Ball to the Attacking Midfielder on the Weak Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 Switching Pl Play to to th the Winger on on th the Weak Si Side (i(in a Wide Po Position) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Atta At tack ckin ing g Mid Midfie field lder er Su Supp pport ortss the the Wi Wing nger er Af Afte terr Swi Switc tch h of of Pla Playy to to a Wi Wide de Po Posi siti tion on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 142 2 Full Bac ackk Su Supp ppo ort rtss th the e Win inge gerr Aft fte er Swit itch ch of Pla layy to a Wid ide e Posi siti tio on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 Switc tchi hin ng Pla Playy to to th the e Win inge gerr Who Mo Movves In Inssid ide e (i (in n a Nar arrrow Posit itiion on)) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 Atta At tack ckin ing g Midfi Midfiel elde derr Supp Support ortss the the Win Winge gerr Afte Afterr Swit Switch ch of of Play Play to to a Narr Narrow ow Po Posi siti tion on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 147 7 Full Bac ackk Su Supp ppo ort rtss the the Win inge gerr Aft Afte er Sw Swit itch ch of Pla layy to to a Narr rro ow Po Posi siti tio on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

SESSION 11: Switching Play to the Weak Side when the Overload is Blocked Against the 4-3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 Practice 1: Switching Play Play to the Winger on the the Weak Weak Side in a Functional Practice Practice (vs Full Full Back) . . . 151 Practice Pra ctice 2: Switc Switching hing Play Play to the Winger Winger on on the Weak Weak Side Side in a Functiona Functionall Practice Practice (vs Back Back 4) . . . . . . 155 Practice Pra ctice 3: Switch Switching ing Play Play to to the Win Winger ger on on the We Weak ak Side Side in a Dynamic Dynamic Condi Condition tioned ed Game Game . . . . . . . 157 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 

ATTACKING AGAINST A BACK 5 TACTICAL SITUATION SITUATION 12: Attacking Against a Back 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159  The Attacking Limitations Limitations when Playing Against Against a Back 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 Receiving in Behind the Opposing Wing Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 Switching Play to the Weak Side and Isolating the Wing Back in a 1v1 Situation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166 Switc Sw itchin hing g Play Play to the the Weak Sid Side, e, Cre Creati ating ng a 2v1 2v1 Overl Overload oad and Deli Delive verin ring g an Early Early Cro Cross ss . . . . . . . . . . . 16 167 7 Switching to to a 22-2-5-1 Fo Formation: Cr Creating 2v 2v1 Si Situations Ou Out Wi Wide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 Switching to a 2-2-5-1 Formation: Attacking Through the Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

SESSION 12: Attacking Against a Back 5.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171 Practice 1: Attacking Out Out Wide Wide or Through Through the Centre Centre Against Against a Back Back 5 in a Functional Practice . . . . 172 Practice 2: Attacking Options Against a Back 5 in a Dynamic Game. Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 7 5 Pract ctiice 3: 3: At Attacki kin ng Ag Against a Ba Back 5 in an an 11v1 11v11 1 Co Conditioned Ga Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176 6 ©SOCCERTUTOR.COM

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MEET THE AUTHOR: ATHANASIOS ATHANASIOS  TERZIS

  UEFA ‘A’ Coaching Licence

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  M.S.C. in Coaching and

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Conditioning   Greek Football Federation Instructor (HFF)

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  Former Coach of Professional Teams in Greece

Athanasios Terzis Terzis is a football tactics expert and is regularly invited as an instructor to many coaching seminars and workshops around the world. Athanasios has written many successful football coaching books published by SoccerTutor.com SoccerTutor.com,, which have sold thousands of copies worldwide in multiple languages (English, Spanish, German, Italian, Greek, Japanese, Korean and Chinese):

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  Former Coach of Semi-Pro Teams in Greece

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  Former Technical Director of DOXA Dramas Academy

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(Greek 2nd division)

  Creative Attacking Play - From the Tactics of Conte, Allegri, Simeone, Mourinho, Wenger & Klopp (2017)

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  Marcelo Bielsa - Coaching Build Up Play Against High Pressing Teams (2017)

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  Coaching the Juventus 3-5-2 - Tactical Analysis and Sessions: Attacking and Defending (2016)

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   Jürgen Klopp’ Klopp’s Attacking and Defending Defending Tactics: Tactics: Tactical Tactical Analysis and Sessions from Borussia Dortmund’ Dortmund’ss 4-2-3-1 (2015)

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  Former Professional Football Player

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  FC Barcelona Training Sessions: 160 Practices from 34 Tactical Situations (2013) (2013)  

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* Winner of Italian FA Award for “Best Coaching Book” 2014

   Jose Mourinho’ Mourinho’s Real Madrid - A Tactical Tactical Analysis: Attacking and Defending in the 4-2-3-1 (2012)

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  FC Barcelona - A Tactical Analysis: Attacking and

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Defending (2012)

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PEP GUARDIOLA’S ATTACKING ATTACKING TACTICS

 

PEP GUARDIOLA’S ACHIEVEMENTS HONOURS (Europe/World)   UEFA Champions League x 2 (2009, 2011)

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  FIFA Club World Cup x 3  (2009, 2011, 2013)

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  UEFA Super Cup x 3  (2009, 2011, 2013)

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HONOURS (Domestic Leagues)   English Premier League x 2  (2018, 2019)

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  German Bundesliga x 3 (2014, 2015, 2016)

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  Spanish La Liga x 3  (2009, 2010, 2011)

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  Spanish Tercera (2nd) División (2008)

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HONOURS (Domestic Cups)   English FA Cup (2019)

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  German DFB-Pokal x 2 (2014, 2016)

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COACHING ROLES   Manchester City (2016 - Present)

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  Bayern Munich (2013 - 2016)

  Spanish Copa del Rey x 2  (2009, 2012)

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  English EFL Cup x 2 (2018, 2019)

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  Spanish Supercopa Supercopa de España x 3 (2009, 2010, 2011)

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  Barcelona (2008 - 2012)

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  Barcelona B (2007 - 2008)

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INDIVIDUAL AWARDS   FIFA World Coach of the Year Year (2011)

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  European Coach Coach of Season - Press Association (2011)

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  European Coach of Year - Alf Ramsey Award  (2009)

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  English Premier League Manager of Season (2018)

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  La Liga Coach of the Year x 4 (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)

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PEP GUARDIOLA’S ATTACKING ATTACKING TACTICS

 

MANCHEST MANCHE STER ER CIT CITY’ Y’S S TRO TROPHI PHIES ES AND RECORDS (2017-2019) In the 2017-2018 season, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team won the Premier League title and the EFL Cup. They achieved this while breaking 8 all-time Premier League Records (*): (*):

2017-2018

  Highest Ever Points Total (100 Points) *

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  Most Total Wins (32) *

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  Most Goals Scored (106) *

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  Most Away Wins (16) *

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  Biggest Goal Difference (+79) *

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Premier League

  Biggest Title-Winning Margin (19 Points) *

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EFL Cup

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  Most Consecutive Wins (18) *   Fewest Minutes Trailing/Losing (153 min) *

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In the 2018-2019 season, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team retained the Premier League title, maintaining their very high standards by equalling their Most Total Wins Record (32)* (32)*, amounting 98 Points, Points, scoring 95 Goals,, getting 14 Away Wins and Goals Wins and registering a +72 Goal Difference Difference..

2018-2019

 They also won won the FA FA Cup and the EFL EFL Cup, landing a Domestic Treble and Treble and broke the following records:

+ FA Cup

  First English Top-Flight Team to Win Every Major English Trophy in a Single Season (Community Shield, EFL Cup, FA Cup and Premier League)

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Premier League

  Most Goals in All Competition Competitionss for an English Top-Flight Team (163)

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  Equalled All-Time Record for FA Cup Final Winning Margin (6-0 vs Watford)

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- Set by Bury’s Bury ’s 6-0 Win vs Derby in 1903.

EFL Cup

* Trophy images from PIXSECTOR.com 9 ©SOCCERTUTOR.COM

PEP GUARDIOLA’S ATTACKING ATTACKING TACTICS

 

PEP GUARDIOLA’S MANCHESTER CITY FORMATION (4-3-3) Manchester City’s City’s 4-3-3 4 -3-3 Formation Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City mainly use the 4-3-3 formation. However, there were some matches where Pep adapted and used the 4-2-3-1 or the 3-5-2 formation. However, this book will focus on how the 4-3-3 was implemented.

Manchester City’s City’s 4-3-3 Formation (Squad Players)  This diagram shows the other players that were involved for Manchester City at different times during the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 seasons. Bernardo (20) was (20) was an everpresent during the 2018-2019 season and Gündoğan (8)  (8)  also played many games mainly as an attacking midfielder, and sometimes as the defensive midfielder. Stones (5) and (5) and Kompany (4)  (4)  played many games at centre back.

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PEP GUARDIOLA’S 2-3-2-3 ATTACKING FORMATION Manchester City’s 2-3-2-3 Attacking Formation During the attacking phase, the formation changed to 2-3-2-3, which created 4 lines of players.  This helped the team move move the ball gradually from the 2 centre backs to the players in more advanced positions (either wide or centrally).  This was very very interesting as the positioning of both full backs was central (inverted) instead of wide.

Manchester City’s City’s 2-3-2-3 2 -3-2-3 Attacking Formation (Squad Players)  This diagram shows the 2-3-2-3 attacking formation with other players that were involved for Manchester City at different times during the 2017-201 2017-2018 8 and 2018-2019 seasons.

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THE MANCHESTER CITY PLAYERS PLAYERS GOALKEEPER

2018/2019 seasons was outstanding and he is a

Ederson is very adept at taking part in Ederson is Manchester City’s build up play. Ederson’s Ederson’s ability  ability to use his feet with accuracy in the attacking phase fits perfectly with Pep Guardiola’s demands in building up play from the back.

key player for this Manchester City side. Apart from his effective positioning which always made him available to receiv receive e potential passes from the defenders, Fernandinho (25) also (25) also has a big role during the attacking phase. He can play through balls to the attacking midfielders and the forward, as well as switch play to the wingers - he is very adept at helping his team find and exploit available spaces. The Brazilian international also often finds himself in positions to shoot at goal.

CENTRE BACKS Laporte (14) and (14) and Stones (5) are (5) are better with the ball and have the ability to dribble it forward with ease, while Otamendi (30) and (30) and the captain Kompany (4) are stronger at defending, while at the same time still being adequate with the ball.

Gündoğan (8) was (8) was also chosen to play in this position for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, but this was mainly when Fernandinho (25) was (25) was unavailable or being rested.

FULL BACKS Walker (2) played (2) played the majority of games at right back throughout the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 seasons, while Delph (18), (18), Zinchenko (35) and (35) and sometimes Laporte (14) or (14) or Danilo (3) were (3) were used at left back. It should be mentioned that Mendy (22) was (22)  was unavailable for long periods due to injury problems problems..

ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS Silva (21), (21), De Bruyne (17), (17), Bernardo (20), (20), Gündoğan (8) and (8) and occasionally Foden (47)  (47)  were used by Pep Guardiola in the attacking midfielder positions.

Pep Guardiola uses inverted full backs in the attacking phase (2-3-2-3 formation) and wants technically gifted players in the full back positions. Walker (2) uses (2) uses his ability, speed and stamina to continuously make overlapping and mainly underlapping runs on the flank to deliver crosses, while Delph (18) and (18) and Zinchenko (35)  (35)  act more like midfielders than full backs from their central positions. However, both of them have the ability to play accurate passes and deliver quality early crosses.

All of these players are technically gifted and have a great awareness of space. They have the ability to read differentintactical make the rightall decisions a split situations, second and can take part in fast and decisive combination play. Pep Guardiola’s attacking midfielders display good positioning and tactical awarene awareness ss to create and exploit overloads in wide areas, play key passes after receiving and turning between the opposition’s midfield and defensive lines, make well-timed diagonal runs, provide accurate low crosses, early crosses and are adept at shooting from central positions.

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER Fernandinho (25) is (25) is perfect for this role as he has the ability to read the game and takes up the appropriate positioning for any situation. His contribution across both thetactical 2017/2018 2017/201 8 and 12 ©SOCCERTUTOR.COM

PEP GUARDIOLA’S ATTACKING ATTACKING TACTICS

 

WINGERS

FORWARD

Sané (19), (19), Sterling (7), (7), Bernardo (20) and (20) and Mahrez (26) were (26) were played as wingers, with Sterling (7) playing the majority of games.

Agüero (10) and (10) and Jesus  Jesus (33) were (33) were picked by Pep Guardiola for the forward role. These 2 skilful forwards are very good at playing in tight spaces and scoring goals under limited time and space.

All of these players are skilful at speed and are very capable of beating their opponents in differentt 1v1 situations when the opposing full differen backs were isolated.  They also used used well-timed well-timed runs to receive receive through balls in behind opposing full backs and deliver accurate low crosses. A frequent attacking move for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City included the wingers cutting inside after passing to a player positioned centrally. This movement was exploited with a 1-2 combination or with a give-and-go and ended with the winger receiving in a favourable position inside the penalty area, ready to either deliver a low cross or shoot at goal.

 They frequently frequently use diagonal diagonal runs to receive receive in behind the opposition’s defence and take up appropriate positions positions in order to finish on goal after a low or early cross. Even though neither player is tall, they are able to score several goals with their heads due to their good positioning.  Their contribution contribution was very very important in providing the finishing touches, but they also played an important role in the build up and creating chances. They dropped back between the lines to offer passing options to Fernandinho (25) or (25) or the full backs, and often acted as link players to attacking midfielders. midfielders . move the ball to the

KEY PLAYER STATISTICS (ALL COMPETITIONS) 2017-2018 SEASON

2018-2019 SEASON

  Agüero: 30 Goals / 7 Assists

  Agüero: 32 Goals / 10 Assists

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  Sterling: 23 Goals / 17 Assists    Jesus: 17 Goals / 5 Assists

  Sterling: 25 Goals / 18 Assists    Jesus: 21 Goals / 6 Assists

  Sané: 14 Goals / 19 Assists

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  Sané: 16 Goals / 18 Assists

  De Bruyne: 12 Goals / 21 Assists

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  Silva: 10 Goals / 14 14 Assists

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  Bernardo: 9 Goals / 11 Assists

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  Gündoğan: 6 Goals / 7 Assists

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  Fernand Fernandinho: inho: 5 Goals / 5 Assists

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  Bernardo: 13 Goals / 13 Assists

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  Mahrez: 12 Goals / 12 Assists

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  Silva: 10 Goals / 14 Assists

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  De Bruyne: 6 Goals / 11 Assists

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  Gündoğan: 6 Goals / 8 Assists

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INTRODUCTION Apart from his success in winning trophies,

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Pep Guardiola spectacular attacking styleisofadmired play. All for thehis teams he has coached have been wonderful to watch:

Moving the Ball Receiving in Behind the Full Back (or Wide Createand Space for Inside Pass)

  Manchester City (2016 - Present)

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  TACTICAL SITUATION 6:  6:  Combination Play Out Wide when the Overload is Blocked

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  TACTICAL SITUATION 7:  7:  Stretching the Opposition’s Defence and Switching Play

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  TACTICAL SITUATION 8:  8:  Attacking Options when the Attacking

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  Bayern Munich (2013 - 2016)

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  Barcelona (2008 - 2012)

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 This book goes goes into great great depth on Manchester Manchester City’s attacking style under Pep Guardiola (especially in the final third) during the 20172018 and 2018-2019 Premier League winning seasons.  The attacking phase is the phase during during which the team is in possessio possession n of the ball and includes all the actions taken in order to create scoring chances and score goals.

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 The following following key tactical elements elements are are covered covered in this book with extensive analysis and full training sessions for how to coach each specific tactical situation: y

  TACTICAL SITUATION 1:  1:  Overcoming Overcomi ng the Pressing of the Opposing Forwards

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  TACTICAL SITUATION 2:  2:  Positioning and Rotations with Inverted Full Backs

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  TACTICAL SITUATION 3:  3:  Creating and Exploiting Overloads in Wide Areas

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  TACTICAL SITUATION 4:  4:  Attacking Options when the Overload Out Wide is Blocked

  TACTICAL SITUATION 5:  5: 

Midfielder Receives Between the Lines   TACTICAL SITUATION 9:  9:  Exploiting Space Created when the Opposing Centre Back Pushes Out to Press the Ball

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  TACTICAL SITUATION 10:  10:  Attacking Through the Centre with the Forward Dropping Back to Receive

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  TACTICAL SITUATION 11:  11:  Switching Play to the Weak Side when the Overload is Blocked Against the 4-3-3

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  TACTICAL SITUATION 12:  12:  Attacking Against a Back 5

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COACHING FORMAT 1. TA TACTI CTICAL CAL SITUATION AND ANA ANALLYSIS    The analysis analysis is based on recurring recurring patterns of play observed observed within Pep Guardiola's Manchester City team. Once the same phase of play occurred a number of times (at least 10), the tactics would be seen as a pattern.

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  Each action, pass, individual movement movement (with or without the ball) and the positioning of each player on the pitch including their body shape, are presented with a full description.

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2. TRAINI TRAINING NG SESSION BASED ON THE TA TACTICS OF PEP GUARDIOLA    T  Technical echnical and Functional Functional Unopposed Unopposed Practices

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  Functional and Tactical Opposed Practices

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  Small Sided Games / Conditioned Games

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  Name/Objective and Full Description   Conditions, Progressions, Variations & Coaching Points (if applicable)

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KEY

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ATTACKING AGAINS NSTT THE THE 4-4-2 OR 4-2-3-1

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PEP GUARDIOLA’S ATTACKING ATTACKING TACTICS

 

Attacking Against the 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1

ATTACKING ATTA CKING AGAINST AGAINST THE 4-4-2 OR 4-2-3-1 As already mentioned, the attacking formation

 The full backs or or defensive defensive midfielder midfielder most often

of Manchester City changes 2-3-2-3 and Pepis Guardiola’s philosophy in thetoattacking phase based on moving the ball gradually through the lines.

then the ball tothe anball attacking midfielder (21 &move 17). However, 17). was also sometimes moved directly to a winger (19 & 7) or 7) or the forward (10) (10),, who dropped back between the opposition’s midfield and defensive lines.

When playing against the 4-4-2 or the 4-2-3-1, the centre backs (14 & 30) aimed 30) aimed to move the ball to the 3 players in front of them in the next line. These are the inverted full backs (35 & 2)  2)  and the defensive midfielder (25) (25),, who take up positions between the opposition’s forward and midfield lines.

 The next phase for for the Manchester Manchester City players players is to attack in the final third, playing key passes, crossing into the penalty area or shooting at goal.

1. Spaces Available and Passing Options for Second Line Players to Receive from the Centre Backs (Against the 4-4-2) When playing against the 4-4-2, the 3 target players (35, 25 & 2 in the second line) move line) move towards the available spaces, which are created according to the positioning of the opposing forwards and midfielders, while also retaining their shape.  There is available available space on the right and left for the full backs (35 & 2) to 2) to exploit, as well as some space in the centre for the defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25) to (25) to receive.

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PEP GUARDIOLA’S ATTACKING ATTACKING TACTICS

 

Attacking Against the 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1

2. Spaces Available and Passing Options for Second Line Players to Receive from the Centre Backs (Against the 4-2-3-1)

When playing against the 4-2-3-1, the space in the centre for the defensive midfielder

 This meant that that Fernandinho (25) couldn’t (25) couldn’t receive a direct pass from the centre backs most

Fernandinho (25) was restricted by the (25) was opposing No.10.

of time, so they would fullthe backs instead (35 & 2). 2). play to the inverted

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TACTICAL SITUA SI TUATI TION ON 1

Overcoming the Pressing of the Opposing Forwards Content from Analysis of Manchester City during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 Premier League winning seasons  The analysis is based on recurring recurring patterns of play observed observed within the Manchester Manchester City team. team. Once the same phase of play occurred a number of times (at least 10) the tactics would be seen as a pattern. The analysis on the next page is an example of the team’s tactics being used effectively, taken from a specific game. Each action, pass, individual movement movement with or without the ball, and the positioning of each player on the pitch including their body shape, are presente presented. d.  The analysis is then used to create a full progressive progressive session session to coach coach this specific tactical situation.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactical Analysis - Overcoming the Pressing of the Opposing Forwards

OVERCOMING THE THE PRESSING OF THE OPPOSING FORWARDS When the opposing forward/s tried to put pressure on the centre backs or the inverted full backs in a way which forced thepossession. ball wide, they were attempting to create a strongwhich side towe trap thein Manchester City players and win Pep Guardiola’s side had the solutions, show this section.

1. Overcoming the Pressing of the Opposing Forward on the Centre Back   Using a Link Player (Against the 4-4-2)

 The red forward forward (No.10) (No.10) moves moves quickly towards towards the City centre back Kompany (4) to (4) to force him to play wide (to full back) and create a strong side for his team to apply effective pressing. Pep Guardiola’s City players find a way to move the ball to the other side by using link players.

In this example, the attacking midfielder Gündoğan (8) drops (8) drops deep, offers a passing option and becomes the link player to move the ball to the defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25),, who is free and has many passing options (25) to players in space (35, 17, 19 & 10). 10).

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactical Analysis - Overcoming the Pressing of the Opposing Forwards

2. Overcoming the Pressing of the Opposing Forward on the Full Back  Using  Using a Link Player Pl ayer (Against the 4-4-2)

In a similar situation to the previous example, the red forward (10) moves to press the right back Walker (2). (2).

Gündoğan (8) passes (8) passes back to the defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25). (25). Fernandinho (25) receives free in space in the centre and has many passing options to players in space (35, 17, 19 & 10). 10).

Red No.10’s aim is to force Walker (2) to (2) to play wide to the right winger Sterling (7) and (7) and then apply pressing with 3 red players (3, 8 & 11). With red No.10 restricting the immediate available space, space, City again use the attacking midfielder Gündoğan (8) as (8) as a link player. As soon as the red forward (10) moves to press the right back Walker (2), (2), the attacking midfielder Gündoğan (8) drops (8) drops into an effective position to offer a passing option and become a link player.

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PEP GUARDIOLA’S ATTACKING ATTACKING TACTICS

 

PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactical Analysis - Overcoming the Pressing of the Opposing Forwards

3. Overcoming the Pressing of the Opposing Forward on the Centre Back   Using a Link Player (Against the 4-2-3-1)

Against the 4-2-3-1 formation, the defensive

As he did against the 4-4-2 formation, the

midfielder Fernandinho (25) was most often restricted by the opposing No.10.

attacking midfielder Gündoğan (8) drops (8) drops deep, offers a passing option and becomes the link player. This time, he passes back to Stones (5), (5), who is the centre back on the weak side.

 This meant that that the potential potential pass of a link player would not be directed to Fernandinho (25). (25). Instead, the link player would play back to the centre back on the weak side, which is Stones (5) in (5)  in the diagram example.

Stones (5) is (5) is free and passes to the full back on the other side Zinchenko (35), (35), who can pass to the attacking midfielder De Bruyne (17) or (17) or the winger Sané (19) on (19) on the weak side.

 The red forward forward (No.9) (No.9) moves moves quickly towards towards the Manchester City centre back Kompany (4)  (4)  to force him to play wide (to full back) and create a strong side for his team to apply effective pressing.

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PEP GUARDIOLA’S ATTACKING ATTACKING TACTICS

 

PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactical Analysis - Overcoming the Pressing of the Opposing Forwards

4. Overcoming the Pressing of the Opposing Forward on the Full Back  Using  Using a Link Player Pl ayer (Against the 4-2-3-1)

In a similar situation to the previous example, the red forward (No.9) moves to press the right back Walker (2). (2).

Gündoğan (8) this (8) this time directs the ball back to the centre back Kompany (4), (4), who is left unmarked and free in space to receive.

Red No.10’s aim is to force Walker (2) to (2) to play wide to the right winger Sterling (7) and (7) and then apply pressing with 3 red players (3, 8 & 11).

Kompany (4) receives (4) receives and passes to the full back on the other side Zinchenko (35), (35), who can pass to the attacking midfielder De Bruyne (17) or (17) or the winger Sané (19) on (19) on the weak side.

With red No.10 restricting the immediate available space, space, City again use the attacking midfielder Gündoğan (8) as (8) as a link player. As soon as the red forward (No.9) moves to press the right back Walker (2), (2), the attacking midfielder Gündoğan (8) drops (8) drops into an effective position to offer a passing option and become a link player. 23 ©SOCCERTUTOR.COM

PEP GUARDIOLA’S ATTACKING ATTACKING TACTICS

 

PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactical Analysis - Overcoming the Pressing of the Opposing Forwards

5. Overcoming the Pressing of the Opposing Forward on the Defensive Midfielder Using Midfielder Using a Link Player (Against the 4-4-2)

In this final tactical example, Fernandinho (25) receives from the centre back Kompany (4) and (4) and is put under pressure by the opposing forward (red No.9).

In this situation, the forward Agüero (10) drops (10) drops back to become the link player and passes back to left back Zinchenko (35), (35), who is unmarked.

NOTE:  This situation situation with the defensive defensive midfielder midfielder Fernandinho (25) being pressed by a forward mostly happened against the 4-4-2 formation. When playing against the 4-2-3-1, the positioning of the opposing No.10 prevented Fernandinho (25) receiving (25) receiving from the centre backs when building up play.

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PEP GUARDIOLA’S ATTACKING ATTACKING TACTICS

 

SESSION 1 BASED ON THE TACT CTIC ICS S OF PEP GUARDIOLA Overcoming the Pressing of the Opposing Forwards

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PEP GUARDIOLA’S ATTACKING ATTACKING TACTICS

 

Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Overcoming the Pressing of the Opposing Forwards

SESSION FOR THIS TH IS TACTIC TACTICAL AL SITUA SITUATION TION (2 PRACTICES) Practice 1: Overcoming the Pressing of the Opposing Forwards in a Tactical Pattern of Play Scenario A: Attacking Midfielder Drops Back to Become Link Lin k Player

Objective:  Overcoming forwards’ pressing and moving the ball to the weak side.

Description (Scenario A)

 The defensive defensive midfielder midfielder (25) (25) directs  directs the ball to a player on the weak side (left back -35 in diagram),, who then passes to the winger (19) diagram) (19)..

 The players players start on the blue cones cones and one centre back (No.5 in diagram) passes diagram) passes to the other (No.4) (No.4)..

 The winger (19) dribbles the ball forward and crosses for the forward (10) (10),, while the attacking midfielder (8) makes a run forward to support.

 The centre centre back who receives receives the first pass (4) dribbles (4)  dribbles the ball forward towards towards the closest mannequin and passes to the attacking midfielder (No.8 in diagram), diagram), who drops back to act as a link player to move the ball to the defensive midfielder (25) (25)..

 The forward forward (10) shoots and immediately after, the attacking midfielder (8) (8) receives  receives a pass from the coach (2nd ball) from the end line to finish.

Another option for the centre back (4) (4) is  is to pass

 The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out on the opposite side. There can be 2 players in each position for the 5 advanced players to keep the practice running at a high tempo.

to the full back (2) and the full back passes to the attacking midfielder (8) (8)  - see blue arrows. 26 ©SOCCERTUTOR.COM

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Overcoming the Pressing of the Opposing Forwards

Scenario B: Forward Drops Drops Back to Become Link Player

Description (Scenario B)

Coaching Points

In Scenario B, the centre back (4) (4) receives  receives but does not dribble forward. Instead, he passes directly to the defensive midfielder (25) (25)..

1. Accurate and high speed passing. 2. Well-timed movements of the players who drop back to receive (attacking midfielder or forward).

For Scenario B, the forward becomes the link player to move the ball to the weak side full back (35),, who then plays to the winger (19) (35) (19)..

3. Accurate crossing and finishing.

 The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out on the opposite side.  There can be 2 players in each position position for the 5 advanced players to keep the practice running at a high tempo.

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Overcoming the Pressing of the Opposing Forwards

PROGRESSION Practice 2: Overcoming the Pressing of the Opposing Forwards Forwar ds and Switching Play in a Dynamic 2 Zone Game

Objective:  Overcoming forwards’ pressing and

 The aim for for the blues is either: either:

moving the ball to the weak side.

1. Find a way to score on the strong side with a numerical disadvantage (5 v 6).

Description  The marked out area is divided vertically into 2 equal halves.

2.  The BEST OPTION is OPTION is to move the ball to the other half (switch play to the weak side), exploit the numerical advantage there and then score.

 The practice starts starts with the coach’ coach’s pass to one of the blue centre backs (4 or 5). 5). As soon as the pass is played, the closest red forward (No.10 in diagram example) presses the receiver (4) (4) and  and tries to create a strong side for his team. The red team’s aim is to force play towards the side-line and create a numerical advantage (5 v 6) in that area of the pitch.

 The attacking midfielder midfielder drops back back at the right moment (No.8 in diagram example) and example) and is the key player to achieve a successful switch of play.

If the reds win the ball, they then try to score in either of the mini goals within 8 – 12 seconds.

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TACTICAL SITUA SI TUATI TION ON 2

Positioning and Rotations with Inverted Full Backs Content from Analysis of Manchester City during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 Premier League winning seasons  The analysis is based on recurring recurring patterns of play observed observed within the Manchester Manchester City team. team. Once the same phase of play occurred a number of times (at least 10) the tactics would be seen as a pattern. The analysis on the next page is an example of the team’s tactics being used effectively, taken from a specific game. Each action, pass, individual movement movement with or without the ball, and the positioning of each player on the pitch including their body shape, are presente presented. d.  The analysis is then used to create a full progressive progressive session session to coach coach this specific tactical situation.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Positioning and Rotations with Inverted Full Backs

POSITION ING AND ROT POSITIONING ROTA ATIONS WITH INVERTED FULL BA BACKS CKS Full Backs Move Towards Towards the Inside when the Attacking Midfielders Take Up Advanced Positions Between the Lines

One of Pep Guardiola’s tactical innovations is the use of inverted full backs, which he also used at Bayern Munich.

Pep Guardiola uses Inverted full backs with his Manchester City team during certain tactical situations against all possible formations. formations.

During the attacking phase, both full backs (18 & 2) move 2) move towards the inside into more central positions and create a line of 3 with the defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25) (25) - this forms the second line of the team in a 2-3-2-3

 The full backs Delph (18) and (18) and Walker (2) move towards the inside when the attacking midfielders are positioned high up and beyond the opposition’s midfield line, as shown with Silva (21) and (21) and De Bruyne (17) in (17) in the diagram.

attacking phase formation formation..

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Positioning and Rotations with Inverted Full Backs

THE BENEFITS OF INVERTED FULL BACKS AND THEIR CENTRAL POSITIONING 1. Creating Triangle Shapes with Inverted Full Backs  The central central positioning of the full backs provided Manchester City with several benefits. First of all, an effective triangle shape could be formed between the full back, winger and attacking midfielder, as shown in the diagram.

2. Creating a Double Triangle with Full Back in Possession In situations when the full back was in possession, the forward  forward  (10) would (10)  would often drop into a deep position between the lines. Manchester City could then create a double triangle, providing the full back (18) (18) with  with many passing options, as shown in the diagram.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Positioning and Rotations with Inverted Full Backs

3. The Central Position of the Defensive Midfielder Enables Effective Attacking Shapes to be Created

Another important benefit of using inverted full backs was that the defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25) didn’t (25) didn’t have to cover large distances to his left or right in order to receive from the centre backs.

If the forward Agüero (10) was (10) was in a more advanced position, then a diamond shape was created, which was also a very effective shape during Manchester City’ City ’s attacking phase.

Fernandinho (25) not (25) not only used less energy during the attacking phase, but he also stayed in a central position which enabled him to create an effective double triangle shape with the attacking midfielders and the forward (if he was in a deep position). In this example, the attacking midfielders are Silva (21) and (21) and De Bruyne (17). (17). The forward is Agüero (10). (10).

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Positioning and Rotations with Inverted Full Backs

4. Inverted Full Back in a Central Position = 3 Available Forward Passing Options If the full back Delph (18)  (18)  has the ball in a central position, he has 3 forward passing options: 1. Winger Sané (19). (19). 2. Attacking midfielder Silva (21). (21). 3. Forward Agüero (10). (10). Another important benefit was that the winger was able to receive a pass with a good half-turned body shape, enabling him to move forward immediately after receiving the ball.

5. Full Back in a Wide Position = Only 2 Available Forward Forward Passing Options If the full back Delph (18)  (18)  has the ball in a conventional wide position, he only has 2 forward passing options: 1. Winger Sané (19). (19). 2. Attacking midfielder Silva (21). (21). Also, if the winger receives a pass from a wide positioned full back, he most likely has to receive with his back to goal and there is no way of moving forward immediately.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Positioning and Rotations with Inverted Full Backs

ROTATING POSITIONS OF THE INVERTED FULL BACK, ATT. MIDFIELDER AND WINGER TO RETAIN BALANCE

In the attacking phase, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City showed fluidity in the

Using this rotation, the effective triangle shape and all its important benefits are retained, which

positioning of the full back, the winger and the attacking midfielder, but always maintained their balance as a priority. In this way, the benefits of the appropriate positioning were retained.

will be shown in the following parts of this book.

When the attacking midfielder dropped into a deeper position to receive, as shown by Silva (21) in the diagram example, a rotation was carried out.  The full back on on the strong side side Delph (18)  (18)  moves into a wide position and the winger Sané (19) converges (19)  converges towards the centre to provide a passing option, in case the attacking midfielder Silva (21) receives from Laporte (14). (14).

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SESSION 2 BASED ON THE TACT CTIC ICS S OF PEP GUARDIOLA Positioning and Rotations Rotat ions with with Inv In ver erted ted Full Full Backs

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Positioning and Rotations with Inverted Full Backs

SESSION FOR THIS TH IS TACTIC TACTICAL AL SITUA SITUATION TION (2 PRACTICES) Practice 1: Rotating Movements with Inverted Full Backs in a Passing Rotation Practice

first time pass inside to the attacking midfielder (21/17) who (21/17)  who has dropped back.

Description  There are are 2 groups of 5 players players who all start positioned on the blue cones. The 2 groups work simultaneously.  The centre centre back (14/30) (14/30) starts  starts the practice by playing a 1-2 combination with the inverted full back (18/2) (18/2)..

Rotation: As soon as the return pass is made, the attacking midfielder (21/17) (21/17) starts  starts to drop back. This action is the trigger for the players to start the rotation, as the full back (18/2) moves wide and the winger (19/7) (19/7) shifts  shifts inside.

 The attacking midfielder midfielder (21/17) (21/17) receives  receives and passes forward to the winger (19/7) (19/7),, who plays a first time pass back to the defensive midfielder (8/25) - he then directs the ball back to the centre back (14/30) in the starting position.  The practice continues continues with the 3 rotating rotating players in new positions.

Coaching Points 1.  The attacking midfielder midfielder triggers the rotation. 2. Well-timed synchronised movements.

At the defensive same time,midfielder the centre(8/25) back ,(14/30) passes to the (8/25), who plays a

3. High speed passing (1 or 2 touches).

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PEP GUARDIOLA S ATTACKING ATTACKING TACTICS

 

Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Positioning and Rotations with Inverted Full Backs

PROGRESSION Practice 2: Rotating Movements with Inverted Full Backs in 2 Simultaneous Dynamic Games

Objective:  Attacking after rotating movements in wide areas with inverted full backs.

Description  The marked out area is divided vertically into 2 equal halves and both sides play their games at the same time (simultaneous (simultaneously). ly).  The practice starts starts with blue the centre centre back’s back’s (14/30) pass (14/30)  pass to one of the defensive midfielders (8/25).. As soon as the pass is made, the 3 wide (8/25) blue players (18/2 - inverted full back, 21/17 - attacking midfielder & 19/7 - winger) rotate winger) rotate their positions.

 They have a 5 v 4 numerical numerical advantage as as the defensive midfielder (8/25) enters the playing area.  The blues must must score in in a limited amount amount of time (e.g. 15 seconds). If they don’t, the coach passes to a red player and the reds try to score as quickly as possible in the mini goal.  The reds defend defend their their goal, try to win the the ball and then must score within a limited amount of time (e.g. 8 – 12 seconds) in the mini goal.

Coaching Points 1. Play at a high tempo.

 The trigger for for the rotation rotation is the dropping dropping back movement of the attacking midfielder (21/17) (21/17)..

2.  There needs needs to be perfect perfect synchronisation synchronisation in the 3 players’ rotating movements.

With this rotation, theablues opponents and score goal.try to unbalance the

3. Quick/accur Quick/accurate ate finishing (2 touch maximum).

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TACTICAL SITUA SI TUATI TION ON 3

Creating and Exploiting Overloads in Wide  Areas Content from Analysis of Manchester City during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 Premier League winning seasons  The analysis is based on recurring recurring patterns of play observed observed within the Manchester Manchester City team. team. Once the same phase of play occurred a number of times (at least 10) the tactics would be seen as a pattern. The analysis on the next page is an example of the team’s tactics being used effectively, taken from a specific game. Each action, pass, individual movement movement with or without the ball, and the positioning of each player on the pitch including their body shape, are presente presented. d.  The analysis is then used to create a full progressive progressive session session to coach coach this specific tactical situation.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Creating and Exploiting Overloads in Wide Areas

CREATING AND EXPLOITING OVERLOADS IN WIDE AREAS Creating Overloads Out Wide with the Advanced Positioning of the Attacking Midfielders

 The Manchester Manchester City attacking midfielders midfielders use intelligent positioning in order to create problems for their opponents.

 This creates creates a 2v1 overload overload with with the City attacking midfielder (21/17) and the winger (19/7) against the opposing full back out wide.

In the diagram example, we have Silva (21) and (21) and De Bruyne (17) as the attacking midfielders midfielders.. Pep Guardiola would often use Gündoğan (8) and (8) and Bernardo (20) in (20) in these positions also.  The Manchester Manchester City attacking midfielders midfielders (21/17) are both positioned within the zone of responsibility responsibi lity of the respective opposing full back (red No.2/No.3).

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Creating and Exploiting Overloads in Wide Areas

EXPLOITING THE OVERLO OVERLOAD AD IN A WIDE WI DE AREA TO RECEIVE BETWEEN THE LINES AND TURN 1. Attacking Midfielder Receives in Between the Lines when the Opposing Full Back Stays Back to Control the Winger

After creating a 2v1 overload in a wide area (see diagram on previous page), Manchester City’s aim was to exploit this favourable situation and break through the opposition’s defence.

zone of responsibility of the opposing right back (red No2). If the pass is directed to the attacking midfielder Silva (21), (21), the next move depends on how the red No.2 reacts.

 The appropriate appropriate response response in each specific specific situation depends on the reaction of the opposing full back (red No.2 in diagram).

If red No.2 stays in a deep position to control Man City’ City ’s left winger Sané (19), (19), the attacking midfielder Silva (21) can (21) can receive free of marking and turn towards goal - this is shown in the diagram example.

In this tactical example, the ball is with the inverted full back Zinchenko (35). (35).  The attacking midfielder midfielder Silva (21) moves towardss an available passing lane within the toward

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Creating and Exploiting Overloads in Wide Areas

2. Early Cross into the Space Between the Defenders and the GK

 The opposing full full back (red No.2) No.2) has decided to stay with the winger Sané (19) and a 2v1 situation is created in a wide area - see diagram on the previous page.

 These kinds of crosses were were delivered delivered within within the yellow highlighted area to the forward (10) (10),, the other attacking midfielder (17) or the winger (7) - this will be analysed later in the book .

If red No.2 drops back to control the forward movement of the winger Sané (19), (19), the attacking midfielder in possession Silva (21) finds available space to move forward, get close to the penalty area and deliver an early cross.

If there was space between the opposing defenders and the goalkeeper, the early cross was directed there to make it difficult for the defenders who are moving back facing their goal.

NOTE: Manchester City mainly used these crosses when the opposition defended well by retaining good compactness in the defensive line using 5 or even 6 players, and there were limited openings for Guardiola’s side to break through them.  The early crosses crosses were were delivered delivered by the attacking midfielders, midfielders, the full backs, backs, or even even the “ Tactical al Situation 2: “Positioning “Positioning wingers when there was a rotation between the 3 - see “Tactic and Rotations with Inverted Inver ted Full Backs.”

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Creating and Exploiting Overloads in Wide Areas

3. Winger Stays Stays Free of Marking and Receives High Up the Flank when the Opposing Full Back Closes Down the Winger

 This is a variation variation of the tactical tactical example on the previous page where the opposing full back (red No.2) drops back to track the City left winger Sané’ss (19) Sané’ (1 9) run.  run.

Silva (21) plays a simple pass to Sané (19), (19), who receives in a favourable situation to cross into the penalty area for oncoming team-mates.

In this example, red No.2 instead decides to move forward and contest the attacking midfielder Silva (21) on the ball. As red No.2 closes down Silva (21), (21), the left winger Sané (19) is (19) is left completely free of marking high up the flank.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Creating and Exploiting Overloads in Wide Areas

EXPLOITING THE OVERLO OVERLOAD AD BY RECEIVI RECEIVING, NG, TURNING AND MOVING INSIDE WITH THE BALL 1. Receiving Between the Lines via a Sideways Pass to a Link Player (Defensive Midfielder)

If the attacking midfielder Silva (21) didn’t receive a direct pass from the full back Zinchenko (35), (35), the ball was moved to the attacking midfielder via a link player.

As the pass was directed from inside (defensive midfielder) to outside (attacking midfielder), this enables Silva (21) to (21) to receive with a good open body shape (half-turned) and move inside with the ball immediately - this was not always possible after a direct pass from the full back.

A very effective option was moving the ball to the defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25), (25), who would act as the link player to pass the ball to the attacking midfielder Silva (21) between the lines.  The attacking midfielder midfielder receiving receiving between the lines could be Silva (21), (21), De Bruyne (17), (17),  Gündoğan (8) or (8) or Bernardo (20). (20). 43

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Creating and Exploiting Overloads in Wide Areas

2. Options After Receiving Between the Lines, Turning Turning and Moving Inside with the Ball

After moving inside with the ball, the attacking midfielder Silva (21) is closed down by the opposing centre back (red No.4).  The Manchester Manchester City forward Agüero (10) sees (10) sees the red centre back (No.4) leave his position in the defensive line, so he makes a diagonal movement to receive a pass in behind and in the penalty area.

other forward moving players, if the situation was favourable with a clear passing lane to them.  The attacking midfielder midfielder playing the final pass in behind could be Silva (21), (21), De Bruyne (17), (17),  Gündoğan (8) or (8) or Bernardo (20). (20). A final option is to utilise the forward Agüero’s (10) run (10)  run to dribble into the created space in the centre and shoot at goal - see blue lines in diagram.

 The best option option for the attacking attacking midfielder in possession (Silva - 21 in diagram example)  example)  was the final pass to the forward Agüero (10), (10), who makes a driving run into the available space created in behind the centre back, receives and shoots at goal.  The attacking midfielder midfielder would would also have the option of other final passes (in behind) to the

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Creating and Exploiting Overloads in Wide Areas

MOVING THE BALL TO TO THE FREE WINGER WHEN PUT UNDER PRESSURE RECEIVING BETWEEN THE LINES 1. Attacking Midfielder’ Midfielder ’s First Time Pass to the t he Free Winger when Under Pressure from the Opposing Full Back 

If the opposing full back (red No.2) moves forward to close down the attacking midfielder (Silva - 21 in diagram example) as soon as the pass was played to prevent him from turning, the Manchester City winger (Sané - 19 in diagram example) stays free of marking.

In this first example, the quality of Silva (21)  (21)  or De Bruyne (17) enables (17) enables them to read the situation very quickly and make the best decision in a split second. If there was a possibility to move the ball directly to the winger, the attacking midfielder carried out this action. In the diagram example, Silva (21) plays a first time pass to the left winger Sané (19), (19), who is free in space to receive and then dribble forward.

In this tactical situation, the aim for the City attacking midfielder was to move the ball to his free team-mate (winger). This was achieved either by a direct pass (as shown in the diagram above) page). or through combination play (see next

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Creating and Exploiting Overloads in Wide Areas

2. Attacking Midfielder Passes Back for Team-mate Team-mate to Play an Aerial Pass to the Free Winger Winger In this second example, the opposing full back (red No.2) is able to block the direct pass to Sané (19). (19). Pep Guardiola’s players find other alternative alternativess to direct the ball to the winger, with good combination play. One option was the back pass, followed by a forward pass played either by the full back Zinchenko (35) or the defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25). (25).

3. Attacking Midfielder Passes Inside for Forward to Play a Diagonal Pass to the Free Winger Winger Another option when the direct pass to the winger was blocked off was the square (inside) pass, followed by a forward pass.  The linkother player player could be the attacking midfielder De Bruyne (17) if he was positioned close to the strong side. Otherwise it was the forward Agüero (10), (10), as shown in the diagram example. Agüero (10) drops back to receive the square inside pass from Silva (21) and passes out wide to Sané (19). (19).

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Creating and Exploiting Overloads in Wide Areas

EXPLOITING EXPL OITING GAPS BETWEEN DEFENDERS 1. Gap Between the Opposing Centre Back and Full Back  If the opposing full back (red No.2) and centre back (No.4) are not compact and too far apart, a gap is created. In contrast to the previous examples, the Manchester City attacking midfielder would not drop back to receive between the lines in this situation.  The aim would would change exploiting the gap and to receiving in an advanced position.

2. Attacking Midfielder Exploits Gap to Receive in Behind and Cross In this example, the attacking midfielder Silva (21) makes a forward run into the available space between the opposing full back (red No.2) and centre back (No.4). Silva (21) receives (21) receives the full back Zinchenko’s (35)  (35)  forward pass and is in a good position to deliver a low cross for a team-mate to score.

NOTE:  This attacking move move was mainly mainly used after after a switch of play, when when the opposing opposing centre back back didn’t manage to shift across in time.

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SESSION 3 BASED ON THE TACT CTIC ICS S OF PEP GUARDIOLA Creating and Exploiting Overloads in Wide Areas

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Creating and Exploiting Overloads in Wide Areas

SESSION FOR THIS TH IS TACTIC TACTICAL AL SITUA SITUATION TION (6 PRACTICES) Practice 1: Exploiting Overloads Ove rloads in Wide Areas by Receiving and Turning to Outside Outside (Pattern)  (Pattern)

delivering an early cross (5) or passing to the winger (5a) to dribble the ball forward and cross.

Objective:  Exploiting overloads (2v1) in wide areas by receiving and turning.

Description  The players players start on the blue cones. cones. The 8 red mannequins represent the opponents in formation and the 3 yellow mannequins represent represe nt the positioning of the opposing defenders in case of an early cross.  The blues use use a specific passing passing pattern. As soon as the full back (35) (35) receives,  receives, the defensive midfielder (25) offers a passing option inside and the attacking midfielder (21) enters the yellow zone to provide a passing option within it.

 The other players players (10, 17 & 7) use 7) use well timed runs into the gaps between the yellow mannequins and try to score.  The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out on the right side. There can be 2 players in each position for the 5 advanced players to keep the practice running at a high tempo.

Coaching Points 1. Quality high speed passing (1 or 2 touches). 2. Quality early or high crosses and accurate finishing.

 The ball is passed passed to the attacking attacking midfielder (21),, who turns and then has to decide between (21)

3. Well synchronised movements of the players.

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Creating and Exploiting Overloads in Wide Areas

VARIATION Practice 2: Exploiting Overloads Ove rloads in Wide Areas by Receiving and Turning to Inside Inside (Pattern)  (Pattern)

areas by receiving and turning.

 The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out on the right side.

Description

 There can be 2 players in each position position for the 5

 This is a variation variation of the previous previous practice practice pattern.

advanced players to keep the practice running at a high tempo.

 This time, the pass from from the full back (35) (35) is  is directed inside to the defensive midfielder (25) (25),, who is used as a link player - the ball is then played to the attacking midfielder (21) (21) in  in the yellow zone, which enables him to receive and turn towards the inside.

Coaching Points

Objective:  Exploiting overloads (2v1) in wide

1. Quality high speed passing (1 or 2 touches). 2. Quality low crossing and accurate finishing. 3. Well synchronised movements of the players.

As soon as the attacking midfielder (21) turns, he dribbles the ball towards the red mannequin (opposing centre back), while his team-mates (10, 17 & 7) make well-timed runs in behind to offer multiple final pass options.

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Creating and Exploiting Overloads in Wide Areas

PROGRESSION Practice 3: Exploiting Overloads Ove rloads in Wide Areas by Moving the Ball to the Free Winger Scenario A: Full Back Passes to Link Player (Defensive Midfielder)

Objective:  Exploiting overloads (2v1) in wide

 There are are 3 options:

areas by moving the ball to the free winger.

1. Pass back to the defensive midfielder (25) (25),, who plays an aerial pass to the free winger (19)  - see yellow arrows. (19)

Description (Scenario A)  This is a progression progression of the previous previous practice. We add 2 red full backs inside the wide yellow zones, who are coached to press the blue attacking midfielders as soon as the pass is played to them.

2. Pass back to the full back (35) (35),, who passes to the free winger (19) (19)  - see red arrows. 3. Inside pass to the forward (10) (10),, who then passes to the winger (19) - see blue arrows.

IN Scenario A, the initial passing pattern has the defensive midfielder (25) passing to the attacking midfielder (21) (21) after  after an inside pass from the full back (35) (35)..

 The advanced advanced team-mates team-mates (10, 17 & 7) make well-timed runs into the penalty area to receive the cross and finish on goal.

As soon as the pass to the attacking midfielder

 The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out

(21) is played, opposing moves forwardthe to press him. full back (red No.2)

on the right side.

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Creating and Exploiting Overloads in Wide Areas

Scenario B: Full Back Passes Direct to the Attacking Midfielder

Description (Scenario B)

Coaching Points

In Scenario B, the full back (35) passes directly to the attacking midfielder (21) (21),, so there is no inside pass to the defensive midfielder (25) (25)..

1. Quality high speed passing (1 or 2 touches). 2. Quality low crossing and accurate finishing. 3. Well synchronised movements of the players.

From this point, the practice is exactly the same as Scenario A (see previous page), except the third option of the inside pass to the forward is not possible.  The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out on the right side.  There can be 2 players in each position position for the 5 advanced players to keep the practice running at a high tempo.

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Creating and Exploiting Overloads in Wide Areas

PROGRESSION Practice 4: Reading the Opponent’s Reactions to Best Exploit Overloads in Wide Areas Scenario A: Opposing Full Back Stays Back to Control the Winger

In Scenario A, the red full back (No.2) decides to stay back and control the blue winger (19) instead of moving forward to pressure the attacking midfielder (21) (21)..

Objective:  Exploiting the overload wide in different ways, depending on the reactions and movements of opposing defenders.

Description (Scenario A)  This is a progression progression of the previous previous practice with the blues now playing against 4 active red defenders.

 This means the the attacking midfielder midfielder (21) (21) is  is able to receive inside the yellow zone, turn and play a final pass in behind.

 The red full full backs within the the yellow zones zones decide whether to move forward and press the blue attacking midfielder or not.

In the diagram example, No.21 No.21 dribbles  dribbles inside and plays a simple final pass into the penalty area to the forward (10) (10),, who tries to score.

 The blue players players have to to read the reaction of the red full back (No.2 in diagram example) and best exploit making.the overload by using the right decision

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Creating and Exploiting Overloads in Wide Areas

Scenario B: Opposing Full Back Moves to to Press Attacking Midfielder

Description (Scenario B) In Scenario B, the opposing full back (red No.2) moves forward to press the blue attacking midfielder (21) within the yellow zone and prevents him from turning.

From this point, the winger (19) can cross into the penalty area for his team-mates (10, 17 & 7). 7).  The red defenders defenders defend defend normally. normally.  The practice restarts restarts on the right side. side.

Coaching Points

 This time, the ball is moved moved to the free winger winger (19) after a passing combination.

1. Read the tactical situation i.e. the attacking midfielder (21 or 17) should be aware of the reaction of the opposing full back.

 There are are 3 options:

2. Quality high speed passing (1 or 2 touches).

1. Pass back to the defensive midfielder (25) (25),, who plays an aerial pass to the free winger (19)  - see diagram example above. (19)

3. Quality low crossing and accurate finishing. 4. Well synchronised movements of the players.

2. Pass back to the full back (35) (35),, who passes to the free winger (19) - see Page 51. 3. Inside pass to the forward (10) (10),, who then passes to the winger (19) (19)  - see Page 51.

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Creating and Exploiting Overloads in Wide Areas

PROGRESSION Practice 5: Exploiting 2v1 Overloads Out Wide in a Dynamic Small Sided Game

Objective:  Exploiting the overload wide in

must choose the right option depending on the reaction of the opposing full back.

different ways, depending on the reactions and movements of opposing defenders.

In this example, the red full back (No.2) stays back to control the blue winger (19) (19),, so the blue attacking midfielder (21) receives between the lines, turns and delivers an early cross into the space between the defenders and the GK.

Description  This is a progression progression of the previous previous practice, moving into a 9 v 8 (+GK) game. The blue team start the game with the centre back’s (5) pass from the end line.

If the reds win possessio possession, n, they try to score in either mini goal within 10-12 seconds (2 points).

 The blue team team can score score in any way way (1 point), but if they score after exploiting a 2v1 overload out wide, they score 2 points.

Coaching Points 1. Read the tactical situation i.e. the attacking midfielder (21 or 17) should be aware of the reaction of the opposing full back.

Please see all analysis and practices in this section for different ways the blues can combine and score. The decision making is down to the awareness awaren ess of the attacking midfielder (21) (21),, who

2. Well synchronised movements of the players.

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Creating and Exploiting Overloads in Wide Areas

PROGRESSION Practice 6: Exploiting 2v1 Overloads Out Wide in a Conditioned Game

If the reds win possessio possession, n, they try to score within 12-15 seconds (2 points).

Objective:  Exploiting the overload wide in different ways, depending on the reactions and movements of opposing defenders.

Coaching Points

Description

1. Read the tactical situation i.e. the attacking midfielder (21 or 17) should be aware of the reaction of the opposing full back.

In this final practice of the session, the 2 teams play a conditioned 11v11 11v 11 game. The practice starts from the blue team’s goalkeeper.

2. Well synchronised movements of the players.

 The blue team team can score score in any way way (1 point), but if they score after exploiting a 2v1 overload out wide, they score 2 points. Please see all analysis and practices in this section for different ways the blues can combine and score.

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TACTICAL SITUA SI TUATI TION ON 4

 Attacking Options Options when the Overload Out Out Wide is Blocked Content from Analysis of Manchester City during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 Premier League winning seasons  The analysis is based on recurring recurring patterns of play observed observed within the Manchester Manchester City team. team. Once the same phase of play occurred a number of times (at least 10) the tactics would be seen as a pattern. The analysis on the next page is an example of the team’s tactics being used effectively, taken from a specific game. Each action, pass, individual movement movement with or without the ball, and the positioning of each player on the pitch including their body shape, are presente presented. d.  The analysis is then used to create a full progressive progressive session session to coach coach this specific tactical situation.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Attacking Options when the Overload Out Wide is Blocked

AT TACKING ATTA CKING OPTIONS WHEN THE OVERL OVERLO OAD OUT WIDE IS BLOCKED 1. The Diagonal Inside Passing Lane is Widened when the Opposition Block the Overload Out Wide If the opposing central midfielder (8) shifted across extensively to prevent the overload and the other central midfielder (6) didn’t carry out the same movement, the diagonal inside passing lane widened and the possibilities of moving the ball to the forward Agüero (10) in (10) in a crucial area increased. Agüero (10) drops back to receive and then exploit the situation, depending on the reaction of the red centre back (4).

2. Forward Receives in the Available Passing Lane and Turns when the Opposing Centre Back Stays Back   The Manchester Manchester City left back Zinchenko (35) uses the diagonal inside passing lane to pass to the forward. Agüero (10) is able to receive and turn because the red centre back (No.4) decides to defend the space, rather than move forward to press the ball. Agüero (10) has at least 3 available passing options in behind, as shown in the diagram with 19, 21 & 20. 20.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Attacking Options when the Overload Out Wide is Blocked

3. Forward is Prevented from Turning by the Opposing Centre Back   This is a variation variation of the previous tactical example. If the red centre back (No.4) moves to press the forward Agüero (10), (10), he cannot turn but there is available space created in behind.  This space is exploited by by the attacking midfielder Silva (21)  (21)  after a passing combination similar to those shown earlier in the book, with a back pass to the defensive midfielder Gündoğan (8), (8), followed by a forward pass in behind.

4. Switching Play to the Weak Side into Available Space for a 2v1 Overload Out Wide If there was an extensive shift from all the opposing midfielders and the through passing lanes were narrow, there would then be available space and a probable overload on the weak side. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team react to this tactical situation by switching play to the weak side. In this example, the defensive midfielder Gündoğan (8) plays a long pass to the right winger Sterling (7) and (7) and there is a 2v1 overload.

NOTE:  This tactical situation situation will be more more thoroughly thoroughly analysed in in a later section section of this book: “Tactical Situation 11: Switching Play to the Weak Side when the Overload O verload is Blocked Against the 4-3-3.”

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SESSION 4 BASED ON THE TACT CTIC ICS S OF PEP GUARDIOLA Attacking Options when the Overload Out Wide Wide is Blocked

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Attacking Options when the Overload Out Wide is Blocked

SESSION FOR THIS TH IS TACTIC TACTICAL AL SITUA SITUATION TION (4 PRACTICES) Practice 1: Attacking Options when the Overload Out Wide is Blocked in a Functional F unctional Practice (vs 4 Players) Scenario A: 1 Opposing Central Midfielder Shifts Across

Description (Scenario A)  This practiceinis is“Tactical designed in the same way as way the session Situation 3: Creating and Exploiting Overloads in Wide Areas.” Now there are 2 central white zones with 2 red central midfielders (No.6 & No.8). There are also 2 red full backs (No.2 & No.3) in the wide yellow  zones. The blue players start on the blue cones and they use a specific passing pattern. As soon as the full back (35) (35) receives,  receives, the defensive midfielder (8) offers a passing option inside and the attacking midfielder (21) enters the yellow zone to try and create a 2v1 overload in a wide area.

If the red central midfielder (8) doesn’t enter the yellow zone, then the blue players try to exploit the 2v1 overload, as in the previous section. If the red central midfielder (6) moves across into the yellow zone, the 2v1 overload out wide isn’t possible and the blue forward (10) (10) makes  makes a dropping back movement.  The diagonal inside inside passing lane is widened and the full back (35) (35) passes  passes to the forward (10) (10) in  in the white zone.  The forward forward (10) (10) is  is able to receive in the available space, turn and play a pass in behind (to No.19 in diagram example).

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Attacking Options when the Overload Out Wide is Blocked

Scenario B: 2 Opposing Central Midfielders Shift Across

Description (Scenario B) In Scenario B, both red central midfielders (No.6 & No.8) move across and the passing lanes towardss the blue attacking midfielder (21) and toward the forward (10) are blocked.

 The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out on the right side.  There can be 2 players in each position position for the 5 advanced players to keep the practice running at a high tempo.

In this situation (Scenario B), the full back (35) passes inside to the defensive midfielder (8) (8) and  and he is used to move the ball to the other side.

Coaching Points

 There is available space space and a probable probable overload overload on the weak side. In this example, the defensive midfielder (8) midfielder  (8) passes to the attacking midfielder (20),, but he could also play a long pass (switch (20) play) to the winger (7) (7) in  in the yellow zone for a 2v1 overload out wide.

2. Quality high speed passing (1 or 2 touches).

 The attacking midfielder midfielder (20)  (20) receives within the white zone in the available space and is able to turn and play a pass in behind (to No.10 in diagram).

1.  The forward forward (10) (10) and  and the full back (35) (35)   need to be able to concentrate and read the tactical situation i.e. whether 1 or 2 red central midfielders shift across. 3. Quality low crossing and accurate finishing. 4. Well synchronised movements of the players.

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Attacking Options when the Overload Out Wide is Blocked

PROGRESSION Practice 2: Attacking Options when the Overload Out Wide is Blocked in a Functional F unctional Practice (vs 6 Players) Scenario Scenar io A: Forward Receives in Space and Turns

Description (Scenario A)

In this example (Scenario A), the red centre back (No.4) stays back and does not move to press the forward (10) (10),, so he is able to receive within the white zone, turn and play a pass in behind (to the winger No.19 in diagram).

 This is a progression progression of the previous previous practice and 2 active red centre backs (4 & 5) are added. After moving the ball to the full back (35) (35),, the blues now have to read the tactical situation and make the right decisions about where to direct the ball to exploit the specific tactical situation.

 The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out on the right side.

 The red central central midfielder midfielder (No.6) (No.6) moves across into the wide yellow zone, so the blue forward (10) drops (10)  drops back and the diagonal inside passing lane is widened. The full back (35) (35) passes  passes to the forward (10) (10) in  in the central white zone.

NOTE: If the other red central midfielder (No.8) makes an extensive shift across and the passing lane towards the blue forward (10) is blocked, the full back (35) (35) will  will instead pass inside to the defensive midfielder (8) (8)  - see Scenario C.

Whether or not the forward (10) can turn depends on the reaction of the red centre back (No.4) - see Scenario B on next page.

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Attacking Options when the Overload Out Wide is Blocked

Scenario Scenar io B: Forward is Prevented from Turnin Turning g

Description (Scenario B) In Scenario B, the opposing centre back (red No.4) moves forward to press the blue forward (10) and prevents him from turning within the central white zone.  The forward’ forward’ss (10) (10) aim  aim is now to move the ball to a team-mate, so they can direct the ball into the available space in behind red No.4.  The forward forward (10) passes the ball back to the defensive midfielder (8) (8),, who plays an aerial pass in behind to the attacking midfielder (21) (21)..

 The attacking midfielder midfielder (21) can try to score or pass to team-mate to score (to the attacking midfielder No.20 in diagram example).  The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out on the right side.

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Attacking Options when the Overload Out Wide is Blocked

Scenario Scenar io C: Passing Lane to the Forward is Blocked

Description (Scenario C) In Scenario C, the second red central midfielder (No.8) makes an extensive shift across and the passing lane towards the blue forward (10) is blocked, so he does not drop back.  The full back (35) passes inside to the defensive midfielder (8) (8) and  and he is used to move the ball to the weak side, where there is available space and a probable overload. In this example, the defensive midfielder (8) midfielder (8) passes to the attacking midfielder (20) (20) within  within the central white zone, but he could also play a long pass (switch play) to the winger (7) (7) for  for a 2v1 overload out wide in the yellow zone.  The attacking midfielder midfielder (20)  (20) receives in the available space and is able to turn and play a pass in behind (to No.10 in diagram).

 The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out on the right side.

Coaching Points 1.  The forward forward (10) (10) and  and the full back (35) (35)   need to be able to concentrate and read the reactions of the opposing central midfielders and centre backs. 2. Quality high speed passing (1 or 2 touches). 3. Quality low crossing and accurate finishing. 4. Well synchronised movements of the players.

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Attacking Options when the Overload Out Wide is Blocked

PROGRESSION Practice 3: Attacking Options when the Overload Out Wide is Blocked in a Dynamic Game

Description  This is a progression progression of the previous previous practice, moving into a 10 v 10 (+GK) game.  The blue team team can score score in any way way (1 point), but if they score after exploiting a 2v1 overload out wide or successfully use one of the attacking options displayed in the previous practices successfully when the overload is blocked, they score 2 points. In this example, the red central midfielder (No.6) moves across into the yellow zone, so the blue forward (10) (10) drops  drops back and the diagonal inside passing lane is widened. The The full back (35) (35) passes  passes to the forward (10) (10) in  in the central white zone.  The red centre centre back (No.4) (No.4) stays stays back and does does not move to press the blue forward (10) (10),, so he is

able to receive within the white zone, turn and play a pass in behind (to No.19 in diagram).  The reds try to win the ball and then then score in either mini goal within 8 – 12 seconds (2 points).

Coaching Points 1.  The forward forward (10) (10) and  and the full back (35) (35) need  need to concentrate and read the reactions of the opposing central midfielders and centre backs. 2. Quality high speed passing (1 or 2 touches). 3. Quality low crossing and accurate finishing. 4. Well synchronised movements of the players.

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Attacking Options when the Overload Out Wide is Blocked

PROGRESSION Practice 4: Attacking Options when the Overload Out Wide is Blocked in a Conditioned Game

Description

In this final practice of the session, the 2 teams play a conditioned 11v11 11v 11 game. The practice starts from the blue team’s goalkeeper.  The blue team team can score score in any way way (1 point), but if they score after exploiting a 2v1 overload out wide or successfully use one of the attacking options displayed in the previous practices successfully when the overload is blocked, they score 2 points. Please see the tactical analysis and all practices in this session for different ways the blues can combine and score.

In this&example, both red central (No.6 No.8) have shifted across,midfielders so the passing lane to the blue forward (10) (10) is  is blocked.  Therefore, the left  Therefore, left back (35) (35) passes  passes inside to the defensive midfielder (8) (8) and  and he moves the ball to the attacking midfielder on the weak side (20) (20),, who is in space to receive. If the reds win possessio possession, n, they try to score within 12-15 seconds (2 points).

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TACTICAL SITUA SI TUATI TION ON 5

Moving the Ball Wide and Receiving in Behind the Full Back (or Create Space for Inside Pass) Content from Analysis of Manchester City during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 Premier League winning seasons  The analysis is based on recurring recurring patterns of play observed observed within the Manchester Manchester City team. team. Once the same phase of play occurred a number of times (at least 10) the tactics would be seen as a pattern. The analysis on the next page is an example of the team’s tactics being used effectively, taken from a specific game. Each action, pass, individual movement movement with or without the ball, and the positioning of each player on the pitch including their body shape, are presente presented. d.  The analysis is then used to create a full progressive progressive session session to coach coach this specific tactical situation.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Moving the Ball Wide and Receiving in Behind the Full Back 

MOVING THE BALL WIDE AND RECEIVING IN BEHIND THE FULL BACK 1. Opposing Full Back’s Back’s Wide Position Restricts Space for fo r Winger

When the Manchester City full backs want to play to the winger, the options used depend on the opposing full back’s positioning. If the opposing full back takes up a wide position to restrict the space for the City winger, he is unable to receive the ball to feet, facing the opponent’s goal.

2. Long Pass in Behind the Full Back (Through Ball Between FB & CB)  The winger Sané (19) does not try to receive to feet in this situation - he exploits the space in behind the full back instead.  The wingers either the dropCity back to unbalance opposing full back and then quickly change direction into the space behind the opponent, or use a sudden diagonal movement behind the back of the full back.

NOTE: Both Sané (19) and (19) and Sterling (7) have (7) have the necessary explosiveness and speed to carry out this kind of action, while players like Zinchenko (35) and Delph (18) on (18) on the left and Walker (2) or (2) or Danilo (3) on (3) on the right have the technical ability to play through balls.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Moving the Ball Wide and Receiving in Behind the Full Back 

EXPLOITING THE SP SPA ACE BEHIND B EHIND THE FULL BA BACK CK AFTER MOVING THE BALL WIDE 1. Winger Receives in Space Out O ut Wide Facing the Opponent’ Opponent’ss Goal

If the opposing full back was in a more balanced position, the through balls were prevented, but the winger had more available space to receive facing the opponent’s goal.

 The City full back is in a central position (Pep Guardiola’s inverted full backs) so there is an angle to the pass, which helps the winger receive with an open body shape.

2. Opposing Full Back Closes Down the Winger and the Attacking Midfielder Runs Forward to Receive in the Space Created Behind Behi nd  The red right right back (No.2) (No.2) moves to close down Sané (19) and as soon as he receives, the attacking midfielder Silva (21) makes (21) makes a run behind the back of red No.2 to receive in the available space and cross into the penalty area. If red No.4 moves to contest the City attacking midfielder (Silva - 21 in diagram), diagram), it was then probable there would be a 3 v 2 numerical advantage for City inside the penalty area.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Moving the Ball Wide and Receiving in Behind the Full Back 

USING THE RUN BEHIND BEHIND THE FULL BACK TO TO CREA CREATE SPACE FOR AN INSIDE PASS TO THE FORWARD 1. Attacking Midfielder a Deep Run Occupy theForward Opposing Centre Back and Create Makes Space Between theto Lines for the  The City attacking midfielder midfielder Silva (21) makes (21) makes a forward run and is tracked by the red centre back (No.4). The other red centre back (No.5) and the left back (No.3) drop back to keep the defensive line balanced, which creates space between the lines.  The forwar d to Agüero (10) shiftsforward across receive free of marking. Red No.5 cannot close down Agüero (10) because a very large gap would be left in the centre of defence.

2. The Forward Has 3 Available Passing Options in Behind  The winger Sané (19) has passed inside to the forward Agüero (10), (10), who receives and turns in a crucial area for key passes. Agüero (10) has (10) has 3 passing options in behind. As the opposing right back (No.2) is in an advanced position and unable to intervene, City have a 4 v 3 numerical advantage near the opposition’s penalty area.

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SESSION 5 BASED ON THE TACT CTIC ICS S OF PEP GUARDIOLA Moving the Ball Wide Wide and Receiving in Behind the Full Back (or Create Space for Inside Pass)

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tac Tactics tics - Moving the Ball Wide Wide and Receiving in Behind the Full Back 

SESSION FOR THIS TH IS TACTIC TACTICAL AL SITUA SITUATION TION (3 PRACTICES) Practice 1: Receive in Behind the Full Back or Create Space for Inside Pass in a Functional Practice Scenario A: Opposing Centre Back Stays in Position

Objective:  Reading the reactions of the opposing defenders defenders to either pass in behind the full back or pass inside (between the lines).

 The blue winger winger (19) (19) must  must read the positioning and reaction of the centre back on the strong side (red No.4).

 The blue players players start on the blue cones and and they play against a red back 4.

In Scenario A, the red centre back (4) doesn’t track the run of the blue attacking midfielder (21),, so he is able to receive the pass from the (21) winger in behind red No.2.

 The blues use use a specific passing passing pattern. As soon as the full back (35) (35) receives,  receives, the attacking midfielder (21) (21) makes  makes a run behind the back of the red right back (No.2) and the full back (35) (35)   passes to the free winger (19) (19) in  in the yellow zone.

 The player who receives receives from from the winger (No.21 (No.21 in this example - Scenario A) should focus on taking the best option when crossing, passing or shooting.

 The red full full back (No.2) (No.2) is coached coached to let the

 The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out

winger receive and then move to press him.

on the right side.

Description (Scenario A)

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for PEP GUARDIOLA  Session for  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Moving the Ball Wide Wide and Receiving in Behind the Full Back 

Scenario B: Opposing Centre Back Tracks Tracks Attacking Midfielder’s Midfielder’s Run

Description (Scenario B)

Coaching Points

In Scenario B, the opposing centre back (red No.4) tracks the run of the blue attacking midfielder (21) (21)..

1.  The winger (19) (19) and  and the forward (10) (10) need  need to concentrate and read the reactions of the opposing centre back.

 The blue forward forward (10) (10) reads  reads the situation and moves across. There is space created for an inside pass to the forward (10) (10) to  to receive free of marking.

2. Quality high speed passing (1 or 2 touches).

 The forward forward (10) (10) should  should focus on taking the best option to either pass in behind for a team-mate or shoot, as shown in the diagram example.  The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out on the right side.

3. Quality crossing and well-timed final passes. 4. Well synchronised movements of the players (especially the winger and attacking midfielder).

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Moving the Ball Wide Wide and Receiving in Behind the Full Back 

PROGRESSION Practice 2: Receive in Behind the Full Back or Create Space for Inside Pass in a Small Sided Game

Objective:  Reading the reactions of the opposing defenders defenders to either pass in behind the full back or pass inside (between the lines).

Description

 This is a progression progression of the previous previous practice, moving into a 9 v 8 (+GK) game.  The blue team team start the practice with with the centre centre back’s (14) pass from the end line.  The blue team team can score score in any way way (1 point), but if they score after moving the ball wide to the winger (19 or 7) and 7) and pass in behind the full back or play into the forward (10) (10) between  between the lines, they score 2 points. Please see the tactical analysis and all practices in this session for different ways the blues can combine and score.

In this example, the red centre back (No.4) tracks the run of the blue attacking midfielder (21) (21).. The blue forward (10) (10) reads  reads the situation and moves across.  There is space space created created for the winger (21) (21) to  to play an inside pass to the forward (10) (10),, who receives free of marking in between the lines. If the reds win possessio possession, n, they try to score in either mini goal within 10-12 seconds (2 points).

Coaching Points 1.  The winger (19) (19) and  and the forward (10) (10) need  need to concentrate and read the reactions of the opposing centre back. 2. Well synchronised movements of the players (especially the winger and attacking midfielder).

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Moving the Ball Wide Wide and Receiving in Behind the Full Back 

PROGRESSION Practice 3: Receive in Behind the Full Back or Create Space for Inside Pass in a Conditioned Game

Description

In this final practice of the session, the 2 teams play a conditioned 11v11 11v 11 game. The game starts from the blue team’s goalkeeper.  The blue team team can score score in any way way (1 point), but if they score after moving the ball wide to the winger (19 or 7) and 7) and pass in behind the full back or play into the forward (10) (10) between  between the lines, they score 2 points. Please see the tactical analysis and all practices in this session for different ways the blues can combine and score.

In thisposition example, red full (No.3) in a wide tothe restrict theback space of theis blue winger (7) (7)..  The winger (7) does not try to receive to feet in this situation - he instead exploits the space in behind red No.3 by first dropping back to unbalance his opponent and then quickly changes direction and receives the through ball from the full back (2) (2) in  in behind. If the reds win possessio possession, n, they try to score within 12-15 seconds (2 points).

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TACTICAL SITUA SI TUATI TION ON 6

Combination Play Out Wide when the Overload is Blocked Content from Analysis of Manchester City during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 Premier League winning seasons  The analysis is based on recurring recurring patterns of play observed observed within the Manchester Manchester City team. team. Once the same phase of play occurred a number of times (at least 10) the tactics would be seen as a pattern. The analysis on the next page is an example of the team’s tactics being used effectively, taken from a specific game. Each action, pass, individual movement movement with or without the ball, and the positioning of each player on the pitch including their body shape, are presente presented. d.  The analysis is then used to create a full progressive progressive session session to coach coach this specific tactical situation.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactical Analysis - Combination Play Out Wide when the Overload is Blocked

MOVING THE BALL WIDE WHEN THE OVERLOAD IS BLOCKED 1. Moving the Ball Wide when the Overload is Blocked

If the opposing on the strong side (redcentral No.8 inmidfielder diagram) shifts close to the Manchester City attacking midfielder (De Bruyne - 17 in diagram) diagram) and  and blocks the overload while the full back (Zinchenko - 35 in diagram) passed diagram)  passed the ball wide to the winger (Sané - 19 in diagram) diagram),, the options for Pep Guardiola’s team are limited because the opposition are well organised.

However, there are still options to break which through the opposition’s defensive organisation have been very successful for Manchester City they are detailed on the following pages of this section.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactical Analysis - Combination Play Out Wide when the Overload is Blocked

2. Both the Pass in Behind the Opposing Full Back to the Attacking Midfielder and the Pass Inside Insi de to the Forward Are Blocked

As soon as the ball is moved to the winger Sané (19),, the attacking midfielder De Bruyne (17)  (19) (17)  makes a forward run to receive in behind the opposing full back (red No.2). However, central midfielder (No.8)(17)  follows thethe runred and prevents De Bruyne (17)  from receiving.

opposing centre back (red No. 4) who moves forward to restrict the space, while the defensive line stays balanced.  The other 2 red red defenders defenders (No.5 (No.5 and No.3) No.3) control spaceofaround the penalty area a and thethe chances Manchester City creating scoring opportunity are limited.

As the forward Agüero (10) moves (10) moves towards the strong side to receive, he is marked by the

NOTE: When the space behind the opposing full back was restricted, Guardiola’s Manchester City team would often aim to move the ball to the weak side and try to create a favourable situation there. However, they can also use quick combination play on the strong side in this situation - see “One-Two Combination” and “Give-and-Go” examples on following pages.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactical Analysis - Combination Play Out Wide when the Overload is Blocked

ONE - TWO COMBINATION ONECOMBINATION OUT WIDE WHEN THE OVERLOAD IS BLOCKED One-T One -Two wo Combination Between Winger Winger and Attacking Midfielder

In situations when the overloa overload d is blocked and the ball is moved to the winger, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team create scoring opportunities by using quick combination play. play. Instead of making a forward run in behind the opposing full back (like in the example on the previous page), the attacking midfielder De Bruyne (17) makes (17) makes a dummy movement to get free of marking and then moves across to provide a passing option for City’s left winger Sané (19), (19), who is in possession out wide. Sané (19) dribbles inside and plays a 1-2 combination with the attacking midfielder De Bruyne (17). (17).

 The winger Sané (19) receives in behind the opposing full back (red No.2) and crosses into the penalty area for oncoming team-mates.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactical Analysis - Combination Play Out Wide when the Overload is Blocked

GIVE-AND-GO COMBINATION WHEN THE OVERLOAD IS BLOCKED 1. Moving the Ball Wide to Carry Out a Give-and-Go Combination

Manchester City frequently use the give-and-go when the overload is blocked - the winger combines with the defensive midfielder, the attacking midfielder or even the full back.

 The ball is passed passed to the winger Sané (19)  (19)  with the opposing central midfielder on the strong side (red No.8) positioned close to City’s attacking midfielder De De   Bruyne (17). (17).

2. Attacking Midfielder Creates Space for the Winger to Pass Back to the Defensive Midfielder  The City winger Sané (19) receives, dribbles the ball inside and the attacking midfielder De Bruyne (17) moves (17) moves forward to drag his marker (red No.8) away. Sané (19) passes (19) passes diagonally back to the defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25), (25), who has moved into the available space created by De Bruyne’s (17)  (17)  forward run.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactical Analysis - Combination Play Out Wide when the Overload is Blocked

3. The Winger Makes a Cutting Movement (Inside and then Behind) to Receive Inside the Penalty Area

As soon as the pass is played by the winger Sané (19),, the red defenders move forward to make (19) their team shape more compact and restrict the space between the lines. At the same time, the City winger Sané (19) moves towards the inside and then changes direction to run forward and in behind (curved movement to avoid being caught offside).

their forward movement, rather than controlling the City players.  The winger Sané (19) receives after a through pass (or aerial pass) from the defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25). (25). He is in a favourable position to deliver a low cross or shoot at goal.

 The rather simple movement movement is very very effective at the moment the red defenders are focused on

NOTE: Both the 1-2 combination and the give-and-go are also used by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team in normal situations (when the overload out wide isn’t blocked), in order to break through the opposition’s defence.

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SESSION 6 BASED ON THE TACT CTIC ICS S OF PEP GUARDIOLA Combination Play Out Wide when the is Overload Ov erload Blocked

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Combination Play Out Wide when the Overload is Blocked

SESSION FOR THIS TH IS TACTIC TACTICAL AL SITUA SITUATION TION (4 PRACTICES) Practice 1: Combination Combinati on Play Out Wide in a Technic echnical al Passing Practice Scenario A: One One-- Two Combination with the Attacking Midfielder

Objective:  Combination play out wide to break through the opposition’s defence.

Description (Scenario A) In a 35 x 45 yard area, the practice starts with the full back (No.35 in diagram). diagram).  The blues use use a specific passing passing pattern. As soon as the winger (19) (19) receives  receives from the full back (35),, he either dribbles the ball towards the (35) mannequin or towards the inside, depending on the reaction of the attacking midfielder (17) (17)..

In Scenario A, the attacking midfielder (17) makes a dummy movement (checks away) to get free of marking and moves in front of the mannequin to offer a passing option.  The winger (19) passes inside and makes a forward run behind the mannequin to receive the return pass (1-2 combination).  The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out on the right side. Have 2 players in the winger positions to keep the practice at a high tempo.

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Scenario B: Give-and-Go with the Defensive Defensive Midfielder

Description (Scenario B) In Scenario B, the attacking midfielder (17) (17)   moves diagonally as soon as the winger (19) receives. (19)  receives. This forward movement is made to take away his marker.  The defensive defensive midfielder midfielder (25) (25) then  then moves forward in the available space created by the attacking midfielder’s (17) (17) forward  forward movement.  The winger (19) (19) passes  passes diagonally back to the defensive midfielder (25) (25).. Immediately after passing back, the winger (19) (19)   makes a curved run in front of the mannequin (to avoid being in an offside position), receives the aerial pass from the defensive midfielder (25) (25)   on the run and crosses for his oncoming teammates (17, 8 or 7) to 7) to score.

 The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out on the right side. Have 2 players in the winger positions to keep the practice at a high tempo.

Coaching Points 1. Quality high speed passing (1 or 2 touches). 2. Well-timed runs by the wingers. 3. Quality low crosses. 4. Well synchronised movements of the players.

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Combination Play Out Wide when the Overload is Blocked

PROGRESSION Practice 2: Combination Play Out Wide in a Functional Practice Scenario A: One One-- Two Combination with the Attacking Midfielder

Objective:  Combination play out wide to break through the opposition’s defence (decision making dependant on the attacking midfielder’s midfielder’s movement).

Description (Scenario A)  This is a progression progression of the previous previous practice and all the blue players start on the blue cones. They play against 2 red central midfielders (No.6 & No.8) and 2 full backs (No.2 & No.3).  The blues use use a specific passing passing pattern. As soon as the winger (19) (19) receives,  receives, he must read the movement of the attacking midfielder (17) (17) to  to decide whether to use a 1-2 combination with the attacking midfielder (17) (17) or  or a give-and-go with the defensive midfielder (25) (25)..

In Scenario A, the attacking midfielder (17) makes a dummy movement (checks away) to get free of marking and moves in front of the red No.6 to offer a passing option. The winger (19) passes inside and makes a forward run in behind red No.2 to receive the return pass (1-2 combination).  The red full full backs (No.2 (No.2 & No.3) No.3) are not fully fully active, so don’t try to tackle the blue players and the red central midfielders (No.6 & No.8) simply follow the blue attacking midfielders’ movements.  The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out on the right side. Have 2 players in the winger positions to keep the practice at a high tempo.

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Scenario B: Give-and-Go with the Defensive Defensive Midfielder

In Scenario B, the attacking midfielder (17) (17) does  does not look to provide a passing option for the winger (19) (19) in  in possession.

 The red full full backs (No.2 (No.2 & No.3) No.3) are not fully fully active, so don’t try to tackle the blue players and the red central midfielders (No.6 & No.8) simply follow the blue attacking midfielders’ movements.

Instead, the attacking midfielder (17) (17) moves  moves diagonally forward as soon as the winger (19) (19)  

 The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out

receives in the yellow zone. This movement is made to take his marker (red No.6) away.

on the right side. Have 2 players in the winger positions to keep the practice at a high tempo.

 The defensive defensive midfielder midfielder (25) (25) moves  moves forward into the available space created by the attacking midfielder’s (17) (17) forward  forward movement. The winger (19) passes (19)  passes diagonally back to the defensive midfielder (25) (25)..

Coaching Points

Immediately after passing back, the winger (19) (19)   makes a curved run (to avoid being in an offside position) and receives the aerial pass from the defensive midfielder (25) (25) in  in behind.

2. Quality high speed passing (1 or 2 touches).

Description (Scenario B)

In both Scenarios (A and B), the winger receives in a favourable position to cross for team-mates.

1. Before the 1-2 combination, the winger should dribble towards the opposing full back but for the give-and-go, he should dribble inside. 3. Well-timed runs by the wingers. 4. Quality low crosses. 5. Well synchronised movements of the players.

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Combination Play Out Wide when the Overload is Blocked

PROGRESSION Practice 3: Combination Play Out Wide in a Dynamic Small Sided Game with End Zone Scenario A: One One-- Two Combination with the Attacking Midfielder

Description (Scenario A) In a 35 x 45 yard area, we play an 8 v 7 (+GK) small sided game. Mark out a 10 yard end zone and 2 wide yellow zones. The wide yellow zones are only for the blue wingers (19 & 7) and 7) and the red full backs (No.2 & No.3).  The blues play play against the red red players with the aim of moving the ball to the one of the wingers. As soon as the winger (No.7 in diagram)  diagram)  receives in the yellow zone, he either plays a 1-2 combination with the attacking midfielder (8) (8) or  or a give-and-go with the defensive midfielder (25) (25)..

 The reaction of of the attacking midfielder midfielder (8) (8)   determines what combination is used. In Scenario A, the attacking midfielder (8) makes a dummy movement (checks away) to get free of marking and moves in front of the red No.6 to offer a passing option. The winger (7) passes inside and makes a forward run in behind the red No.2 to receive the return pass. If the reds win possessio possession, n, they try to score in either mini goal. Additionally, if a blue combination is unsuccessful, a coach throws a new ball in for the reds to attack.

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Scenario B: Give-a Give-andnd-Go Go with the Defensive Midfielder

Description (Scenario B) In Scenario B, the attacking midfielder (8) (8) moves  moves diagonally forward as soon as the winger (7) (7)  

If the reds win possessio possession, n, they try to score in either mini goal. Additionally, if a blue combination is unsuccessful, a coach throws a

receives in the yellow zone. This movement is made to take away his marker (red No.6).

new ball in for the reds to attack.

 The defensive defensive midfielder midfielder (25) (25) moves  moves forward into the available space created by the attacking midfielder’s (8) (8) forward  forward movement. The winger (7) passes (7)  passes diagonally back to the defensive midfielder (25) (25)..

1. No red players are allowed in the end zone.

Immediately after passing back, the winger (7) (7)   makes a curved run (to avoid being in an offside position) and receives the aerial pass from the defensive midfielder (25) (25) in  in the end zone.

4.  The offside rule is applied. applied.

In both Scenarios (A and B), the winger receives in a favourable position to cross for team-mates.

full backinside. but for the give-and-go, he should dribble

Rules/Restrictions 2.  The red full full backs don’t don’t try to prevent prevent the wingers from receiving in the yellow zones. 3. If the red team win the ball, the red players can then move freely.

Coaching Point:  Before the 1-2 combination, the winger should dribble towards the opposing

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Combination Play Out Wide when the Overload is Blocked

PROGRESSION Practice 4: Combination Play Out Wide in a Dynamic Conditioned Game

Objective:  Combination play out wide to break through the opposition’s defence.

If the reds win possessio possession, n, they try to score in either mini goal within 10-12 seconds (2 points).

Description

Rules/Restrictions: A red player can only

 This is a progression progression of the previous previous practice, moving into a 10 v 10 (+GK) game. The blue team start the practice with the centre back (4) from the end line.  The blue team team can score score in any way way (1 point), but if they score after a successful 1-2 combination or give-and-go, they score 2 points. Please see the tactical analysis and practices for this tactical situation for both. In this example, the attacking midfielder midfielder (17)  (17) moves to receive and a 1-2 combination is played.

move into the end zone after the ball is received inside it by a blue player.

Progression: 11v11 in 2/3 of the pitch. Coaching Points 1. Before the 1-2 combination, the winger should dribble towards the opposing full back but for the give-and-go, he should dribble inside. 2. Good communication and synchronisation between the players (especially the attacking midfielder and winger).

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TACTICAL SITUA SI TUATI TION ON 7

Stretching the Opposition’s Defence and Stretching Switching Play Content from Analysis of Manchester City during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 Premier League winning seasons  The analysis is based on recurring recurring patterns of play observed observed within the Manchester Manchester City team. team. Once the same phase of play occurred a number of times (at least 10) the tactics would be seen as a pattern. The analysis on the next page is an example of the team’s tactics being used effectively, taken from a specific game. Each action, pass, individual movement movement with or without the ball, and the positioning of each player on the pitch including their body shape, are presente presented. d.  The analysis is then used to create a full progressive progressive session session to coach coach this specific tactical situation.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Stretching the Opposition’s Defence and Switching Play

STRETCHING THE OPPOSITION’S DEFENCE AND SWITCHING PLAY All the tactical situations so far (Tactical Situations 1-6) can easily be applied against the 4-4-2 and the 4-2-3-1 because the positioning of the opposing No.10 (against the 4-2-3-1) close to City’s defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25)  (25) 

didn’t play a significant role. However, in this tactical situation, an opposing No.10 affects the tactics, so City need different solutions against the 4-2-3-1 than they do against the 4-4-2.

1. Switching Play to the Weak Side After Stretching the Opposition’s Opposition’s Defence (Against the 4-4-2)  The winger Bernardo (20) is (20)  is in possession.  The opposing centre centre back (red No.4) tracks the attacking midfielder Silva’ss (21) Silva’ (21 ) run and the opposing central midfielder (red No.8) restricts the space to block the pass to the forward Agüero (10). (10). However, Silva’ Silva’ss (21) (21 ) run and the reaction from red No.4 stretches the opposition’s defence and the distances between their defenders increase.  The aim for for Pep Guardiola Guardiola’’s Manchester City City team in this situation is to switch play to the weak side and exploit the available gaps or spaces in the opposition’s defence.

Options for the City winger Bernardo (20): (20):

 The opposing team team are using using the 4-4-2 formation, so there is space available between the lines.

2. Pass directly to the defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25) - blue arrow.

As the red central midfielder (No.8) has dropped back to prevent the inside pass, the available space in the centre for City’s defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25) becomes (25) becomes larger.

1. Move the ball to the defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25) via the full back Delph (18)  (18)  - yellow arrows.

 The available passing options were determined determined by the positioning and reaction of the opposing full back on the weak side (red No.3).

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Stretching the Opposition’s Defence and Switching Play

2. Switching Play to the Weak Side After Stretching the Opposition’s Opposition’s Defence (Against the 4-2-3-1)

 This is a variation variation of the tactical tactical example on the

Options for the City winger Bernardo (20): (20):

previous page.

1. Move the ball to the right back Walker (2) via the left back Delph (18)  (18) - yellow arrows.

When playing against the 4-2-3-1 formation, the space between the lines was controlled by the opposing No.10.  This meant that that it was often often not possible for Manchester City’s defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25) to (25) to receive free of marking and switch play to the weak side. In this variation, City’s full back on the weak side Walker (2) moves (2) moves into a more central position to take over the role of receiving the ball and switching play.

2. Move the ball to the right back Walker (2) via the defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25) and the left back Delph (18)  (18) - blue arrows.  There is also also an option for for the left back Delph (18) to (18)  to pass back to the centre back Laporte (14),, who can then pass to Walker (2) in (14) (2) in the available space.  The available passing options were determined determined by the positioning and reaction of the opposing full back on the weak side (red No.3).

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Stretching the Opposition’s Defence and Switching Play

LONG PASSES INTO THE AVAILABLE SPACE ON THE WEAK SIDE 1. Long Pass into the Gap Between Defenders After Stretching the Opposition’s Defence (Against the 4-4-2)

 This tactical example example shows City playing against the 4-4-2, so the defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25) plays (25) plays the long pass into the most favourable area to create a scoring chance. As soon as Fernandinho (25) receives, (25) receives, the attacking midfielder on the weak side De

Bruyne (17) moves (17) moves into the gap between the full back (red No.3) and centre back (red No.5). If the gap between these 2 opposing defenders defenders was wide enough (as shown in the diagram), Fernandinho (25) plays (25) plays a long pass for De Bruyne (17) to (17) to receive and try to score.

NOTE: If Manchester City are playing against the 4-2-3-1 formation, formation, it is the full back Walker (2)  (2)  who plays this pass, but the 2 passing options are the same.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Stretching the Opposition’s Defence and Switching Play

2. Long Pass to the Winger on the Weak Side After Stretching the Opposition’s Defence (Against the 4-4-2)

 This is a variation variation of the tactical tactical example shown shown on the previous page and shows a second option for the defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25)  (25) 

close the gap and prevent him from receiving a long pass, available space Is then created for the winger Sterling (7) in a wider area.

after Manchesterdefence. City have successfully stretched the opposition’s

Fernandinho (25) plays (25) plays a long pass into the available space for Sterling (7) to (7) to receive in behind and try to score or deliver a low cross for his team-mates, depending on the situation.

If the attacking midfielder De Bruyne’s (17)  (17)  movement to receive in the centre forces the opposing full back (red No.3) to shift across to

NOTE:  The switch of play wasn’t wasn’t only used used when the opposition opposition’’s defence defence had been stretched, stretched, but also in occasions when the opposing defenders had shifted extensively towards the strong side to create a numerical advantage.  This shifting of the the opposing defenders defenders created created space on the weak side, which which was exploited after a quick switch of play just like these last 2 examples.

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SESSION 7 BASED ON THE TACT CTIC ICS S OF PEP GUARDIOLA Stretching the Opposition’s Defence Switchingand Play

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactics ctics - Stretching the Opposition’s Defence and Switching Play

SESSION FOR THIS TH IS TACTIC TACTICAL AL SITUA SITUATION TION (5 PRACTICES) Practice 1: Stretching the Opposition’s Defence and Switching Play in a Technical Passing Passing Practice Scenario A: Defensive Midfielder’s Long Long Pass Against the 4-4-2

Description (Scenario A vs 4-4-2) In a 50 x 70 yard zone, the centre back (5) (5) is  is inside a white 7 x 3 yard zone, the defensive midfielder (25) (25) is  is inside a yellow 15 x 5 yard zone and the wingers (20 & 7) are 7) are in 3 x 3 yard wide zones.  The blues use use a specific passing passing pattern. In Scenario A, they move the ball to the defensive midfielder (25) (25),, as if playing against the 4-4-2. When the winger (20) (20) receives  receives in the wide blue zone, he can either pass directly to the defensive midfielder (25) (25) or  or via the full back (18) (18)..

After receiving within the yellow zone, the defensive midfielder (25) (25) has  has 2 options: 1. Long pass to the attacking midfielder (17) (17) in  in the centre. 2. A wider long pass to the winger (7) (7)..  The players players must receive receive within the large zone in the other half and score in the mini goal.  The practice restarts restarts on the right side. side. There can be 2 players in each position for the 4 advanced players (wingers and attacking midfielders) to keep the practice at a high tempo.

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Scenario B: Full Back’s Back’s Long Pass Pass Against the 4-2-3-1

Description (Scenario B vs 4-2-3-1) In Scenario B, the blue team practice playing against the 4-2-3-1 formation.  The ball is instead instead moved moved to the full back on the weak side (2) (2),, who shifts across to receive and then play the long pass. When the winger (20) (20) receives  receives in the wide blue zone, he can either pass to the defensive midfielder (25) (25) or  or the full back (18) (18).. Either way, the ball is moved to the weak side full back (2) (2),, as shown in the diagram.  The full back (2) (2) has  has 2 options: 1. Long pass to the attacking midfielder (17) (17) in  in the centre. 2. A wider long pass to the winger (7) (7)..

 The players players must receive receive within the large zone in the other half and score in the mini goal.  The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out on the right side.  There can be 2 players in each position position for the 4 advanced players (wingers and attacking midfielders) to keep the practice at a high tempo.

Coaching Points 1. Potential receivers (attacking midfielders and wingers) should time their runs well. 2. Defensive midfielders and full backs need to play accurate long passes into the available space.

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PROGRESSION Practice 2: Stretching the Opposition’s Defence and Switching Play in a Tactical Pattern of Play Scenario A: Defensive Midfielder’s Long Long Pass Against the 4-4-2

Objective:  Stretch the defence, switch play,

After receiving within his zone, the defensive

receive in the available space and score.

midfielder (25) (25) has  has 2 options: 1. Long pass to the attacking midfielder (17) (17) in  in the central white zone.

Description (Scenario A vs 4-4-2)  This is a progression progression of the previous previous practice and all the blue players start on the white cones.  There are are clearly marked marked zones for for the players players to receive within.  The blues use use a specific passing passing pattern. In Scenario A, the aim is to move the ball to the defensive midfielder (25) (25),, as if playing against the 4-4-2 formation. When the winger (20) (20) receives,  receives, he can either pass directly to the defensive midfielder (25) (25) in  in the central zone, or via the full back (18) (18)..

2. Long pass to the winger (7) (7) in  in the wide yellow zone.  The player who receives receives either either shoots or crosses crosses for a team-mate to score.  The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out on the right side. There can be 2 players in each position for the 4 advanced players (wingers and attacking midfielders) to keep the practice at a high tempo.

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Scenario B: Full Back’s Back’s Long Pass Pass Against the 4-2-3-1

Description (Scenario B vs 4-2-3-1) In Scenario B, the blue team practice playing against the 4-2-3-1 formation.  The ball is instead instead moved moved to the full back on the weak side (2) (2),, who shifts across to receive and then play the long pass. When the winger (20) (20) receives,  receives, he can either pass to the defensive midfielder (25) (25) or  or the full back (18) (18).. Either way, the ball is moved to the weak side full back (2) (2),, as shown in the diagram.  The full back (2) (2) has  has 2 options: 1. Long pass to the attacking midfielder (17) (17) in  in the central white zone. 2. Long pass to the winger (7) (7) in  in the wider yellow zone.  The player player who receives receives either either shoots or crosses crosses for a team-mate to score.

 The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out on the right side.  There can be 2 players in each position position for the 4 advanced players (wingers and attacking midfielders) to keep the practice at a high tempo.

Coaching Points 1. Potential receivers (attacking midfielders and wingers) should time their runs well. 2. Defensive midfielders and full backs need to play accurate long passes into available space. 3. Accurate low crossing and finishing. 4. Well synchronised movements of the players.

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PROGRESSION Practice 3: Stretching the Opposition’s Defence and Reading the Attacking Options in a Functional Practice Scenario A: Defensive Midfielder’s Long Long Pass Against the 4-4-2

make forward runs into their respective zones.

Description (Scenario vs 4-4-2)  This is a progression progression of theAprevious previ ous practice and all the blue players start on the white cones and play against a red back 4. When the ball reaches the winger on the strong side (20) (20),, the red full back No.2 closes him down.  The blue attacking attacking midfielder on that that side (21) makes a diagonal run behind red No.2 and is tracked by the red centre back (No.4).  These reactions reactions leave only red No.5 No.5 and No.3 No.3 in effective positions. The blues must therefore quickly switch play. As soon as the ball reaches the defensive midfielder (25) (25),, the forward (10) (10),, the attacking midfielder (17) (17) and  and winger (7) (7)  

 The defensive defensive midfielder midfielder (25) (25) has  has to read the reaction of the red defenders and direct his long pass into the correct area (available space). In Scenario A, the attacking midfielder (17) (17) drags  drags the red full back No.3 with him and space is created out wide for the winger (7) (7) to  to receive the long pass in the wider yellow zone. If No.3 does not follow blue No.17 No.17,, there is a different option - see Scenario B on next page.  The player who receives receives either either shoots or crosses crosses for team-mate score.out Theonpractice restarts witha the pattern to carried the right side.

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Scenario B: Full Back’s Back’s Long Pass Pass Against the 4-2-3-1

Description (Scenario B vs 4-2-3-1) In Scenario B, the blue team practice playing against the 4-2-3-1 formation.  The ball is instead instead moved moved to the full back on the weak side (2) (2),, who shifts across to receive and then play the long pass.  The full back  (2) has  (2) has to read the reaction of the red defenders and direct his long pass into the correct area (available space): A. If the attacking midfielder (17) drags the red full back No.3 with him, then space is created out wide - see Scenario A on previous page. B. If the red No.3 does not shift across to close the gap, then there is space available for the attacking midfielder (17) (17) to  to receive the long pass in the central white zone, as shown in this Scenario B example.

 The player who receives receives either either shoots or crosses crosses for a team-mate to score.  The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out on the right side

Coaching Points

1. Read the tactical situation: Where has available space been created by the reactions of the opposing defenders? 2. Quality and accurate long passing. 3. Accurate low crossing and finishing.

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactics ctics - Stretching the Opposition’s Defence and Switching Play

PROGRESSION Practice 4: Stretching the Opposition’s Defence and Reading the Attacking Options in a Zonal Game Scenario A: Defensive Midfielder’s Long Long Pass Against the 4-4-2

Description (Scenario A vs 4-4-2)

 This is a progression progression of the previous previous practice and the blue team must now switch play under pressure from the red midfielders and forwards. We add 2 wide blue zones for the wingers (20 & 7) and 7) and a white central white zone, where the red wide midfielder on the weak side (No.11 in diagram example) cannot enter.

 The blues have have 2 options: options: 1. Switch play to the weak side. 2. Pass inside to the forward (10) (10)..  The possibility of of the pass to the the forward (10) (10)   means red No.6 drop backs, which creates space in the centre to be exploited by the defensive midfielder (25) (25),, who receives and switches play.

 The blue team team start the game with with the centre back (30) and a 5 v 4 situation in the lower part of the pitch against the 2 red forwards and 2

 The player who receives receives either either shoots or crosses. crosses. If the reds win the ball or a switch of play is inaccurate (not within zones), a coach throws a new ball in for the reds to try and score in the 2

wide midfielders. However, the this 2 red central midfielders can also move into part.

mini goals.

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Scenario B: Full Back’s Back’s Long Pass Pass Against the 4-2-3-1

Description (Scenario B vs 4-2-3-1)

Coaching Points

In Scenario B, the blue team practice playing against the 4-2-3-1 formation.

1. Read the tactical situation: Where has available space been created by the reactions of the opposing defenders?

 This is different different to Scenario Scenario A on the previous page, as the opposition’s No.10 prevents the defensive midfielder (25) (25) from  from receiving so easily in space. If the pass to the forward (10) (10) is  is blocked by red No.6, the ball is instead moved to the full back on the weak side (2) (2),, who shifts across to receive and then play the long pass.  The player player who receives receives the long long pass either shoots or crosses for a team-mate to score. If the reds win the ball or a switch of play is inaccurate (not within zones), a coach throws a new ball in for the reds to try and score in the 2 mini goals.

2. Quality high speed passing (1 or 2 touches). 3. Quality and accurate long passing. 4. Accurate low crossing and finishing. 5. Well synchronised movements of the players.

Progression: Add 4 red defenders and play a 10 v 10 (+GK) game.

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactics ctics - Stretching the Opposition’s Defence and Switching Play

PROGRESSION Practice 5: Stretching the Opposition’s Defence and Reading the Attacking Options in a Conditioned Game

Objective:  Stretch the defence, switch play, receive in the available space and score.

Description In this final practice of the session, the 2 teams play a conditioned 11v11 11v 11 game. The practice starts from the blue team’s goalkeeper.  The blue team team can score score in any way way (1 point), but if they score after stretching the opposition’s defence and switching play, they score 2 points. Please see all practices in this session for different ways the blues attack in this situation. If the reds win possession, they try to score within 12-15 seconds (2 points).

Variation: Adjust to play against the 4-2-3-1,

with the full back receiving and playing the long pass - see Scenario B in all previous practices.

Coaching Points 1. Read the tactical situation: Does the winger pass directly to the defensive midfielder or pass to the full back? 2. Read the tactical situation: Where is best to direct the long pass? Where is the available space? 3. Quality high speed passing (1 or 2 touches). 4. Quality and accurate long passing.

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TACTICAL SITUA SI TUATI TION ON 8

 Attacking Options Options when the Attacking Midfielder Receives Between the Lines Content from Analysis of Manchester City during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 Premier League winning seasons  The analysis is based on recurring recurring patterns of play observed observed within the Manchester Manchester City team. team. Once the same phase of play occurred a number of times (at least 10) the tactics would be seen as a pattern. The analysis on the next page is an example of the team’s tactics being used effectively, taken from a specific game. Each action, pass, individual movement movement with or without the ball, and the positioning of each player on the pitch including their body shape, are presente presented. d.  The analysis is then used to create a full progressive progressive session session to coach coach this specific tactical situation.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Attacking Midfielder Receives Between the Lines

ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS MOVE INTO AVAILABLE PASSING LANES TO RECEIVE Both Attacking Midfielders into Available Passing Lanes to Receive from the Defensive Move Midfielder

When the ball is moved to the defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25), (25), there is always the option of attacking through the centre. Pep Guardiola has both his Manchester City attacking midfielders move towards the available passing lanes to receive (inside movement). In this example, Silva (21) and (21) and De Bruyne (17)  (17)  are the attacking midfielders midfielders.. Bernardo (20) and (20) and Gündoğan (8) have also often played in these positions. (8) have

 The positioning positioning of the 2 attacking midfielders midfielders in the space between the zone of responsibility of the opposing centre back and full back made it difficult for the opposition to control them. In this example, the defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25) has (25) has time, space and available passing lanes to pass to either attacking midfielder Silva (21) or (21) or De Bruyne (17). (17).

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Attacking Midfielder Receives Between the Lines

RECEIVING THE BALL WITH AN OPEN BOD BODY Y SHAPE (ON THE HALF-TURN) Attacking Midfielders Receive on the Half-Turn Between the Lines

When making their inside movements to open up the available passing lanes, the 2 Manchester City attacking midfielders used a good open body shape.

 This body shape enabled them to receive receive on the half-turn and then move quickly forward facing the opposition’s goal.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Attacking Midfielder Receives Between the Lines

ATTACKING ATTACKING OPTIONS AFTER RECEIVING BETWEEN THE LINES (READING REACTION OF FULL BACK) 1. Opposing Full Back Stays Back: Receive, Turn and Pass in Behind As soon as the attacking midfielder De Bruyne (17) receives free of marking, he is able to move forward facing the opposition’s goal.  This is because because the opposing opposing full back (red No.3) stays back to retain balance in the defensive line. In this situation, City have a 5v4 advantage their De Bruyne (17)for can playattack. a key pass for one of his teammates or shoot at goal.

2. Opposing Full Back Presses Attacking Midfielder: Lay-Off for Defensive Midfielder’ Midfielder ’s Aerial Pass to the Winger In this variation of the previous example, the opposing full back (red No.3) moves forward to press the attacking midfielder De Bruyne (17) and this creates in behind.  The ball is played played to Sterling (7) after (7)  after De Bruyne (17) lays (17) lays the ball back to the defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25),, who then plays an aerial (25) pass into the available space created.

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SESSION 8 BASED ON THE TACT CTIC ICS S OF PEP GUARDIOLA Attacking Options when the Attacking Midfielder Receives Between the Lines

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SESSION FOR THIS TH IS TACTIC TACTICAL AL SITUA SITUATION TION (3 PRACTICES) Practice 1: Attacking Options when the Attacking Midfielder Receives Between the Lines in a Passing Practice Scenario A: Strong Side Attacking Midfielder Receives Unmarked

Description (Scenario A) In a 35 x 45 yard area, the practice starts with the centre back (5) (5).. There is a 20 x 5 yard white central zone for the blue attacking midfielders (21 & 17) and 17) and two 8 x 5 yard yellow wide zones for the blue wingers (20 & 7) and 7) and red full backs.  The blue back 4 pass amongst themselve themselves. s. As soon as the defensive midfielder (25) (25) receives  receives in between the lines with an open body shape (half-turn), the attacking midfielders (21 & 17)  17)  move towards the available passing lanes to receive.

 The defensive defensive midfielder midfielder (25) (25) passes  passes to one of the attacking midfielders (No.17 on the strong side in diagram) and he has to read the reaction of the opposing full back (red No.3). In Scenario A, the attacking midfielder (17) receives within the white central zone and the red full back on that side (No.3) stays in the wide yellow zone, so the blue attacking midfielder (17) receives, (17)  receives, turns and plays a key pass.

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Scenario B: Weak Side Attacking Midfielder Receives Unmarked

Description (Scenario B) In Scenario B, the attacking midfielder on the weak side (21) receives from the defensive midfielder (25) (25) within  within the white central zone and the red full back on that side (No.3) stays in the wide yellow zone.

 Therefore, as in  Therefore, in Scenario A, the blue attacking midfielder (21) (21) receives,  receives, turns and plays a key pass.

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Scenario C: Opposing Full Back Prevents Strong Side AM Turning

Description (Scenario C) In Scenario C, the attacking midfielder on the strong side (17) receives from the defensive midfielder (25) and the red full back on that side (No.3) moves forward into the white central zone to prevent him from turning.  This creates creates space in behind for the winger winger (7)  (7) to  to receive unmarked.  The ball is played played to  to the winger (7) (7) after  after the attacking midfielder (17) midfielder (17) lays  lays the ball back to the defensive midfielder (25) midfielder (25),, who then plays an aerial pass into the available space created.

 The winger (7) can either shoot at goal or cross for a team-mate to score.

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Scenario D: Opposing Full Back B ack Prevents Weak Side AM Turning Turning

Description (Scenario D)

Coaching Points

In Scenario D, the attacking midfielder on the

1. Read the tactical situation: The attacking

weak side (21) theback defensive midfielder (25)receives and the from red full on that side (No.2) moves forward into the white central zone to prevent him from turning.  This creates creates space in behind for the winger winger (20)  (20)   to receive unmarked.  The ball is played played to  to the winger (20) (20) after  after the attacking midfielder (17) midfielder (17) lays  lays the ball back to the defensive midfielder (25) midfielder (25),, who then plays an aerial pass into the available space created.  The winger (20) (20) can  can either shoot at goal or cross for a team-mate to score.

midfielder (21 orfull 17)back 17) must  musttoread the reaction of the opposing know whether to turn or lay the ball back to the defensive midfielder (25) (25).. 2. Receive with an open body shape and turn quickly. 3. Quality high speed passing (1 or 2 touches). 4. Quality low crossing and accurate finishing. 5. Well-timed runs in behind (not offside).

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Attacking Midfielder Receives Between the Lines

PROGRESSION Practice 2: Attacking Options when the Attacking Midfielder Receives Between the Lines in a Functional Practice Scenario A: Attacking Midfielder Receives Unmarked

Description (Scenario A)

 The defensive defensive midfielder midfielder (25) (25) passes  passes to one of the attacking midfielders (No.21 on the strong side in diagram) and he has to read the reaction of the opposing full back on that side (red No.2).

 This is a progression progression of the previous previous practice and the blues play against a red back 4. There is a 30 x 5 yard white central zone for the blue attacking midfielders (21 & 17) and 17) and two 12 x 8 yard yellow wide zones for the blue wingers (20 & 7) and 7) and red full backs (No.2 & No.3).

In Scenario A, the attacking midfielder (21) receives within the white central zone and the red full back on that side (No.3) stays in the wide yellow zone, so the blue attacking midfielder (21) receives, (21)  receives, turns and plays a key pass.

Objective:  Attacking options for the attacking midfielder after receiving between the lines.

 The blue back 4 pass amongst themselve themselves. s. As soon as the defensive midfielder (25) (25) receives  receives in between the lines with an open body shape, the attacking midfielders (21 & 17) move 17) move towards the available passing lanes to receive.

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Scenario B: Opposing Full Back Prevents AM from Turning

Description (Scenario B)

Coaching Points

In Scenario B, the attacking midfielder on the weak side (21) receives from the defensive midfielder (25) and the red full back on that side (No.2) moves forward into the white central zone to prevent him from turning.

1. Read the tactical situation: The attacking midfielder (21 or 17) must 17) must read the reaction of the opposing full back to know whether to turn or lay the ball back to the defensive midfielder (25) (25)..

 This creates creates space in behind for the winger winger (20)  (20)   to receive unmarked.

2. Receive with an open body shape and turn quickly.

 The ball is played played to the winger winger (20) (20) after  after the attacking midfielder (21) (21) lays  lays the ball back to the defensive midfielder (25) (25),, who then plays an aerial pass into the available space created.  The winger (20) crosses for a team-mate to score.

3. Quality high speed passing (1 or 2 touches). 4. Quality low crossing and accurate finishing. 5. Well-timed runs in behind (not offside).

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Attacking Midfielder Receives Between the Lines

PROGRESSION Practice 3: Attacking Options when the Attacking Midfielder Receives Between the Lines in a Conditioned Game

Objective:  Attacking options for the attacking

If the reds win possessio possession, n, they try to score in

midfielder after receiving between the lines.

either mini goal within 10-12 seconds (2 points).  The marked zones zones are only only used to make make it easier easier for the blues to read the tactical situation and can be removed.

Description  This is a progression progression of the previous previous practice, moving into a 10 v 10 (+GK) game. The blue team start the practice with the centre back (5) from the end line.  The blue team team can score score in any way way (1 point), but if they score after the defensive midfielder (25) successfully (25)  successfully passes to one of the attacking midfielders (21 or 17) between 17) between the lines, they score 2 points. Please see the tactical analysis and practices for all possible situations, reactions and options.

Rule/Restriction: Only the red full backs can move inside the white central zone to prevent the blue attacking midfielders (21 or 17) from turning.

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TACTICAL SITUA SI TUATI TION ON 9

Exploiting Space Created when the Opposing Centre Back Pushes Out to Press the Ball Content from Analysis of Manchester City during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 Premier League winning seasons  The analysis is based on recurring recurring patterns of play observed observed within the Manchester Manchester City team. team. Once the same phase of play occurred a number of times (at least 10) the tactics would be seen as a pattern. The analysis on the next page is an example of the team’s tactics being used effectively, taken from a specific game. Each action, pass, individual movement movement with or without the ball, and the positioning of each player on the pitch including their body shape, are presente presented. d.  The analysis is then used to create a full progressive progressive session session to coach coach this specific tactical situation.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Opposing Centre Back Pushes Out to Press the Ball

EXPLOITING SP SPACE ACE CREATED CREATED WHEN THE OPPOSIN OPPOSING G CENTRE BACK PUSHES OUT TO PRESS THE BALL 1. Opposing Centre Back Pushes Out to Press Attacking Midfielder in a Wide Position: Pass into Available Space for Forward

In this tactical situation, the defensive midfielder Fernandinho  (25) Fernandinho (25) is  is in possession and is looking to pass to one of the attacking midfielders in between the lines, as in the previous “Tactical Situation 8.” Fernandinho (25) passes to the attacking Fernandinho  midfielder (De midfielder  (De Bruyne - 17 in diagram) in diagram) in a wide position. If the opposing centre back (red No.5) moves out of the defensive line to close down the attacking midfielder, De Bruyne’s (17) open body shape allows him to see red No.5’s movement.

As the diagonal pass to the forward Agüero (10) is (10)  is blocked and the red centre back (No.4) has approached at a diagonal angle due to the attacking midfielder De Bruyne’s (17) wide (17) wide position, the best option is a vertical pass into the space created in behind.  The quick reading reading of the situation situation and the communication between the forward Agüero (10) and (10)  and the attacking midfielder De Bruyne (17) results (17)  results in Agüero (10) receiving in behind with a good chance to score.

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GUARDIOLA Ta PEP GUARDIOLA  Tactical ctical Analysis - Opposing Centre Back Pushes Out to Press the Ball

2. Opposing Centre Back Pushes Out to Press Attacking Midfielder in a Central Position: Position: 1-2 Combination to Receive in Available Space If the attacking midfielder De Bruyne (17) was (17) was positioned more centrally, the opposing centre back (red No.5) used a straight/vertical straight/ve rtical run to close him down. This prevented the vertical pass to the forward Agüero (10) shown in the example on the previous page. In this situation, the Manchester City attacking midfielder De Bruyne (17) would either: 1. Receive and turn if possible. 2. Play a 1-2 combination with the forward Agüero (10) and receive the return pass in the space created (as shown in the diagram).

3. Opposing Centre Back Pushes Out to Press Attacking Midfielder in a Central Position: Position: Pass Inside for Team-mate Team-mate to Play P lay to Forward In this variation of the previous example, De Bruyne (17) passes inside to the other attacking midfielder Silva (21) instead (21)  instead of the forward.  The forward forward Agüero (10)  (10)  moves into the available space behind red No.5 using a curved run. Silva (21) plays a first time pass into the available space for Agüero (10) to (10) to receive on the run, with a great scoring chance.

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SESSION 9 BASED ON THE TACT CTIC ICS S OF PEP GUARDIOLA Exploiting Space Created when the Opposing Centre Back Pushes Out to Press the Ball

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Opposing Centre Back Pushes Out to Press the Ball

SESSION FOR THIS TH IS TACTIC TACTICAL AL SITUA SITUATION TION (4 PRACTICES) Practice 1: Exploit Exploiting ing Space Created when the Centre Back Pushes Out to Press Ball (Unopposed) Scenario A: The Attacking Midfielder Receives in a Wide Position

Description (Scenario A) In a 35 x 45 yard area, the practice starts with the centre back (14) (14).. There is a 12 x 5 yard white central zone and two 4 x 5 yard yellow wide zones for the blue attacking midfielders.  The blue back 4 pass amongst themselve themselves. s. As soon as the defensive midfielder (25) (25) receives  receives in between the lines with an open body shape (half-turn), the attacking midfielders (21 & 17)  17)  move towards the available passing lanes to receive.

 The defensive defensive midfielder midfielder (25) (25) passes  passes to one of the attacking midfielders (21 or 17). 17). In Scenario A, we imagine the opposing centre back moves to press the blue attacking midfielder (17) (17) at  at a diagonal angle, due to his wide position. This This opens up a vertical passing lane to the forward (10) (10) into  into the created space.  The forward forward (10) (10) receives  receives and tries to score.  The attacking midfielder midfielder (17) is limited to 2 touches (receive and pass).

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for PEP GUARDIOLA  Session for  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Opposing Centre Back Pushes Out to Press the Ball

Scenario B: The Attacking Midfielder Receives in a Central Position

Description (Scenario B)

Coaching Points

In Scenario B, the attacking midfielder (No.21 in diagram example) receives example) receives the pass in the white central zone.

1. Read the tactical situation: The forward moves according accordin g to whether the attacking midfielder receives in a central or wide position.

We imagine the opposing centre back moves to press the blue attacking midfielder (21) (21)   at a straight/vertical angle, due to his central position.

2. Receive with an open body shape and turn quickly.

 This means that the vertical pass pass to the forward forward (10),, as shown in Scenario A, is no longer an (10) option.

5. Well-timed runs of the players.

 The attacking midfielder midfielder (21) (21) therefore  therefore plays a 1-2 combination with the forward (10) and receives the return pass ahead of the white mannequin. He then tries to score.

3. Quality high speed passing (1 or 2 touches). 4. Quality and accurate finishing.

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Opposing Centre Back Pushes Out to Press the Ball

PROGRESSION Practice 2: Exploit Exploiting ing Space Created when the Centre Back Pushes Out to Press Ball (Opposed) Scenario A: The Attacking Midfielder Receives in a Wide Position

Description (Scenario A)  This is a progression progression of the previous previous practice, with 2 red centre backs (No.4 and No.5) added.  The blue back 4 pass amongst themselve themselves. s. As soon as the defensive midfielder (25) (25) receives,  receives, the attacking midfielders (21 & 17) move 17) move into the available passing lanes to receive in either the white central zone or a wide yellow zone.  The respective respective red centre centre back moves moves forward forward to close down the blue attacking midfielder (No.17 in diagram). diagram).

In Scenario A, the red centre back No.5 moves to press the blue attacking midfielder (17) (17) at  at a diagonal angle due to his wide position.  The attacking midfielder midfielder (17) has 2 options: 1. If there is time and space, receive and pass forward (vertical) in behind to the forward (10),, using a maximum of 2 touches. (10) 2. If the vertical pass is blocked, pass inside to the other attacking midfielder (21) (21),, who then passes to the forward (10) (10)  - see blue arrows.

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for PEP GUARDIOLA  Session for  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Opposing Centre Back Pushes Out to Press the Ball

Scenario B: The Attacking Midfielder Receives in a Central Position

Description (Scenario B)

Coaching Points

In Scenario B, the red centre back (No.4) moves

1. Read the tactical situation: The forward

to press thertical blueangle attacking midfielder (21) at (21)  at a straight/vertical straight/ve due to his central position.  This means that the vertical pass pass to the forward forward (10),, as shown in Scenario A, is no longer an (10) option.  The attacking midfielder midfielder (21) (21) therefore  therefore plays a 1-2 combination with the forward (10) (10) and  and receives the return pass in the space created in behind. He then tries to score.

moves according theor attacking midfielder receivestoinwhether the centre wide and the opposing centre back’s reaction. 2. Receive with an open body shape and turn quickly. 3. Quality high speed passing (1 or 2 touches). 4. Quality and accurate finishing. 5. Well-timed runs of the players.

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Opposing Centre Back Pushes Out to Press the Ball

PROGRESSION Practice 3: Exploit Exploiting ing Space Created when the Centre Back Pushes Out to Press Ball in a Functional Practice Scenario A: The Attacking Midfielder Receives in a Wide Position

Description (Scenario A)

In Scenario A, the red centre back (No.4) moves

 This is a progression progression of the previous previous practice and the blues play against a red back 4.

to press the blue attacking midfielder (21) at (21)  at a diagonal angle due to his wide position.

 The blue back 4 pass amongst themselve themselves. s. As soon as the defensive midfielder (25) (25) receives,  receives, the attacking midfielders (21 & 17) move 17) move into the available passing lanes to receive in either the white central zone or a wide yellow zone.

 The attacking midfielder midfielder (21) has 2 options:

 The respective respective red centre centre back (No.4 (No.4 in diagram) diagram) moves forward to close down the blue attacking midfielder (No.21 in diagram). diagram).

Restriction/Rule:  The red full full backs (No.2 (No.2 & No.3) defend normally but they are not allowed to enter any of the zones at any time.

1. If there is time and space, receive and pass forward (vertical) in behind to the forward (10),, using a maximum of 2 touches. (10) 2. If the vertical pass is blocked, pass inside to the other attacking midfielder (17) (17),, who then passes to the forward (10) (10)  - see blue arrows.

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for PEP GUARDIOLA  Session for  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Opposing Centre Back Pushes Out to Press the Ball

Scenario B: The Attacking Midfielder Receives in a Central Position

Description (Scenario B)

Coaching Points

In Scenario B, the red centre back (No.5) moves to press the blue attacking midfielder (17) (17) at  at a straight/vertical straight/ve rtical angle due to his central position.

1. Read the tactical situation: The forward moves according to whether the attacking midfielder receives in the centre or wide and the opposing centre back’s reaction.

 This means that the vertical pass pass to the forward forward (10),, as shown in Scenario A, is no longer an (10) option.  The attacking midfielder midfielder (17) (17) therefore  therefore plays a 1-2 combination with the forward (10) (10) and  and receives the return pass in the space created in behind. He then tries to score.

2. Receive with an open body shape and turn quickly. 3. Quality high speed passing (1 or 2 touches). 4. Quality and accurate finishing. 5. Well-timed runs of the players.

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Opposing Centre Back Pushes Out to Press the Ball

PROGRESSION Practice 4: Exploit Exploiting ing Space Created when the Centre Back Pushes Out to Press Ball in a Conditioned Game

Description  This is a progression progression of the previous previous practice, moving into a 10 v 10 (+GK) game. The blue team start the practice with the centre back (30) from the end line.  The blue team team can score score in any way way (1 point), but if they score after the defensive midfielder (25) (25)   passes to one of the attacking midfielders (21 or 17) and 17) and then exploit the space created by the opposing centre back pushing out, they score 2 points. Please see the tactical analysis and practices for all possible situations, reactions and options. If the reds win possession, they try to score in

 The marked zones zones are only only used to make make it easier easier for the blues to read the tactical situation and can be removed.

Restrictions/Rules 1.  The red full full backs (No.2 (No.2 & No.3) No.3) are not allowed to enter any of the zones at any time. 2.  The red centre centre backs (No.4 & No.5) No.5) are are coached to put pressure on the attacking midfielders within the zones.

Progression 11v 11 game in 2/3 of the pitch with the same 11v11 aims and without any marked out zones.

either mini goal within 10 12 seconds (2 points).

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TACTICAL SITUATION 10

 Attacking Through Through the Centre Centre with the Forward Forward Dropping Back to Receive Content from Analysis of Manchester City during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 Premier League winning seasons  The analysis is based on recurring recurring patterns of play observed observed within the Manchester Manchester City team. team. Once the same phase of play occurred a number of times (at least 10) the tactics would be seen as a pattern. The analysis on the next page is an example of the team’s tactics being used effectively, taken from a specific game. Each action, pass, individual movement movement with or without the ball, and the positioning of each player on the pitch including their body shape, are presente presented. d.  The analysis is then used to create a full progressive progressive session session to coach coach this specific tactical situation.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Attacking Through the Centre with Forward Dropping Back 

ATT TTA ACKING THROUGH T HROUGH THE T HE CENTRE WITH WITH THE FORWARD DROPPING BACK TO RECEIVE 1. Forward Drops Back to Become a Link Player and Create Space in Behind to Move the Ball to the Attacking Midfielder

When it wasn’t possible for the defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25) to (25) to pass to the attacking midfielders (21 & 17), 17), the forward (Jesus - 33 in diagram example) dropped back to become a link player and direct the ball to them.  The forward forward Jesus (33) notices (33) notices that the pass towardss the attacking midfielder De Bruyne toward (17) is (17)  is not easy, so he drops a few yards back to provide a passing option and become the link player to move the ball to the attacking midfielder on the strong side.

De Bruyne (17) receives (17) receives facing the opposition’s goal and a 2v1 situation is created on the right side, with De Bruyne (17) and (17) and the winger Bernardo (20) against (20) against the red full back No.3.  The attacking midfielder midfielder De Bruyne (17) has 2 options: 1. Dribble forward to exploit the free space behind the red centre back (No.5) and shoot. 2. Pass out wide to the right winger Bernardo (20),, who will most likely deliver a low cross (20) for a team-mate - see blue arrows.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactical ctical Analysis - Attacking Through the Centre with Forward Dropping Back 

2. Forward Drops Back to Become a Link Player and Manchester City Use a Third Man Run Combination to Receive in Behind

If the forward Jesus forward Jesus (33) passes to the attacking midfielder on the weak side Silva (21), (21), a 2v2 situation is created on the left side. In this situation, the available space behind the red centre back (No.5) can be best exploited with the third man run of the other attacking midfielder De Bruyne (17). (17).

As soon as the pass from the forward Jesus forward  Jesus (33) to Silva (21) is (21) is played, De Bruyne (17) starts (17) starts his forward movement towards the available space behind red No.5. A diagonal first time pass from Silva (21) is (21) is played into De Bruyne’s (17) path, (17) path, he receives on the run and shoots at goal.

NOTE: A decisive element that determines which attacking midfielder the forward passes to is his body shape and which side he is angled towards If the forward is half-turned towards the attacking midfielder on the weak side (21) (21),, then the attacking midfielder on the strong side (17) should be ready to start his diagonal run as soon as the ball reaches the forward’s (33) feet.

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SESSION 10 BASED ON THE TACT CTIC ICS S OF PEP GUARDIOLA Attacking Through the Centre with the Forward Dropping Back to Receive

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactics ctics - Attacking Through the Centre with Forward Dropping Back 

SESSION FOR THIS TH IS TACTIC TACTICAL AL SITUA SITUATION TION (2 PRACTICES) Practice 1: Attacking Attacki ng Through the Centre Cent re with the Forward Dropping Back in a Functional Practice Scenario A: Forward Passes to Attacking Midfielder on Strong Side

Description (Scenario A) In a 35 x 45 yard area, the practice starts with the centre back (5) (5).. There is a low 20 x 5 yard white central zone and a high 12 x 5 yard white central zone - both are divided in half vertically.  There are are also two 12 12 x 20 yard yard yellow wide wide zones for the blue wingers (19 & 20) and 20) and the red full backs (No.2 & No.3).  The blue back 4 pass amongst themselve themselves. s. The passing lanes to the attacking midfielders (21

midfielder (25) (25) receives,  receives, the forward (10) drops back into the low white central zone and becomes a link player to move the ball to them. In Scenario A, the forward (10) passes to the attacking midfielder on the strong side (17) (17),, who  who  has 2 options: 1. Dribble forward to exploit the free space behind the red centre back (No.5) and shoot. 2. Pass out wide to the right winger (20) winger  (20) in  in the yellow wide zone who delivers a low cross for

oncoming team mates see diagram example.

& 17) are blocked, so as soon as the defensive

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for PEP GUARDIOLA  Session for  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactics ctics - Attacking Through the Centre with Forward Dropping Back 

Scenario B: Forward Passes Passes to Attacking Midfielder on Weak Side

Description (Scenario B) In Scenario B, the forward (33) forward (33) passes to the attacking midfielder on on thethe weak side  (21),, so a 2v2 situation is created leftside (21) side.

Repeat with the forward (33) (33) receiving  receiving on the other side with the other red centre back (No.4) moving to close him down. No.21 No.21 becomes  becomes the attacking midfielder on the new strong side and No.17 on No.17  on the new weak side.

 The available available space behind the red centre centre back (No.5) is best exploited with the third man run of the other attacking midfielder midfielder (17)  (17)..

Coaching Points

As soon as the pass from the forward (33) forward (33) to the attacking midfielder on the weak side (21) side (21) is  is played, the attacking midfielder on the strong side (17) side  (17) starts  starts his forward movement towards the available space behind red No.5.

2. Receive with an open body shape and turn quickly.

1. Read the tactical situation: Is the ball passed to the attacking midfielder on the strong side or the attacking midfielder on the weak side?

3. Quality high speed passing (1 or 2 touches).

A diagonal first time pass from No.21 No.21 is  is played

4. Quality and accurate finishing.

into No.17’s No.17’s path  path - he receives on the run and shoots at goal.

5. Well-timed runs of the players.

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Session for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Ta Tactics ctics - Attacking Through the Centre with Forward Dropping Back 

PROGRESSION Practice 2: Attacking Attacki ng Through the Centre Cent re with the Forward Dropping Back in a Dynamic Conditioned Game

Description

If the reds win possessio possession, n, they try to score in

 This is a progression progression of the previous previous practice, moving into a 10 v 10 (+GK) game. The blue team start the practice with the centre back (4) from the end line.

either mini goal within 10-12 seconds (2 points).  The marked zones zones are only only used to make make it easier easier for the blues to read the tactical situation and can be removed.

 The blue team team can score score in any way way (1 point), but if they score after passing to the forward who drops back and combine to overcome the pressing of the opposing centre back, they score 2 points. Please see the analysis and practices for all possible situations, reactions and options.

Restrictions/Rules

In this example, the forward (33) (33) passes  passes to the attacking midfielder on the strong side (21) (21),, who can either dribble forward and shoot or pass to

1.  The red full full backs are not allowed allowed to enter the the central zones at any time. 2.  The red centre centre backs are coached coached to put pressure pressur e on the attacking midfielders within their zones. 11v11 game in 2/3 ofzones. the pitch Progression: with the same aims and without any

the winger (19) (19)..

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ATTACKING AGAINS NSTT THE THE 4-3-3

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Attacking Against the 4-3-3

ATTACKING AGAINST THE 4-3-3 When a Manchester City attacking midfielder (No.17 in diagram below) makes below) makes a diagonal run in behind the opposing full back (red No.2) against the 4-3-3 formation, it was the opposing defensive midfielder (No.6) who shifted across to block the potential inside pass by the City winger (No.19 in diagram). diagram). Space between the lines is restricted as there are 2 opposing attacking midfielders (No.8 &

No.10), so the defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25) was (25)  was usually marked or the passing lane to him was blocked by the strong side’s attacking midfielder (No.8). This meant the direct pass from the winger Sané (19) to (19) to the defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25) was not possible. Against the 4-3-3, Fernandinho (25) would therefore take up a position between the 2 attacking midfielders to find space and receive.

Switching Play to the Weak Side After Stretching the Opposition’ Opposition’ss Defence (Against the 4-3-3)  The winger (19) winger (19) passes back to the full back (35),, as the inside pass is (35) blocked. The ball is either passed to the defensive midfielder (25) or moved to the other full back (2) (2)   via the centre back (5) (5)..  The defensive defensive midfielder midfielder (25) or the full back (2) receive (2)  receive and switch play to the weak side with a long pass to the attacking midfielder (8) or (8)  or the winger (7) (7),, depending on the gap between the red centre back (No.5) and full back (No.3).

NOTE:  The training session session (5 practices) practices) in ‘’Tactical Situation Situation 7: Stretching the Opposition Opposition’’s Defence and Switching Play (Against the 4-4-2 or the 4-2-3-1)“ can be adjusted to play

against the 4 3 3 formation see the passing options in the diagram above.

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TACTICAL SITUATION 11

Switching Play to the Weak Side when the Overload is Blocked Against the 4-3-3 Content from Analysis of Manchester City during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 Premier League winning seasons  The analysis is based on recurring recurring patterns of play observed observed within the Manchester Manchester City team. team. Once the same phase of play occurred a number of times (at least 10) the tactics would be seen as a pattern. The analysis on the next page is an example of the team’s tactics being used effectively, taken from a specific game. Each action, pass, individual movement movement with or without the ball, and the positioning of each player on the pitch including their body shape, are presente presented. d.  The analysis is then used to create a full progressive progressive session session to coach coach this specific tactical situation.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactical Analysis - Switching Play to the Weak Side when the Overload is Blocked

SPACES TO MOVE THE BALL WHEN THE AVAILABLE SPACES TO OVERLOAD OVERLO AD IS I S BLOCKED AGAINST THE 4-3-3 4-3-3 Available Spaces to Exploit on the Weak Side when the Opposition Block the Overload on the Strong Side (Against the 4-3-3)

When playing against the 4-3-3, the opposing defensive midfielder (red No.6) controlled the Manchester City attacking midfielder on the strong side (De Bruyne - 17 in diagram) diagram)..  This meant that that the potential potential 2v1 advantage advantage within the zone of responsibility of the opposing full back (red No.2) was not possible and is blocked by the opposition.

Even if De Bruyne (17) managed to receive and turn, he would be closed down by red No.6 and the red team would retain their balance. However, this positioning left space in specific areas where City could create a favourable situation - see available space between the lines and on the weak side in the diagram.

 The opposing defensiv defensive e midfielder (red (red No.6) No.6)

 There is a 2v1 overload overload with the other other attacking midfielder Gündoğan (8) and (8) and the winger

shifts across to control the City attacking midfielder De Bruyne (17) and (17) and block the

Sterling (7) on the weak side against the red full back No.3, so Manchester City’s aim is to play to

potential 2v1 overload from being created.

either of them.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactical Analysis - Switching Play to the Weak Side when the Overload is Blocked

MOVING THE BALL TO TO THE ATTA ATTACKING CKING MIDFIELDER MIDFIELDER   ON THE WEAK SIDE 1. Moving the Ball to the Attacking Midfielder on the Weak Side Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team use quick passing to move the ball to the attacking midfielder on the weak side (Gündoğan - 8 in diagram). diagram).  This was achieved achieved with with the defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25) passing (25) passing directly (diagonal) to the attacking midfielder Gündoğan (8) or (8) or via the full back on the weak side (Walker - 2 in diagram), diagram), who shifts across to receive.

2. Attacking Midfielder Receives and Turns with 2 Passing Options As soon as the attacking midfielder Gündoğan (8) receives, he turns free of marking, as the red full back (No.3) also has the winger Sterling (7) within (7) within his zone of responsibility. Gündoğan (8) has (8) has 2 available passing options - the pass to the forward Agüero (10) is (10) is the most likely to result in a City goal. If red No.3 did move to put pressure on Gündoğan (8), (8), the ball would be moved to the free ifplayer Sterling directly possible, or via(7) the

full back Walker (2). (2).

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactical Analysis - Switching Play to the Weak Side when the Overload is Blocked

SWITCHING PLAY TO THE WINGER ON THE WEAK SIDE (IN A WIDE POSITION)

In this situation, a long pass is used to switch

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team then use

play to the winger on the weak side (Sterling - 7 in diagram). diagram).

specific movements which depend on: 1.  The positioning positioning of the opposing opposing defenders. defenders.

 Together with the attacking midfielder  Together midfielder on the weak side (Gündoğan - 8 in diagram), diagram), this creates a 2v1 overload in the opposing full back’s (red No.3) zone of responsibility.

2.  The area the ball is received received by the the winger (wide or narrow).

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactical Analysis - Switching Play to the Weak Side when the Overload is Blocked

ATTACKING MIDFIELDER ATTACKING MIDFIELDER  SUPPORTS THE WINGER AFTER SWITCH OF PLAY TO A WIDE POSITION 1. Attacking Midfielder Makes Run to Receive in Behind Full Back  As soon as the switch of play is made, the attacking midfielder on the weak side (Gündoğa (Gündoğan n - 8 in the diagram) reads diagram)  reads the situation. As the opposing centre back (red No.5) is too far away to control Gündoğan (8), (8), he makes a diagonal run in behind the red full back (No.3) to receive from Sterling (7). (7). After receiving, Gündoğan (8)  (8)  delivers a low cross into the penalty area.

2. Attacking Midfielder Moves into Supporting Position to Receive Back and Deliver an Early Cross In this variation of the previous example, the opposing centre (red No.5) is now closeback enough to control City’s attacking midfielder on the weak side (Gündoğa (Gündoğan n - 8 in the diagram).. diagram) Gündoğan (8) stays (8) stays in a supporting position for the right winger Sterling (7) and (7) and receives the pass back. The City attacking midfielder in this position usually delivers an early cross into the space between the defenders and

goalkeeper.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactical Analysis - Switching Play to the Weak Side when the Overload is Blocked

FULL BACK SUPPORTS BACK SUPPORTS THE WINGER AFTER SWITCH OF PLA PL AY TO A WIDE POSITION 1. Full Back Moves Forward to Support the Winger when the Attacking Midfielder is Unable Una ble to Create an Overload Wide

When the attacking midfielder on the weak side (Gündoğan - 8 in diagram example) was example) was in a more central position and unable to create an overload wide, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team instead try to create a favourable 2v1 overload on the weak side with the forward movement of the full back (Walker - 2 in diagram).. diagram)  The Manchester Manchester City full back on the weak side side Walker (2) notices (2) notices the attacking midfielder Gündoğan (8) is (8) is unable to create an overload

position as soon as the switch of play is made by the defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25). (25).  This forward forward movement movement of the full back Walker (2) creates (2)  creates a 2v1 situation together with the Manchester City right winger Sterling (7)  (7)  against the opposing full back (red No3).

wide. He therefore moves into an advanced

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactical Analysis - Switching Play to the Weak Side when the Overload is Blocked

2. Opposing Centre Back is Too Far Away to Track Runs in Behind: Full Back Makes Underlapping Run to Receive

Manchester City’s next movements depend on the positioning of the red centre back on that side (No.5 in diagram example). If the opposing centre back (red No.5) was too far away to control the movement of the City full back Walker (2) or (2) or decided to stay in a central position to defend a potential cross, then Walker (2) would (2)  would make an underlapping run, as shown.

 The opposing full full back (red No.3) No.3) has to close close down the City winger Sterling (7), (7), so the right back Walker (2) is (2) is free to make an underlapping run and receive in behind red No.3. From this point, Walker (2) is (2) is in a favourable position to deliver a cross for his team-mates.

NOTE:  The underlapping underlapping run was more more frequently frequently used by by Walker (2) on (2) on the right, as the Manchester City right back has the speed that Delph (18) and (18) and Zinchenko (35) don’t (35) don’t have on the left. On the left, Delph (18) and (18) and Zinchenko (35) have (35) have the qualities of midfielders, so they are better at playing key/final passes, delivering early crosses and sometimes overlapping,

rather than underlapping runs.

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactical Analysis - Switching Play to the Weak Side when the Overload is Blocked

3. Opposing Centre Back is Closer and Able to Track Track Runs in Behind: Full Back Supports, Receives Back and Delivers an Early Cross

If the opposing centre back (red No.5) was close enough to the Manchester City right back Walker (2), (2), he could then control the potential

Walker (2) delivers (2) delivers an early cross into the space between the defenders and the goalkeeper (white highlighted area) for his team-mates (10,

underlapping run and any run into the space behind the full back (red No.3).

17 & 19) to 19) to run onto and try to score.

 Therefore, Walker (2) decides to remain in a  Therefore, supporting position and receive the pass back from the City winger Sterling (7) within (7) within the early crossing area (yellow highlighted area in the diagram).

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactical Analysis - Switching Play to the Weak Side when the Overload is Blocked

SWITCHING PLAY TO THE WINGER WHO MOVES INSIDE (IN INSIDE  (IN A NARROW POSITION) Winger Moves Inside to Receive a Long Switch of Play in a Narrow Position

If the long pass was received in a narrower position (the winger moves more inside), the Manchester City players used different options to break through the opposition’s defence, compared to when the winger received in a wider position (see previous 3 pages).

When receiving in a narrower position, the opposing centre back (red No.5) is able to control the City attacking midfielder on the weak side (Gündoğan - 8 in diagram example) much easier.

In this example, the City right winger Sterling (7) receives (7)  receives the long pass (switch of play) from

 The potential potential run in behind from from Gündoğan (8)  (8)  was also easier to defend because the full back (red No.3) didn’t have to move too wide, thus

the defensive Fernandinho (25) in (25) in a position closermidfielder to the centre.

creating a smaller gap and less space to exploit.

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GUARDIOLA Tactical Analysis - Switching Play to the Weak Side when the Overload is Blocked PEP GUARDIOLA 

ATTACKING MIDFIELDER ATTACKING MIDFIELDER  SUPPORTS THE WINGER AFTER SWITCH OF PLAY TO A NARROW POSITION 1. Attacking Midfielder’ Midfielder ’s Overlapping Run to Receive in Behind  The options for for City to break through the defence are different when the winger receives in a narrower position.  The attacking midfielder Gündoğan (8) makes (8)  makes an overlapping run to exploit the space out wide and a 2v1 situation against the full back (red No.3).

2. Opposing Full Back Tracks Attacking Midfielder’ Mi dfielder’ss Overlapping Run: Winger Has Space to Deliver Early Cross  This is a variation variation of the previous example, the opposingwith full back (red No.3) tracking Gündoğan’s (8) run (8) run to prevent the 2v1. However, the winger Sterling (7) stays free of marking for a couple of seconds and is able to deliver an early cross into the space between the defenders and the goalkeeper.

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GUARDIOLA Tactical Analysis - Switching Play to the Weak Side when the Overload is Blocked PEP GUARDIOLA 

FULL BACK SUPPORTS BACK SUPPORTS THE WINGER AFTER SWITCH OF PLAY TO A NARROW POSITION 1. Full Back’s Back’s Overlapping Run to Receive in Behind

 The full back Walker (2) makes (2) makes an overlapping run to exploit the space out wide and exploit a 2v1 situation against the opposing full back (red No.3). Manchester City exploit this situation in one of the following ways: 1.  The winger passes passes to the full full back Walker (2), (2), who receives on the run and crosses for his team-mates (as shown in the diagram above).

2. If the opposing full back (red No.3) tracks Walker’ss (2) Walker’ (2 ) run, the winger Sterling (7) has time and space to deliver an early cross (see diagram on the next page).

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PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactical Analysis - Switching Play to the Weak Side when the Overload is Blocked

2. Opposing Full Back Tracks Full Back’s Overlapping Run: Winger Has Space to Deliver an Early Cross

 This is a variation variation of the previous previous example, example, with the opposing full back (red No.3) tracking Walker’ss (2) Walker’ (2 ) run to prevent the 2v1.

deliver an early cross into the space between the defenders and the goalkeeper.

However, thea couple winger of Sterling (7)and stays free of marking for seconds is able to

NOTE: All the situations in this section are presented presented against the 4-3-3, but these same situations also occur for Manchester City against the 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1. Against the 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1, these situations are created if the opposition block the overload or if all the opposing players shift towards the strong side and space is limited around the ball area.

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SESSION 11 BASED ON THE TACT CTIC ICS S OF PEP GUARDIOLA Switching Play to the Weak Weak Side when the Overload is Block Blocked ed Against the 4-3-3

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SESSION FOR THIS TH IS TACTIC TACTICAL AL SITUA SITUATION TION (3 PRACTICES) Practice 1: Switching Play Pla y to the Winger on the Weak Weak Side in a Functional Practice (vs Full Back) Scenario A: Winger Receives in a Wide Position and the th e Attacking Midfielder Makes an Underlapping Run

Objective:  Switching play to the winger on the weak side to create and exploit a 2v1 overload.

Description (Scenario A)  There are are 2 wide zones zones which are are 12 x 5 yards yards divided in half (yellow wide and blue narrow).

 The full back (35) (35) moves  moves forward with the ball and then passes to the defensive midfielder (25) (25)..  The defensive defensive midfielder midfielder (25) (25) switches  switches play to the winger (7) on the weak side.

 There are are also 2 white white central zones, zones, which which are 8 x 7 yards for the blue attacking midfielders (17 & 8) and the red full backs (No.2 & No.3).

In Scenario A, the winger (7) receives in a wide position (inside the yellow zone), so the attacking midfielder (8) makes an underlapping run to run  to receive behind the red full back (No.3).

 The practice starts starts with the centre centre back (14) passing to the defensive midfielder (25) (25),, who

From there, the attacking midfielder (8) delivers a low cross for oncoming team-mates to finish.

lays the ball back. The centre back (14) (14) then  then

 The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out

passes to the full back (35) (35),, who has dropped back to receive.

on the opposite side.

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Scenario B: Winger Receives in a Narrow Position and the Attacking Midfielder Makes an Overlapping Run

Description (Scenario B)  This variation variation again shows shows the defensive defensive midfielder (25) (25) switching  switching play to the winger (7) on the weak side. In Scenario B, the winger (7) receives in a narrow position (inside the blue zone), so the attacking midfielder (8) makes an overlapping run to run to receive in behind the red full back (No.3). From there, the attacking midfielder (8) delivers a low cross for oncoming team-mates to finish.

However, if the opposing full back (red No.3) tracks the overlapping run of the blue attacking midfielder (8) (8),, the winger (7) (7) will  will have time and space to deliver an early cross into the space between the defenders and the goalkeeper - see the blue arrow in the diagram example.  The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out on the opposite side.

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Scenario C: Winger Receives in a Wide Position and the Full Back Makes an Underlapping Run

Description (Scenario C)  This variation variation shows what what happens when when the attacking midfielder (8) is in a more central position and unable to create a 2v1 overload on the weak side. In this practice, the attacking midfielder (8) drops back and out of the white zone. As soon as the defensive midfielder plays the long pass (switch of play), the full back on the weak side (2) (2)   moves forward into the white zone, as shown. For Scenario C, the winger (7) receives in a wide position (inside the yellow zone), so the full back (2) makes an underlapping run to run to receive behind the red full back (No.3).

From there, the full back (2) delivers a low cross for oncoming team-mates to finish.  The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out on the opposite side.

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Scenario D: Winger Receives in a Narrow Position and the Full Back Makes an Overlapping Run

Description (Scenario D)

Coaching Points

In Scenario D, the winger (7) receives in a narrow position (inside the blue zone), so the full back (2) makes an overlapping run to run to receive in

1. Read the tactical situation: The blue attacking midfielder or full back must notice the area the winger receives the ball (wide or narrow)

behind the opposing full back (red No.3). From there, the full back (2) delivers a low cross for oncoming team-mates to finish. However, if the opposing full back (red No.3) tracks the overlapping run of the blue full back (2),, the winger (7) (2) (7) will  will have time and space to deliver an early cross into the space between the defenders and the goalkeeper - see the blue arrow in the diagram example.  The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out on the opposite side.

and the positioning of the closest red centre back (No.5). 2. Well-timed runs of the players e.g. the blue full back takes advantage of the transmission phase (time the ball takes to travel) to move forward and create/exploit a 2v1 overload.

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PROGRESSION Practice 2: Switching Play Pla y to the Winger on the Weak Weak Side in a Functional Practice (vs Back 4) Scenario A: Opposing Centre Back is Close and Able to Track Runs in Behind the Full Back 

Objective:  Switching play to the winger on the weak side to create and exploit a 2v1 overload.

Description (Scenario A)  The is a progression progression of the previous previous practice.  There are are 2 wide zones zones for the the 2v1 overload overload after a switch of play.  The blue players players carry out the same same passing pattern and as soon as the defensive midfielder (25) switches (25)  switches play, the players have to read the tactical situation and exploit the overload in the best possible way.

and practices for all possible situations, situations, reactions and options.  The second important factor is the positioning of the closest centre back (red No.5). In Scenario A, the winger (7) (7) receives  receives in a wide position and the opposing centre back (red No.5) is close enough to control any runs behind the full back (red No.3).  The attacking midfielder midfielder (8) therefore stays in a supporting position to receive back from the winger (7) and deliver an early cross into the space between the defenders and the

 The first important important factor is where where the winger (7) (7)   receives the ball. Please see the tactical analysis

the space between the defenders and the goalkeeper.

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Scenar io B: Opposi Scenario Opposing ng Centre Back Bac k is Too Far Away to Tr Track ack Runs in Behind the Full Back 

Description (Scenario B)  This variation variation shows what what happens when when the attacking midfielder (8) (8) is  is in a more central position and unable to create a 2v1 overload on

From there, the full back (2) delivers a low cross for oncoming team-mates to finish. Please see the tactical analysis and practices for all possible situations, reactions and options.

the weak side.  The practice restarts restarts with the pattern pattern carried out out In this practice, the attacking midfielder (8) on the opposite side. drops back and out of the white zone. As soon as the defensive midfielder plays the long pass Coaching Points (switch of play), the full back on the weak side (2) (2)   1. Read the tactical situation: The blue attacking moves forward into the white zone, as shown. midfielder or full back must notice the area the winger receives the ball (wide or narrow) In Scenario B, the red centre back (No.5) is too and the positioning of the closest red centre far away to track runs in behind the red full back back (No.5). (No.3). He is outside the white zone. 2. Well-timed runs of the players e.g. the blue In this example, the winger (7) (7) has  has received in a full back takes advantage of the transmission wide position, so the blue full back  (2)  (2) makes an phase (time the ball takes to travel) to move underlapping run to run to receive in behind the red forward and create/exploit a 2v1 overload.

full back (No.3).

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PROGRESSION Practice 3: Switching Play Pla y to the Winger on the Weak Weak Side in a Dynamic Conditioned Game

Description

Coaching Points

 This is a into progression progression the previous previ ousThe practice, moving a 10 v 10of(+GK) game. blue team start the practice with the centre back (14) from the end line.

1. Read the tactical situation: bluethe attacking midfielder or full back mustThe notice area the winger receives the ball (wide or narrow) and the positioning of the closest red centre back (No.5).

 The blue team team can score score in any way way (1 point), but if they score after switching play and exploiting the overload wide on the weak side, they score 2 points.

2. Well-timed runs of the players e.g. the blue full back takes advantage of the transmission phase (time the ball takes to travel) to move forward and create/exploit a 2v1 overload.

Please see the tactical analysis and practices for all possible situations, reactions and options.

Progression

If the reds win possession, they try to score in

11v 11 game in 2/3 of the pitch with the same 11v11 aims and but without any marked out zones.

either mini goal within 10-12 seconds (2 points).

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ATTACKING AGAINST A BACK 5

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TACTICAL SITUATION 12

 Attacking Against Against a Back 5

Content from Analysis of Manchester City during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 Premier League winning seasons  The analysis is based on recurring recurring patterns of play observed observed within the Manchester Manchester City team. team. Once the same phase of play occurred a number of times (at least 10) the tactics would be seen as a pattern. The analysis on the next page is an example of the team’s tactics being used effectively, taken from a specific game. Each action, pass, individual movement movement with or without the ball, and the positioning of each player on the pitch including their body shape, are presente presented. d.  The analysis is then used to create a full progressive progressive session session to coach coach this specific tactical situation.

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THE ATTA AT TACKING CKING LIMIT LIMITA ATIONS WHEN WHEN PLA PLAYING YING AGAINST A BACK 5 1. How a Back 5 Formation Blocks the Overload in i n Both Wide Areas

As Pep Guardiola’s attacking tactics rely a lot on exploiting the overload wide, this forces many opposing coaches to use a formation with 5 players at the back when playing against Manchester City.  This means there is an extra extra defender defender and the opponents can control the Manchester City attacking midfielders on both sides.  The example above shows shows the opposition opposition using the 5-4-1 formation and there is a 2v2 equality of

 This meant that that the Manchester Manchester City attacking midfielders (21 & 20 in diagram example)  example)  could not receive in between the lines and turn towards the opponent’s goal as easily, so the team could not create 2v1 overloads in wide areas.

numbers in both wide areas.

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2. Reactions of the Opposition’s Opposition’s Back 5 to Prevent Manchester City from Breaking Through their Defence

 The opposition’ opposition’s wide centre centre backs (red (red No.4 and No.5) are close enough to track the diagonal runs

However, the opposing centre back on the weak side (red No.5) is capable of retaining balance

of Manchester City’ City ’s attacking midfielders (21 & 20) in behind the wing backs (red No.2 and No.3).

at the back by shifting across to the centre, so if the City winger Sané (19) attempts (19) attempts an inside pass, the middle centre back (red No.6) can move forward and restrict the space available for Agüero (10), (10), as shown in the diagram.

In this example, as soon as the ball is directed to the left winger Sané (19), (19), the attacking midfielder Silva (21) makes a diagonal run in behind the opposing right wing back (red No.2). As shown in the diagram example, the red right centre back (No.4) is close enough to track the run of City’ City ’s attacking midfielder Silva (21), (21), so this passing option is blocked.

NOTE: This reaction from NOTE: This from the opposition opposition is not possible when they play with a back 4.

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3. The Opposing Wide Centre Back Prevents the Attacking Midfielder from Receiving and Turning Between the Lines

As there is an equality of numbers (2v2) in wide areas, it becomes much harder for the

If a pass is played to the attacking midfielder between the lines Bernardo (20), (20), the red centre

Manchester City attacking midfielders to the receive between the lines and turn to face opponent’s goal.

back (No.5) move forward to mark him closely and can prevent him from turning.

 The opposing full full back (red No.3 No.3 in diagram) diagram) is marking the Manchester City winger (Sterling - 7 in diagram example) and the opposing wide centre back (red No.5) is free to control the attacking midfielder Bernardo (20). (20).

Manchester City are unable to advance their attack and Bernardo (20) would most likely just try to maintain possession possession for his team in this situation.

NOTE: Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have solutions for these attacking limitations when

playing against a back 5, which have been displayed on these 3 pages.  These attacking solutions solutions are are shown in the analysis and session on the the pages to follow follow..

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BEHIND THE OPPOSING WING BACK RECEIVING IN BEHIND  1. The Winger Attacks the Space in Behind the Wing Back when Closely Marked

As shown on the previous page, it is unlikely that the attacking midfielder (Bernardo - 20 in diagram example) can receive and turn between the lines, so Manchester City instead focus on playing the ball to the winger. Manchester City use different options to play the ball in behind to the winger (Sterling - 7 in diagram example), example), depending on the positioning of the opposing wing back (red No3).

receiving facing the goal, then the winger attacked the space in behind him.  This action was either carried out with an initial initial dropping back movement, followed by a sudden change of direction (as shown in the diagram example) or simply a sudden forward run. In addition, the City forward Agüero (10) moves towards the weak side to drag his marker (red

If the red No3 is close enough to restrict Sterling’s (7) space or even prevent him from

No.6) with him and create more space near the ball area.

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2. 1-2 Combination Out Wide to Receive Behind the Wing Back 

Another option for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to break through a 5-man defence is to use a 1-2 combination between the winger and the

 The attacking midfielder midfielder Bernardo (20) checks (20) checks away from his marker and moves to provide a passing option for Sterling (7). (7).

attacking midfielder.  This combination combination is carried out when the opposing wing back isn’t close enough to the City winger, who is able to receive facing the opponent’s goal.

As the opposing centre back (red No.5) marks Bernardo (20) goal-side, (20) goal-side, a 1-2 combination can be played so that Sterling (7) can receive in behind the wing back (red No.3) and deliver a low cross for oncoming team-mates.

 This example shows Sterling (7) receiving from the full back Walker (2). (2).

NOTE: Manchester City often use the 1-2 combination in these situations, but they also use the

give and go in wide areas to break through the opposition s defence. Please see “Tactical Situation 6: Combination Play Out Wide when the Overload is Blocked.”

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3. Attacking Midfielder Drops Back to Create Space and then Quickly Runs in Behind to Receive in Behind

In this variation of the previous example, the red centre back (No.5) is able to mark City’s attacking

Agüero (10) again moves towards the weak side to drag his marker (red No.6) with him and create

midfielder Bernardo (20) tightly (20) tightly and prevent him from receiving. However, available space is created behind the red centre back (No.5), which can be exploited by Bernardo (20). (20).

more space near the ball area.

 The winger Sterling (7) moves inside with the ball to find an available passing lane and Bernardo (20) drops back, before quickly changing direction and running into the available space created in behind. Sterling (7) times his pass in behind for Bernardo (20) to run onto. Bernardo (20) receives, dribbles forward and crosses.

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PLAY TO THE WEAK SIDE AND SWITCHING PLAY  ISOLATING  THE WING BA ISOLATING BACK CK IN A 1v1 SITUA S ITUATION TION The Winger Receives in a Wide Position, Beats the Wing Back in a 1v1 and Delivers a Cross

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City also use this simple but effective tactical movement to break through a 5-man defence.  The ball is directed directed to the winger on the weak weak side in order to take advantage of the ability of Sané (19), (19), Sterling (7), (7), Bernardo (20) or (20) or Mahrez (26) to (26) to beat their opponents in 1v1 duels and deliver crosses for their team-mates.

In this example, the defensive midfielder  midfielder  Fernandinho (25) switches play to Sané (19), (19), who beats the red wing back (No.2) on the outside, dribbles forward and delivers a low cross for Bernardo (20) to finish.

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PLAY TO THE WEAK SIDE, CREATING A SWITCHING PLAY  2v1 OVERLOAD AND DELIVERING AN EARLY CROSS Full Back Moves Forward to Provide Support for the t he Winger and Deliver an Early Cross Against a 5-Man Defence

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City also use early crosses to create scoring chances against a 5-man defence.  The crosses crosses were were either delivered delivered by the full back, the attacking midfielder or even the winger when there was a rotation between the 3 wide players. In this example, the full back Zinchenko (35) moves (35)  moves forward as soon as the defensive

 This creates creates a 2v1 overload overload and Zinchenko (35) is able to receive a pass back from Sané (19), (19), and then deliver an early cross into the space between the defenders and the goalkeeper.

midfielder Fernandinho (25) switches play.

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FORMATION:  SWITCHING TO A 2-2-5-1 FORMATION:  CREATING CREA TING 2v1 SITUA S ITUATIONS TIONS OUT WIDE WI DE

When Pep Guardiola notices that Manchester City are unable to create scoring chances when against a back 5, he makes a tactical switch by adding 1 more player close to the forward.

 This adjustment adjustment into an attacking attacking 2-2-5-1 formation forced the opposing wide centre backs (red No.4 and No.5) to shift inside and create a numerical advantage in the centre.

Either the attacking midfielder or the winger shift towards the centre to play close to the forward. In the diagram example, this is the attacking midfielder Silva (21). (21). The other player (the winger Sané - 19 in this example) example) moves  moves towards the inside as well.

As red No.4 and No.5 have moved into more central positions, there is a 2v1 situation in both wide areas.

At the same time, the respective full back moves into a wide position to provide width (Zinchenko - 35 in this example) example).. To retain balance, the defensive midfielder Fernandinho

Manchester City tried to exploit these potential 2v1 overloads in the same way as they did against a 4-man defence - see “Tactical Situation 3: Creating and Exploiting Overloads O verloads in Wide Areas.”

(25) moves towards the left and the right (25) moves back Walker (2) moves (2) moves towards the centre to complete the new 2-2-5-1 formation.

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SWITCHI NG TO A 2-2-5-1 FORMA SWITCHING FORMATION: TION: ATTACKING  THROUGH ATTACKING THROUGH  THE CENTRE 1. Attacking Midfielder Receives in the Centre and Turns Unmarked

If the opposing wide centre backs (red No.4 and No.5) take up wider positions to prevent the 2v1 overloads in wide areas, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team then attack through the centre.

As soon as Walker (2) passes (2) passes to the defensive midfielder Fernandinho (25), (25), the attacking midfielder positioned positioned close to the forward in the centre (Silva - 21 in diagram example) moves example) moves into an available passing lane to receive.

 The attacking midfielders midfielders have have moved inside to take up positions in the centre of the pitch. This often leads to a 4v3 numerical advantage in the central area.

If the opposing defender (red No.4) doesn’t move to close him down, Silva (21) receives (21) receives and turns in a crucial area to find a key/final pass for the run of one of his team-mates.

 The main aim for Manchester Manchester City is to pass pass to an attacking midfielder in between the lines, so they can receive, turn facing the goal and play a

final pass in behind.

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PEP GUARDIOLA’S ATTACKING ATTACKING TACTICS

 

Session for  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Attacking Against a Back 5 for PEP GUARDIOLA 

2. Attacking Midfielder is Unable to Receive in the Centre and Moves the Ball to a Free Player to Play a Final Pass In this variation, the attacking midfielder Silva (21) is closed down by the opposing centre back (red No.4). Silva (21) plays (21) plays a first time pass to the other attacking midfielder Bernardo (20) - the free player. Bernardo (20) can (20) can then play a key/final pass to No.19 who No.19  who exploits the available space behind red No.4 or into the path of No.10 No.10 or  or No.7 No.7..

3. Forward Drops Back to Receive and Move the Ball to a Free Player to Play a Final Pass When there is no available passing lane to the attacking midfielder Silva (21), (21), the forward Agüero (10) drops (10) drops back to receive. He can either turn and pass if he is unmarked, or pass to the free player if he is closed down (as shown in the diagram). Silva (21) receives (21) receives facing the opponent’s goal in a crucial area to find a key/ final pass for the run of one of his team-mates.

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PEP GUARDIOLA’S ATTACKING ATTACKING TACTICS

 

SESSION 12 BASED ON THE TACTICS OF PEP GUARDIOLA Attacking Against a Back 5

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PEP GUARDIOLA’S ATTACKING ATTACKING TACTICS

 

Practice for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Attacking Against a Back 5

SESSION FOR THIS TH IS TACTIC TACTICAL AL SITUA SITUATION TION (3 PRACTICES) Practice 1: Attacking Out Ou t Wide or Through the Centre Against a Back 5 in a Functional Practice Scenario A: The Full Back Receives and the Opposing Centre Back is Too Far Away to Track the Winger’s Run in Behind the Wing Back 

Description (Scenario A)

 There are are 2 yellow yellow wide zones zones where a 2v1 overload is created and a central white zone.  There are are 5 mannequins mannequins representing representing the 4 red red midfielders and 1 forward in the 5-4-1 formation.  The blue team team are in Pep Pep Guardiola’ Guardiola’ss 2-2-5-1 attacking formation.  The 2 blue centre centre backs (14 & 4) pass 4) pass the ball to each other and as soon as one of them receives and turns (14 in diagram), diagram), the 2 players in midfield (25 & 2) move 2) move to receive.

In Scenario A, the ball is passed to the advanced full back (35) (35) in  in the yellow wide zone and there is an attempt to exploit the 2v1 overload. The full back (35) must make the best possible decision about where to play the next pass, depending on the reaction of the opposing defenders. In the diagram example, the opposing right centre back (red No.4) is too far away to track the run of the blue winger (19) (19).. Therefore, he makes a run in behind the red wing back No.2, receives and crosses into the penalty area. Please see all the tactical analysis and all

 The blue centre centre back (14) can either pass the ball wide to the advanced full back (35) (35) or  or centrally.

practices in this session for all the possible defensive defensiv e reactions and attacking options.

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PEP GUARDIOLA’S ATTACKING ATTACKING TACTICS

 

for PEP GUARDIOLA  Practice for  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Attacking Against a Back 5

Scenario B: The Full Back Receives and the Opposing Centre Back Tracks the Winger’s Winger’s Run in Behind the Wing Back 

In Scenario B, the red centre back (No.4) tracks the run of the blue winger (19) (19)..

Please see all the tactical analysis and all practices in this session for all the possible defensive defensiv e reactions and attacking options.

As the full back (35) (35) is  is closed down, he passes

Coaching Points

back to the defensive midfielder (25) (25).. From this point, the defensive midfielder (25) switches play with a long pass. He must make the decision about where to play the pass.

1. Quality high speed passing (1 or 2 touches). 2. Quality low crosses and finishing.

Description (Scenario B)

In the diagram example, the defensive midfielder (25) switches (25)  switches play to the winger on the weak side (7) (7),, who can receive unmarked as all the red defenders have shifted across. If there was a gap between the defenders to exploit, the defensive midfielder (25) (25) would  would look to play a long pass into a central area.

3. Well synchronised movements of the players.

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PEP GUARDIOLA’S ATTACKING ATTACKING TACTICS

 

for PEP GUARDIOLA  Practice for  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Attacking Against a Back 5

Scenario C: Attacking Midfielder Receives in the Centre and Opposing Centre Back Closes Him Down

Description (Scenario C) In Scenario C, the defensive midfielder (25) (25)   passes into the central white zone. One of the central players (No.21 in diagram) moves to into a passing lane to receive. The options depend on the reaction of the opposing defender (red No.4): 1. If red No.4 doesn’t move to close blue No.21 No.21   down, he receives and turns in a crucial area to find a key/final pass for the run of one of his team-mates. 2. If red No.4 follows blue No.21 No.21,, he plays a first time pass to the other attacking midfielder No.20 (the free player). No.20 No.20 then  then plays a key/final pass for the run of one of his teammates - see diagram example.

 The defensive midfielder (25)  The  (25) can  can pass to either attacking midfielder (21 or 20) or 20) or the forward (10),, who can drop back to receive. (10) Please see all the tactical analysis and all practices in this session for all the possible defensive defensiv e reactions and attacking options.

Coaching Points 1. Decision making according to the reaction of the opposing defenders. 2. Exploiting the overload wide. 3. Receiving and turning quickly. 4. Using passing combinations to move the ball to the free player in the centre.

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PEP GUARDIOLA’S ATTACKING ATTACKING TACTICS

 

Practice for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Attacking Against a Back 5

PROGRESSION Practice 2: Attacking Attac king Options Optio ns Against a Back 5 in a Dynamic Game

Description In this progression, the blues startline. the game with the centre back (4) from the end 1. At first, the blue team try to attack the reds and score by exploiting the 2v1 overload in wide areas (within yellow zones). 2. If the red team react properly and block the overload e.g. the wide centre back (red No.4 in diagram) tracks the run of the blue winger No.19,, they then try to score after quickly No.19 switching play - see diagram example. 3.  There is also also always the possibility to attack through the centre, especially if the opposing

If the reds win possessio possession, n, they try to score in either mini goal within 10-12 seconds (2 points).  The marked zones zones are only only used to make make it easier easier for the blues to read the tactical situation and can be removed.

Coaching Points 1. Decision making according to the reaction of the opposing defenders. 2. Exploiting the overload wide. 3. Receiving and turning quickly. 4. Using passing combinations to move the ball to the free player in the centre.

centre backs No.4 and No.5 are in wider positions - attacking options for this are shown in Scenario C of the previous practice.

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PEP GUARDIOLA’S ATTACKING ATTACKING TACTICS

 

Practice for  for PEP GUARDIOLA  GUARDIOLA Tactics - Attacking Against the 5-4-1

PROGRESSION Practice 3: Attacking Against a Back 5 in an 11v 11 v 11 Conditioned Game

Description In this final practice of the session, the 2 teams play a conditioned 11v11 11v 11 game. The practice starts from the blue team’s goalkeeper.

Please see all the tactical analysis and all practices in this session for all the possible defensive defensiv e reactions and attacking options.

Coaching Points

 The blue team team can score score in any way way (1 point), but if they score in any of the following ways, they score 2 points.

1. Decision making according to the reaction of the opposing defenders.

1. Exploiting 2v1 overload in a wide area.

3. Receiving and turning quickly.

2. Switch play when the overload is blocked.

4. Using passing combinations to move the ball to the free player in the centre.

3. Attack through the centre by receiving and

2. Exploiting the overload wide.

turning between the lines or using a passing combination to move the ball to the free player, as shown in the diagram example.

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PEP GUARDIOLA’S ATTACKING ATTACKING TACTICS