Viktor Maslov's tactical principles - predecessor to Tiki Taka - Continued in the TeamWorkRate philosophy (twr)

[cmonreds]

Introduction

Viktor Maslow was born in 1910 and had his football playing career between 1930 - 1942. More noteworthy was his innovating managing career which spanned over thirty years from 1942 to 1975. During this reign he invented the 4-4-2 tacticcal system of play as well as laid the foundation for zonal marking and pressing in later football. He regarded football tactics as a system of roles that should form a collective, where he fitted players into the system, rather than fitting the system to the players. He heavily emphasized on statistics and quantitative data of performance rather than qualitative judgements. Further he experimented with player nutrition to enhance performance. He focused heavily on workrate and teamwork both in the way of how his team collectively played as well as required attributes of his players. He is also known to have build good relationships with his players.

This topic presents the idea/term of TeamWorkRate (twr), it is a compounded word consisting of two major principles of how Maslov's teams played on the pitch. The reasoning for using this idea/term is that it will give a common understanding of the ideas and assumptions it contains, as well as working as a frame for interpretation and understanding the style of play. For those involved in this thread the discussion will be easier without excessive need for elaboration and explaining.

The continuing outlined sections of this post is as follows:

1.  System thinking - Football matches viewed as social super systems
2.  Principles of play - Maslov
3. Innovation - Maslov's 4-4-2 and twr 2-3-2-2-1
4. TeamWorkRate (twr) - Tactical system
5. Pressing - combination of TI/PI/OI and player positioning
6. Training - two approaches that can enhance the tactical system
7. Man management - getting the players to follow the system
8. Summary of content

1. System thinking - Football matches viewed as social super systems

•  A system consists of parts that are connected together to form a whole, where this whole is different and more than the sum of its parts.
•  How the whole (system) functions is dependant of the single parts and the relations between them.
•  A change in one part impacts on the other parts in the system.

A football club and team consists of humans and as such are social systems where the individuals are the components of the system. Social systems are considered open systems dependant of interaction with its surroundings. In open systems there is important factors in the surroundings that are beyond the system's control (oppositions tactical systems and players). The ideas of system thinking has become one perspective of research on organizations and can be applied to managing all aspects of a football club. This thread solely focus on how the thoughts of system thinking can be applied in tactical systems that dictates a teams style of play during matches. Emphasizing that tactical systems are social, consisting of humans as the components, therefore the human-factor and motivation and well-being is essential. This line of tought can be continued and applied into the game of Football Manager.

Systems can be divided into different levels where the line of tought is valid also for football matches and tactical systems:

1.  The components of a system are the players performing in the tactical system used for the match at the individual level.
2. -Subsystem level of a system is different parts of the system. In a tactical system this will consists of the different parts/spheres of the team where division into positional parts of defence / midfield / attack can be done. Another angle is to regard the subsystem in light of the processes of play when in possession, out of possession and the transitions between them. Within a system the subsystems interact with eachother.
3.  System level consists of all the components and parts of the system, in football this relates to the tactical system constituted by the whole team. 
4. Super system level (eco-system) is the football match and consists of the two teams tactical systems. Different systems is impacting each other at this level and in football opponents tactical systems will have a mutual impact on each other both in how they function and performs. The atmosphere at the stadium and playing home/away can also be incorporated into this systemary level.

Summarized football matches in regard to system thinking can be regarded as a supersystem where own players (components) and parts of the team (subsystems) are formed into a whole tactical system. The match (as a supersystem) requires this tactical system to interact with the opponents players (components) and tactical system, this influences the design an performance of the tactical system for the match. The match as a super system where two different tactical systems interact and mutually impacts each others performance and functioning can be shown as in the figure below:

Based on the tactical systems and information about own and opposition team decisions are made of actions to be taken before and during the match. These intentions has aims of what to acchieve and can be termed as intended consequences, but can also lead to unintended consequences shown as events unfold (loops). In dynamic system thinking loops are continuous circular combinations of causal links between action and consequences (intended/unintended). Consequences can be desirable or undesirable related to the intentions they feed from. In system thinking there are three types of loops, namely balancing feedback, reinforcing feedback and reinforcing feed forward which continually feeds the system with circular cause and effect signals.

• Reinforcing feedback loops amplifies/reinforces the systems/situations current direction (either desirable/beneficial or undesirable/detrimental related to the intentions) and the direction may be exponential reinforced. What happens will continue to happen if no action is taken. In example  if the opposing team constantly pin through balls behind your defensive line and no action is taken, there is an increased probability that they will eventually manage to score against you.
• Balancing feedback loops tries to stabilize the system/situation and guide it into a desired state and keep it there. This can be a corrective measure taken to redirect a reinforcing feedback loop when trying to combine it with a balancing feedback loop. A balancing feedback loop trending negatively related to its intention can be a sign of a flawed tactical system. In example a tactical system set up to play posssession football being constantly inferior in possession numbers will not improve by adding similar actions already taken. There are a need for a more fundamentam redesign of the system.
• Reinforcing feed forward loops is where the anticipation of an outcome determines behavior. It can be viewed as a self-fulfilling prophecy where hopes, fears, expectations and beliefs dictactes us in a way leads to the creation of the very future anticipated. This is important during communication with the players before, in and between matches. Reality is socially constructed and as the manager you can to some extent communicate to create an understanding of this reality in accordance to what you want to acchieve.

Lags or time delays between cause and effect and determination of how the system behaves over is important to understand. During matches lags can be measured in short time intervals during the match, whilst introduction of a new tactical system in a team might span over several months or seasons. Lags/delays in feedback loops in FM22 can very easily be prolonged when not paying attention to the match or watching it on key highlights/commentary only, where feedback is delayed until it causes a detrimental effect in the form of a red card or goal against showed in a highlight/match stats.

There is no need to complicate this further but the notion of feedback/feedforward loops were introduced to gain familiarity with them as they are a part of system thinking. In general system thinking is gaining ground in different societal areas and there is a high chance that this will also happen with football. One link not directly relevant to this thread is linked for those interested in reading it at the bottom of this section. Most players of FM will already be thinking similar to systems thinking when designing tactics with regard to reinforcing and balancing feedback loops. Which players to pose the main goalscoring threats (reinforcing), which players will win the ball back (reinforcing) as well as the players to balance the system by providing support and cover (balancing). The difficulties most of us experiences are identifying the unintended consequences leading to the tactical system not performing as targeted. The reason for this can be minor errors that needs to be adjusted or major flaws of the tactical system. Minor errors can be handled by reinforcing or balancing parts of the system. This can be done by tactical alterations, changes in players positioning/substituions as well as using team-talks and sideline shouts during the match.

Link to system thinking in football

2. Principles of play - Maslov

• A system of roles that should constitute a collective style of play 
• Adherence by the players to the tactical system and its principles
• Playing in a 4-4-2 formation
• A four man midfield with no wingers / used wide midfielders who worked the space infront of the fullbacks
• Favour passes before dribbles, where players should not hold onto the ball longer than neccessary
• Full backs to join in with ball circulation
• Using a defensive anchor / controller in the midfield who screened the back four
• The most creative player to be used as an advanced playmarker when in posession
• Midfielders presssing as a tight/compressed unit
• No man marking and solely use of zonal marking

In general this has reminiscene with how many teams play their football today. Maslov advocated this long before it become mainstream of football and many of his principles was/is utilized in variations by some of the most succesful tactical systems that followed him.

3. Innovation - Maslov's 4-4-2 and twr 2-3-2-2-1   

A new idea or invention becomes an innovation when it is utilized and is creating something new that has value. It can be based on existing solutions that are arranged in new ways. Innovation in football tactics follows a long line and tends to be cyclic. A tactical invention that leads to good results and performance, is picked up by others and becomes mainstream tactical systems. Paralelly processes of how to counter succesful tactical innovations takes place. If the counter measures are succesfull in handling dominant tactical systems and produces better results they become the dominant tactical systems.

Different variations of the tactical systems exists based on players available to play in them as well as how managers utilize them differently. This is mostly how development of football tactics has evolved with some exceptions. Tactical systems might be demanding of the players in different ways with different requirement of attributes needed to perform in them. Tactical systems that requires player attributes that are plentiful amongst footballers can be utilized by most teams, whilst systems requiring attributes that are scarce among footballers often are played by the bigger teams with resources to attain these players. 

Maslov's 4-4-2

Compared to his contemporary Maslov made huge tactical innovations. The 4-2-2 (wingers) - 2 / 4-2-4 were the dominant tactical system. Maslov drew the wingers down to midfield to create a 4-4-2 system. His main reason for doing this was to control the midfield with 4 vs 2 players in this part of the field (subsystem). This was in accordance with his overall philosophy of play and tactical system, where he wanted quick passes and ball circulation. To further strengthen this the fullbacks where to join in the circulation of the ball. At the time fullbacks were merely defenders and comparable to centre backs in attributes. His tactical system also utilized an advanced playmaker and an anchoring midfielder. Maslov did not create a flat 4-4-2 but a staggered midfield reminiscient of the 4-1-2-1-2. Defensively man marking was utilized and mainstream at the time. Maslov insisted on not using this and divided the field into zones to be marked instead of players. The opponents where to be prevented in playing the ball to danger zones through compact pressing from the midfielders higher up the pitch. At the time pressing were not mainstream and Maslov's idea were innovative.

twr 2-3-2-2-1

This tactical system is based on existing ideas mainly from Maslov's principles. These principles has also influenced later mainstream tactical systems and acquaintance with them has iniatially been made from these. The twr tactical system main innovation is to positon the fullbacks in wingbacks position, whilst utilizing only two central defenders. This is normally done in systems with three central defenders. All other components and subsystems of the system are based on existing tactical solutions. This is mainly because of the missing opportunity in FM22's tactical creator to create own roles, the obligation to operate within its limits or my lack of understanding of how to use it.

4. TeamWorkRate (twr) - Tactical system

In general it is heavily influenced by Maslov's prinicples as beeing:

• A strong collective disciplined working together in all phases of play. 
• Gain numerical advantage in midfield
• Altered roles of wide players - wingers main purpose is finishing move and moving inside. Fullbacks moved to wingbacks with the purpose of beeing the main width holder in the system.
• Quick passing game with dribbling kept to a minimum
• Wingbacks contributing to ball circulation
• Utilizing a half back as a defensive controller who screens the defence
• The most creative player beeing the False 9 utilized in a position similar to the advanced playmaker position
• The team as a tight/compressed/compact when pressing
• Winning the ball relative high up the pitch
• Purely zonal marking
• Players positioning in attack similar to Maslov's 4-1-2-1-2 with exception of the wingbacks beeing more offensive

Components of the system / individual level

Player instructions mentioned are the ones not hard coded into the role and duty. Where the PI's are altered for different versions of the tactic this is noted.

• GK - Sweeper Keeper (Defend) instructed to: Pass it Shorter - Is allowed to take medium risk when passing to enhance playing out of defence when pressured.
• DC's - Central Defenders (Defend) instructed to: Pass it Shorter, Take fewer Risks, Stay Wider, Tackle Harder, Mark Tighter - Stay wider to better circulate possession and giving space for the half-back coming deep.
• WB's - Wingbacks (Automatic) instructed to: Pass it Shorter, Take fewer Risks, Cross Less Often, Dribble Less, Shoot Less Often, Get Further Forward (control version), Stay Wider (control version), Sit Narrower (Dominate version) - automatic set only because it gives the opportunity to vary positioning instructions of the role for the two versions of the tactic. They are the equivalent of Maslov's wide midfielders, circulating the ball and providing numbers in midfield.
• DMC - Half Back (Defend) instructed to: Pass it Shorter, Shoot Less Often. Role of Half Back choosen to create a three man back line in early pass circulation. Is allowed to take medium risk when passing to enhance playing out of defence when pressured, as well as crucial role for ball circulation. Maslov used similar role in his tactical system.
• MC's - Central Midfielders (Support) instructed to: Pass it Shorter, Take fewer Risks, Cross Less Often, Dribble Less, Shoot Less Often, Hold Position (control version), Get Further Forward (dominate version). Important ball circulators each player participating in two of three diamonds in the build up play.
• AM's - Inside Wingers (Attack) instructed to: Pass it Shorter, Take fewer Risks, Cross less often, Shoot less often, Ease off Tackles, Swap Positions, Sit Narrower (control version), Stay Wider (dominate version). The playes mainly threatening the space behind opposition defenders in the control version of the tactic. Staying wider in the dominate version but performing the same task. The equivalent of Maslov's strikers even though they are generally different. 
• SC - False Nine (Support) instructed to: Pass it Shorter, Shoot Less Often, Ease off Tackles. This is the equivalent of Maslov's advanced playmaker. Dropping deep and creating space for the inside wingers as well as for the central midfielders (dominate version).

PI's with reducing an action with Cross Less Often as an example is just affecting the players bias of doing this action. They will still do it but to a lesser degree. If options available and the best solution is to still do it, they will.

Subsystems / parts of the team

The tactical system is focusing on positional play so the division of subsystems can be made with regard to the individual players main positioning responsibilites. How they interact and relate in different phases of play is an important consideration to take. An example of dividing positioning into subsystems are illustrated in the figure below:

It is possible to take a more holistic approach and regard positoning as just a part of a collective responsibility of either defending or attacking with the transitions between them. It can be illustrated as in the figure below:

Different approaches can be taken when dividing/identifying subsystems and the two presented is the ones I use combined with a bias towards the latter. They both have in common that defensive/offensive positioning are important considerations. The benefit of dividing the system into subsystems like this is that it gives a clearer understanding of contexts and makes it easier to identify faults/weaknesses and strengths in the overall tactical system.

System / Tactical system of the team

The tactical system consists of all the given individual instructions and team instructiions. The sum of this should positively be larger than the sum of the different instructions given and the players abilities. That is a characteristic of a well performing tactical system. There will be strengths and weaknesses of all tactical systems, the system itself should aim to reduce its weaknesses as well as play to its strengths. Below are a description of what TeamWorkRate 2-3-2-2-1 seeks to acchieve and the team instructions given.

• In possession focus is on quick passing of the ball, still it is a patient probing approach waiting for good opportunities to enter the final third and attack. Dribbles are kept to a minimum. To acchieve quick one touch passing the team shape is compacted in central areas for players to be positioned close to each other. The positional play/movement aims to acchieve triangles/diamonds for passing/passing options. It might seem contradictionary but width is considered very important and its primarily mantained by the wingbacks in the control version of the tactic. For the dominant version inside wingers are initially mantaining width when in possession. The thought is that wingback movement will position them at the wide end of possible positional/passing diamonds/triangles when travelling the wide channels. Space is primarily created by the movement of the false 9 and the inverted wingers. The false 9 drops deep and leaves space for the inverted wingers/central midfielders to move into. The movement of the inverted wingers leaves space for the wingbacks to move into. The team should behave in a disciplined matter with regards to the instructions given. Playing with a high defensive line requires discliplined risk reduction when passing / dribbling / crossing / shooting the ball, it is critical to reduce loss of possession and giving the opponents the opportunities to counter attack. The figure below illustrates overall positioning when in possession. Followed by positioning for the three phases of play when in possession.
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• Transition to out of possession initially focuse on counter-pressing which requires them to behave unified in a compact shape. This should be quick as the team is playing compact and positioned close to each other when in possession. This should lead to cutting of most of the passing lanes available to the opponent player with the ball. The transition do not aim to immediately regain possession but focuses on hindering the oppostions vertical advance and establishing a relative high pressing block for the out of possession play.
• Out of possession the team concentrates on establishing a vertical an horisontal compact block for pressing relatively high up the pitch. In the initial phase of the opponents possession play before the ball enters the area of the high block, the focus of the press is to force them into making passes to be intercepted into, outside or behind the block. The compact block should force their play towards the sidelines where interceptions or tackles aims to regain possession. Play inside the block enables the team to put on a unified press as players are positioned in close proximity to each other.  Further elaboration is given under the section of pressing.
• Transition to possession is patient and the team is to hold their shape and establish the positonal and movement patterns in close proximity to each other. Heavily biased towards quick one touch passing disrupting the shape of the team could lead to loss of possession. As with the possession play risk reduction with regards to loosing the ball is essential. The transition to possession should be fairly quick with regards to width being narrow for both defending and attacking, as well as pressing has been done collectively with players in close proximity of each other when regaining possession. This should lead to establishing of quick one touch passing maintaining possession and letting the team establish its positioning and movement when in possession.
• Set-Pieces are biased to keeping possession with short kicks/throws and maximizing the number of players in close proximity to the set-piece taker. They are further focusing on keeping the structure of the teams shape.
• Strengths and weaknesses of the system.
• Strengths of the system is its facilitation for acchieving possession as well as beeing difficult to defend against. Both are acchieved with positional play and quick one touch passing. Goalscoring opportunities are created centrally and from playing inwards from the wide areas. There are slight differences in how chances are created with the different versions of the tactic. The version named Dominate is biased towards chance creation from central areas, whilst control is biased towards chance creation from wider areas. The common denominator is quick  one touch passing.
• The main weakness of the system is the space given away behind the wingbacks wich can be exploited by opposition wide players. It is imperative to reduce the threat this can pose for conceding goals. There are two ways to do this. First to try to prevent passes beeing played into this space, and secondly try to determine the outcome when it has been exploited. First action requires blocking passing opportunities into this space from pressing further up the pitch, as well as OI on the opponents wide players. The second action requiers OI instructions on the players that can receive a pass from this space. Another weakness is the space behind the high defensive line. Here it is essential to block the passing lanes from players able to pinpoint through balls behind the defenders. Having central defenders with the attributes to perform a offside trap and beeing able to contest the space when passed into is important for the system to function.
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Supersystem / The match and the impact on/of the opposition tactical system

The two excisting versions of the tactic is named control and dominate. These could also be named instead of control: wide (focusing on quick passing inside from wider areas), and instead of dominate: central (focusing on quick passing through the central area). That is the main divider between the excisting versions of the tactic. A note is that if the wingbacks are pulled back to the fullward position the main weakness of the tactic by leaving space behind the wingbacks is eliminated. The drawback are that fullbacks in this position is slower to advance and engage in offensive play. One other benefit of playing in fullback position is for the dominate version fullback on automatic/support can cut inside, more i compliance with the role. Still I enjoy the benefits from the current set-up. 

Other tweaks when using the existing versions of using the current tactics is to utilize assymetry, by giving a wingback on either side attacking duty, the other one inverted wing-back role, at the same time opposite duties for the central midfielders are: attacking duty for the CM on the side of the inverted wingback, as for now or hold positon (depending of version of excisting tactical version) for the side with the attacking wingback.

Current pressing can be regarded as low in the final third, if this is to increased to high/extremely high also including the TI of prevent short GK distribution a 4-2-3-1 can be considered. More players are needed up front to succeed in this (my opinion).

• Control version of the system = same tactical system, no alterations other than focusing on entries from the wider areas.
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• Dominate version of the system = same tactical system, no alteratiions other than focusing on entries from central areas.

Final word is that these instructions are my preferences. Risk can be improved further than utilized in the two presented versions of the tatctical system. Suggestion would be to increase risk to mixed for CM's and WB's, as well as crossing to mixed for AML/AMR and WB's. This can be done as an in-match tweak if neccessary as well.

First match of the season away and the following information is noted from the Data Hub. Their passing patterns and assist location has come from the right with their DR being the most prominent player in regards to passes. Theire is a strong passing link between the DR and DCR. Scouts/analysts comments is that the two teams should be even in ability/stature.

 

The match plan is to try and prevent their play down the right by forcing the to play centrally or at the left. These OI was given (more details in the OI section). 

 

To a certain degree hindering them to play on the right of the pitch, their RB's amount of passes was reduced by 40 % compared to the previous match that they had been scouted/analysed on. In match tweaks were only to substitute players adjacent to the area we were preventing to be played in ( substitutions: MCL; WBL; AML/AMR). This happened around 70-75 minutes were players were becoming tired. The team saw a lot of possession and the opponents were restricted from creating much.

Second match of the season away, the following information is noted from the data hub:

• Their DL passes the most, strong passing link with their MCL.

• Decent amount of assists from their left wing as well as a defensive weakness of preventing entries into final third from central areas. The latter indicating choosing the dominate version of the tactic, this tactic is focusing on central entries, by dominating in numbers. Also they play a 4-4-2 with available space between their defence and midfield. Match plan will be to force their play by preventing passing play in their left area.

 

• Another player filling the LB position but the match for the plan is based on in

 

• They made three substitutions in the 59th minute  which I didn't have the time to react to with OI and in the 60th minute they scored. Tactic changed to control version and made substituions on tired players (one a youngster with red mental state), substitutions independent of match plan. 80th minute substituted the RB as he was tired and their play started to come from his side, also being part of the match plaln.
• Offensively the match plan paid out. All goals scored from central midfielders with three of four assists coming from central location. Had decent possession as well. Defensively the link between their DL and MCL was reduced. Still not entirely successfull in isolating the DL. Important to notice is how their passing pattern changed.

 

Last match to shown examples in the opening post is an away match against PSG. No importing passing patterns to prevent identified. Instead aiming for a general approach to pressing and utilize weakening of their passing by targeting players with weaker foot at reasonable or lower.

Aiming to enter their final third centrally  (using dominate version of tactic) as well as this their weakest area preventing this from happening. In general formations with only one player on each side in the wider area (5-3-2 / 3-5-2) the control version of the tactics is used, due to numerical superiority gained by applying the control version. Two players  on each side dominate version is the starting point.

An even match except the missed penalty in the 89th minute affecting the xG number. Quite pleased with this as their team in regards to player quality is one level above Rennes. Haaland amongst others are in their squad.

Link to the tactics

5. Pressing - combination of TI/PI/OI and player positioning

Team Instructions 

Line of Engagement (LOE) / Defensive Line (DL) / Defensive Width (DW) sets the teams defensive shape. Horizontal compactness/shape is set by DW. Vertical compactness/shape is decided by the relationship between LOE and DL. LOE also has impact on where pressing starts normally by the attackers or the players positioned closest to the LOE. Prevent Short GK distribution overrides the LOE and leads to presssing at the position of the opposition defenders. Trigger press influences the frequency of pressing performed by the team. This is based on pressing triggers that leads to execution of pressing. Considerations to be done are from where to start pressing and at which intensity (creation of pressing triggers).  Tackling and tight marking can be given as TI, but I regard them as PI given on positional/individual basis. 

Player Instructions

Pressing triggers for some roles/duties can be adjusted as a PI if changes in individual pressing intensity is needed. Tight marking, both zonally and man marking can be given, as well as tackling instructions. These instructions enables variatons within the teams overall structure. For twr tight marking as a PI is applied to only the two central defenders as they should have the attributes to do this regardless of opposition. One consideration to make is when players in this position has considerable less speed than the opposition central attackers, in this case removing tight marking might be the best options. Tackling is set to easy for the three attackers, medium for wingbacks/three midfielders and hard for the two central defenders. The thought behind this is that it should fit with the players tackling ability as well as the need for regaining possession/hinder the opposition. How pressing is done is also considered. Easy tackling from the front three should lead to them mostly blocking passing lanes when pressing, the mid-sphere of wingbacks and midfielders block passing lanes/try to regain possession, whilst the central defenders aim is to regain possession/prevent shots/headers/dribbles in proximity to own goal area.

Player positioning

Player positioning affects pressing in the sense that areas of the pitch surrounded by more players are ideal spots for pressing traps / intensive pressing.

Opposition Instructions

Marking and tackling in PI, explain why for some players, but not for others

The aim of the press is either to regain possession directly or indirectly by forcing the opponents to play the ball to areas targeted for regaining possession by:

• Tackling the player and instantly win the ball back = regain possession
• Stress the player and force him/her into making a passing error = regain posession
• Cut of passing lanes to danger zones/players = forcing play
• Passing the ball towards preferred areas/zones for defending = forcing play

How I understand the different OI:

• Tight marking = prevent passes to the player and never tight mark leads to the players receiving the ball more often (suitable for players lacking the ability to pose danger)
• Trigger press = cut off passing lanes / stress opposition player / regain possession (depending on tackling)
• Tackling = dictates if aiming to regain possession from a tackle or cutting of passing lanes / intercepting passes
• Show onto foot = angles from where marking/pressing is executed towards the opposition player (either from the front / left / right )

Different combinations of OI can lead to different actions taken towards the opposition player they apply to:

• Trigger press + easy tackling = focusing on the player to cut off passing lanes / forcing the player to pass with weaker foot (show onto foot directs from which angle - left / front / right )
• Trigger press + hard tackling = focusing on the ball to regain possession (show onto weaker foot than fairly good increases the chance of successful action)
• Tight marking + easy tackling = preventing passes to the player / intercepting passes (show onto foot dictates how own player position himself/herself related to the opposition player)
• Tight marking + hard tackling = winning the ball back if passes are played to the player (show onto foot the same as above)
• Show onto foot only = How the player positions himself/herself related to the opposition player, possible leading to the player receiving passes with weakest foot and increasing the general pressing triggers from TI (increases frequency of pressing)
• Hard tackling only = Bullying the player to reduce his morale / potentially injuring the player

These OI's can be used in combinations for players on the opposition team when planning the pressing structure/pattern against them. Try to cut of passing lanes to their most dangerous players or your own most vulnerable zones/areas, aim to direct their passing to weaker players which can be pressured to make bad passes/touches for interceptions or regaining possession, directing their passing into zones/areas where there is an increased chance of regaining possession by sheers number or quality of own players.

The set-up of such pressing schemes does not have to cover all the opposition players, just those that you can benefit from utilizing OI's on. The challenge is to do this correctly. My experience is that it can work wonders or have an devastating impact on performance. The success of pressing can be measured in different ways but succesful pressing should acchieve one/several of the following:

• Increased amount of  interceptions
• Succesful tackles where possession is regained
• Opponents passes out of play
• Prevent the opposition from counter attacking / vertical progress untill own teams defensive shape is settled
• Succesfully forcing them to play/pass the ball into designated zones/areas

How pressing schemes and the use of OI must be seen in light of the teams shape out of possession with regards to compactness, player abilities, opposition player abilities, related team instructions and also player instructions (tackling / closiing down). I have not always been successful in my attempts, but there is a huge reward of getting it right and it can make a good tactical system to a defensively very good one. The starting point is the general pressing scheme set in tactics - OI (positions):

This is set accordingly to team instructions and the shape of the team when out of possession. High DL and standard LOE makes the shape sufficiently compact vertically and that is something to strive for. The standard LOE results in no pressing OI applied to central defenders except when pressing is triggered due to shown onto weaker foot and pressing triggers are activated. The benefits of increased pressing on central defenders/goalkeepers would likely compromise the vertical compactness of the pressing block. Narrow defensive width forces the opponents outside and this is the area where pressing is used for the OI's. Opponent players playing central are tight marked within the pressing block, giving their wide players being pressured less passing options. 

Before a match a look at the scouting/analytics report is briefly looked at, most importantly get an impression of their expected tactical style, as well as if there any key information that should be considered before the match. This is obvious patterns in their passing, creative players, goalscorers and so on. Next action is taken just before the match starts. Here opposition instructions are applied and tweaked according to the opposition players. Most commonly show onto weaker foot is changed. Players with weakest foot beeing fairly good this OI is removed and marking/pressing arer done vertically in front of them. Exceptions are made for players that might be two footed but still pose less of a danger with one foot. As with Burkardt in the picture below. Decent passer and finisher with poor crossing abilities poses less danger when led outside. More tweaking can be done if specific strengths or weaknesses are identified.

 

6. Training - two approaches that can enhance the tactical system

My impression is that there is two different approaches to training that can work well, and possible be used together.

The first is the approach I have taken with specific training to improve player attributes. This consists of only using sessions from the match preperation category. They have several benfits: 

• They rapidly increase team cohesion - which is imperative for the tactical system to function at its maximum performance (both in/out of possession)
• They rapidly increase tactical familiarity - which is important for performance with the tactical system, especially after off season
• A lot of time is dedicated to players individual training with these sessions. As the manager you can pinpoint which attributes to focus on
• In general they improve the teamwork attribute
• Focus on match preperation for the upcoming match

One major drawback is when training the positional roles of a player (neccessary for tactical familiarity ?), attributes are restricted to improving for the attributes trained for the role and what can be acchieved with additional training focus. This is mostly sufficient for developing players but can have its limitations when in example utilizing central defenders in the system but at the same time want them to be technically strong and able to pass the ball when pressured. Link to training schedules used with the specific approach to training. Thanks to advice given by toshimitzou1 an option is from the example given to move the central defenders from to the defending to the attacking unit. This I have not tested and can not validate, still it seems plausible and that more technical/passing attributes wil be trained this way.

The second approach I haven't tested but have been pondering about. After team cohesion / tactical familiarity is at the maximum level, switch to a general training focus. Balance the workload between the units and utilize sessions that enhance the attributes suting the tactical system. Primarliy the use of the suitable general sessions that involves the whole team together with attacking patient, defending engaged/from the front, ball distribution, ball retention/distribution, play from the back, transition press/restrict and goalkeeping sessions. This approach can be taken when maximum level of team cohesion / tactical familiarity is acchieved.

7. Man management - getting the players to put in an effort and adhere to the tactical system

As the manager you are in charge of matters and have received/set goal to be acchieved. Based on this you need to create a direction for the players and influence their behaviour towards this direction. If behaviour is in accordance with the direction this should be rewarded, as well as corrected if that is not the case. This should be in the back of your mind with all interaction with the players. At its most intense level this is during matches when the stakes are high. A good team-tealk/individual talk/shouts can improve matters just as well as changing tactics/players. The best advice I can give is hire an assitant (coach) with good motivating and mental coaching skills. Their advice can be priceless in many situations. The following communication is performed during different situations to try and influence a culture that complies/support the tactical principles of teamwork and workrate:

• In press conference always when available choose the option that focuse on hard work and the team.
• Giving press conference answers/talk during team meetings to focus on each match in the same way is what has worked best for me.
• Express confidence that if everyone does their job things should be fine.
• Emphasize the style of play in press conferences.
• Always choose answers focusing on the players before you as the manager.
• Always welcome new players to the club with the focus to meet their new team-mates.
• When players leave on loan encourage them to perform and develope for increasing their chance of breaking into the team at the end of the loan.
• Get players to accept a rather strict code of conduct.
• If players are not performing during matches or weaknesses in their play are identified (seen in match / stats), always give them feedback on what to improve.
• The same goes for good performances, both of these can focus on things important for the tactical system/style of play.
• Receive training e-mails and praise/critize accordingly.
• Monitor their training development and give quarterly feedback on their performance if either good or bad. If none of this okay to wait for the next quarter, except youngsters they should develope and improve their game.

In general set the bar high and be supportive, there should be room for errors/mistakes but not lack of effort.

8. Summary of content

System thinking is spreading, as FM players to some extent you are used to this by creating tactical systems. What to reinforce, what to balance for the system as a whole to function and perform. If the system is not performing what do you need to balance or reinforce to make it perform again. The notion of system thinking can be applied to managing the whole club, as most things are connected.

Maslov's principles was presented showing that he was ahead of his time. His principles resonate with me and my thinking of football with focus on hard work, working as a team and emphasizing the importance of the team before the individual. The presented tactics are based on my interpretations tweaked to my principles, Maslovs princples tweaked to your preferences could perform better than mine.

If you the reader innovate around the principles of the thread and it creates value through performance/results, please let me know and I will help with diffusing (apply) your innovation. Innovation/learning is best done openly, by sharing perspectives/knowledge and developing excisting ones and maybe creating something new from this.

twr is a lot about lowering risk and an risk based approach for playing high pressing and possession fotball. How the tactics are presented is focusing on the intentions of the system. If these are not met or unintended consequences arises, system thinking might help in resolving the arised problems.  When the tactic and team cohesion is established an average of above 1000 passer per game should be acchieved.

Pressing and OI is a huge part of playing the pressing game. I haven't discovered every connections yet but are making progress. As in real life this can be approached in many ways. The likes of Klopp and Guardiola are known for high pressing, still their pressing approach has it differences. A study was made of how successful Premier League teams were in regaining possession from high pressing for the 20-21 season. The best performer had a success rate of around 33% (if I remember correctly), have that in mind when performing a high press, if you are very good at it you will win the ball back a third of the times. Still it can acchieve other benefits as tried to describe under the pressing section of this opening post.

Supervising training and doing it is what managers, coaches and players do the most. This is the everyday activity of a football team. What is done here will affect the match day performance.

Man management is hugely important and will affect training and matches. Receiving feedback of performance during matches or training does not neccessary mean that changes to tactics/substitutions or training is the best option. As football systems/tactical systems are social systems consisting of humans, their state of mind is decisive when it comes to performance in matches and training. A few unhappy/underperforming players can undermine the best tactic, especially the ones reliant of the contribution of all eleven players to perform. FM

That was it, nothing spectacular or extraordinary, hopefully it can guides someones thoughts in the right direction and create well-working tactics and increased joy when playing FM. It has been a daunting task to try to create a thorough thread about a tactical system. Probably once in a lifetime experience / decade for me, respect to the ones doing this regularly, even writing books. Enjoy your game and good luck with FM23 soon to arrive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 20, 2022 by cmonreds

[JoOSTAR]

Really looking forward to what's next!

[The3points]

Brilliant! Maslov is perhaps on of the more unheard of great managers.

But his attacking midfielder in the system, Valeriy Lobanovskyi used such principles and ended up winning Cup Winners Cup with Dynamo Kiev

[cmonreds]

2 hours ago, JoOSTAR said:

Really looking forward to what's next!

Thanks, hopefully you will not get too disappointed with it.

I will add content as well as edit the language/sentences, correct spelling errors as soon as time is available. Last part is aimed to be a summary showing the overview and relationships between the content in a clear manner. It is a lot to read so those not keen on doing this can jump right to last section of the post.

[cmonreds]

2 hours ago, The3points said:

Brilliant! Maslov is perhaps on of the more unheard of great managers.

But his attacking midfielder in the system, Valeriy Lobanovskyi used such principles and ended up winning Cup Winners Cup with Dynamo Kiev

I got really fascinated by him. It is interesting to read and get to know more about the history of football tactics, to get familiar with the ideas of other managers than the ones most reputed.

Lobanovskyi succeeded him and was very succesful, based on many of the same principles as Maslov. One of Lobanovskyi's aims of beeing unpredictable for the opponent, applies to this thread as well, just hasn't fully gotten there yet. The idea is to make small alterations within the same tactical system, to pose different challenges for the opposition, based on how they play and their strengths and weaknesses. The excisting difference between the variations of the tactics is that the controlling one focus on utilizing the wider areas, whilst the dominant one utilizes the central area. Which to use against the opponent can be decided upon by information given in the data hub. Look out for statements/reporting of weaknesses in hindering penetration from either area, as well as considering their formation (amount of players positioned in the different areas). 

Edited October 17, 2022 by cmonreds

[levo in da house]

great topic
 There is something I want to ask, your training is very light and the players may not improve in this regard. Do you use individual training?
I gave tactical roles in this regard and doubled the density.

[cmonreds]

5 hours ago, levo in da house said:

great topic
 There is something I want to ask, your training is very light and the players may not improve in this regard. Do you use individual training?
I gave tactical roles in this regard and doubled the density.

Yes, individual training is used, that is one of the main reasons why sessions from the match preparation category are used, With these player attributes will increase according to their individual training.

i do the same as you do, individual training is trained as their roles in their tactic. When developing additional training focus is added as well, youngsters are often trained in several positions to develop different attributes. In example future central defenders can also be trained as half backs and even central midfielders to increase technical/passing skills if they do not increase sufficiently by doing this with additional individual training.

Their intensity is doubled when fully fit as well.

[toshimitzou1]

On 16/10/2022 at 23:50, cmonreds said:

attributes are restricted to improving for the attributes trained for the role and what can be acchieved with additional training focus. This is mostly sufficient for developing players but can have its limitations when in example utilizing central defenders

Move them into the attacking unit and it will train a different set of attributes whilst building and maintaining role familiarity.

[cmonreds]

5 hours ago, toshimitzou1 said:

Move them into the attacking unit and it will train a different set of attributes whilst building and maintaining role familiarity.

I didn't even know that was possible, thank your very much for the advice. 

[cmonreds]

Playing FM23 now,

Using the same tactical set-up, instructions for Defensive Line and Cross Engagement are unticked. My understanding is that this will lead to players choosing their action according to the situation. If clear patterns arrive in a game the options for these two TI can/wll be utilized.

First time in my FM history above 80% possession is acchieved in a league game (probably all games, friendlies included).

Only three league games into the season but acchieving high possession numbers is possible.

[Ok]

10 hours ago, cmonreds said:

Playing FM23 now,

Using the same tactical set-up, instructions for Defensive Line and Cross Engagement are unticked. My understanding is that this will lead to players choosing their action according to the situation. If clear patterns arrive in a game the options for these two TI can/wll be utilized.

First time in my FM history above 80% possession is acchieved in a league game (probably all games, friendlies included).

Only three league games into the season but acchieving high possession numbers is possible.

Can u Please 🙏 put a link for the tactic,Thanks.

[axehan1]

3 hours ago, Ok said:

Can u Please 🙏 put a link for the tactic,Thanks.

He has put it on a plate for you at the top of the page, try having a read.

[Kloppy]

Good stuff

[Ok]

5 hours ago, axehan1 said:

He has put it on a plate for you at the top of the page, try having a read.

I know,but i am finding a little difficult with the instructions of the position.Sorry.

[Jellico73]

This is a very cool read @cmonreds

I'm trying this tactic in my save and the results have been interesting, but it's been very fun to watch they plays develop in the new ME.

I also had one match with 79% possession, thought I was going to crack 80 but the last three minutes of the game said "Nope!"

 

[cmonreds]

On 22/10/2022 at 14:46, Kloppy said:

Good stuff

Thanks, lots of thoughts, managed to write some of them doen. Have red your thread replicating Klopp and Liverpool tactics. Enjoyed it very much. 

[cmonreds]

On 22/10/2022 at 19:33, Ok said:

I know,but i am finding a little difficult with the instructions of the position.Sorry.

I will post the FM23 versions soon 👍🏻

Will post a third tactic focusing on utilizing all spcaces and chance creation as well.
 

Some new stuff on OI as well using the assumptions on OI in the thread to cover/cut off the passing lanes from wide to central areas. As well on how to limit wide players options. Seems to work well.

Edited October 24, 2022 by cmonreds

[cmonreds]

2 hours ago, Jellico73 said:

This is a very cool read @cmonreds

I'm trying this tactic in my save and the results have been interesting, but it's been very fun to watch they plays develop in the new ME.

I also had one match with 79% possession, thought I was going to crack 80 but the last three minutes of the game said "Nope!"

 

Thanks,

What is your approach to DL? I am leaning towards push up. 

[Jellico73]

I am playing a high press, high defensive line at the moment.  Considering the quality of team I have it's doing pretty well.  The season has gone about as well as expected, my first team keeper left in the summer transfer window and his replacement will be very good eventually (I think).We are giving up a lot of late goals, the only real blowout so far was at Brest, Monaco scored in the 84th and 95th minute, Ajaccio in the 70th, and so on.

I am wondering if two CM's might be better as one CM and maybe a Mezzala or Carrilero?

 

Edited October 24, 2022 by Jellico73
editing

[cmonreds]

On 25/10/2022 at 01:37, Jellico73 said:

I am playing a high press, high defensive line at the moment.  Considering the quality of team I have it's doing pretty well.  The season has gone about as well as expected, my first team keeper left in the summer transfer window and his replacement will be very good eventually (I think).We are giving up a lot of late goals, the only real blowout so far was at Brest, Monaco scored in the 84th and 95th minute, Ajaccio in the 70th, and so on.

I am wondering if two CM's might be better as one CM and maybe a Mezzala or Carrilero?

Congrats with promotion from Ligue 2 the first season. 

Your defence seems to leak a little, which is a risk when playing high press and high DL and leaving space behind own DL. That is one of the reasons of why the tactics I presented has conservative risk approach of ball distribution (passing, shooting, crossing, dribbling). This is a way of reducing this risk, by giving the opportunities less opportunities to counter attack into this space.

Also OI are very important, this increases the efficiency of your teams pressing. The following pressing scheme is used in FM23:

 

The thinking behind it is that to reduce the passing options for opposition wider players, by marking their central players from the side closest to the wide players. This is to cut of passing lanes, intercept passes to central players, giving them fewer options which should/can lead to increased success in regaining possession in the wide pressing trap as well as misplaced passes from the wide players.

Showing wide players onto the foot closest to the wide line / edge of pitch also reduces their passing options with 180 degrees, effectively closing off half of the circle.

Central players being the only players in their strata as DMC/MC/AMC/SC are by default shown onto weaker foot. This can be changed to none (cutting passes lane in front) for teams with focus on playing the ball in vertical directiion (Vertical tiki taka - route one etc.). Or when identified a wide player posing a special threat the sole central players in their strata can be shown onto the foot opposite of this side, to prevent passes from wide and giving the wide player posing a threat fewer options.

No pressing on central defenders / goalkeepers  are adjusted to my tactical system. Pressing can be utilized if TI to prevent GK from playing passes to the defenders is used. High press + this TI is the equivalent of extremely high pressing.

Edited October 26, 2022 by cmonreds

[Jellico73]

To be honest I am not sure why I never thought of this before, but do the opposition instruction pregame over ride the tactics instructions?  After how many years of playing this game you think I'd know the answer, but at the end of the day the glasses just make me look smart...

2/3rd of the way thru the season and we're still getting beat late.  Lot of draws though, but I think a lot of that has to do with the quality of players we have.  They are good, but not top Ligue 1 good for now.  Transfer windows have been good, picked up Hlozek to play the left wing and a couple of other very solid players as well, but for a test save this has been fun so far, and I am liking the tactic, and the discussions.

[cmonreds]

51 minutes ago, Jellico73 said:

To be honest I am not sure why I never thought of this before, but do the opposition instruction pregame over ride the tactics instructions?  After how many years of playing this game you think I'd know the answer, but at the end of the day the glasses just make me look smart...

2/3rd of the way thru the season and we're still getting beat late.  Lot of draws though, but I think a lot of that has to do with the quality of players we have.  They are good, but not top Ligue 1 good for now.  Transfer windows have been good, picked up Hlozek to play the left wing and a couple of other very solid players as well, but for a test save this has been fun so far, and I am liking the tactic, and the discussions.

I set OI after team-talk before starting the match. I believe you have to activate them by turning on the position OI for each match. The use of OI is important.

I believe OI override TI and PI whenever an action has to be taken towards the player they apply to.

[gpassosbh]

Very good topic @cmonreds.

Im not a tactical master, But ill try to replicate in FM23.

[gpassosbh]

No one tried this in FM23??

[w_x]

Gets very high possession + pass numbers but not so good results

[sugarbear0511]

oh wow this is one amazing read.

Quick question is that really how the OI (trigger press/tight marking/etc) work?? Did you test it extensively(I'm sure you did, stupid question)?

Another question it looks like you maintain high possession because you're playing compact and encouraging players to be more diciplined, take fewer risks and shorter passing. Is this the template pretty much? What about team with high creative players (i.e. Bruno Guimaraes, De Bruyne) will they have problems using this tactic?

thanks a bunch!

[cmonreds]

I have played the game untill July 2026. Results are decent, some throphies acchieved but not the big ones the league and CL (Barcelona becoming nemesis 2/3 seasons in competition - they won/finalist in these). The state of the club are a hefty transfer budget not being used since focus is on youth development and great prospects are in abundance. In the award for the 50 most promising youth players (NXGN) one year Rennes players occupied 2nd (Desire Doue), 4th (regen) and 8th (regen) place. We are by far the best team in the league in regards to possession and averaging 66 %, amongst top three in CL with average possession above 60 %.

During these season changes has gradually been made to the tactics:

Roles

- SK (def) changed to SK (att)

- against teams playing with just one striker HB changed to DM (def)

PI

- WB's / IW's crossing mixed

- All players except CB's passing risk mixed

- CM's get further forward

TI

- Transitions GK set to distribute quickly

OI

Used as in the last screenshot presented in this thread

Training stays the same.

Pros 

- current tactical system are playing very well and how I like to see football

- producing decent results

Cons

- Results against the very top teams (this could be due to their higher ability of players)

- No alternative tactic against better teams

- Minimal use of tweaks of tactic against opposition strengths (changing step up to mixed/drop off against teams threatening space behind defenders)

FM23 version of tactic below (change DM to HB with same PI as described).

Relationship between pressing and behaviour of the DL (Push up more / Mixed / Back off more)

 As the LoE has a maximum level at the oppositions 16 metres line, characterized as a high press, extremely high press above this line can be achieved with OI instructions to press central defender / their defense line, as well as even higher press when their goalkeeper is included.

If pressing is conducted at only the high level of press (16 metres line) as in this tactic, defensive line and step up more should be considered to be reduced against oppenents with strong ability to play it behind our defensive line, from the "unpressed area". The same applies to playing against teams stronger in ability than your own team. Mixed (none ticked) could be a viable alternative for these instances. In comparison Barcelona under Guardiola dropped off whenever they could not apply sufficient pressure on the player with the ball.

Press at the extremely high level can stretch the teams vertical shape, and here DL stepping up more could be a viable choice.

Tactical versions currently used in FM23:

FM23 version: Create

FM23 version: Restrict

Edited November 12, 2022 by cmonreds

[cmonreds]

4 hours ago, sugarbear0511 said:

oh wow this is one amazing read.

Quick question is that really how the OI (trigger press/tight marking/etc) work?? Did you test it extensively(I'm sure you did, stupid question)?

Another question it looks like you maintain high possession because you're playing compact and encouraging players to be more diciplined, take fewer risks and shorter passing. Is this the template pretty much? What about team with high creative players (i.e. Bruno Guimaraes, De Bruyne) will they have problems using this tactic?

thanks a bunch!

Glad you enjoyed it,

With regard to your question about OI, it is not a stupid question. I have tested it for quite a few seasons in FM22 and four seasons FM23. Results are decent, it is hard for me to say if they would have been better/worse without or changes to them. In regards to matches it is relative similiar to what has been watched, remember these instructions are not absolute and followed by players in every situation that occurs during a match. It is also a way for me to try to grasp and create a meaning of the OI's, to have an understanding and base of how to use them. If you discover something else that changes my assumptions or can be added please share. This is the best I manage to achieve, there is no reason to believe that it is the best that can be achieved.

Good question, interpretation of template is spot on. Question about creative players is the same, creative players will have lesser freedom to be creative, still creative players will play and create more than teammates not possessing their attributes in the system, this is down to their ability to do this. I had the exact same thoughts as you about one player in the team, should he be given the extra freedom or not....

Edited November 11, 2022 by cmonreds

[w_x]

10 hours ago, cmonreds said:

Glad you enjoyed it,

With regard to your question about OI, it is not a stupid question. I have tested it for quite a few seasons in FM22 and four seasons FM23. Results are decent, it is hard for me to say if they would have been better/worse without or changes to them. In regards to matches it is relative similiar to what has been watched, remember these instructions are not absolute and followed by players in every situation that occurs during a match. It is also a way for me to try to grasp and create a meaning of the OI's, to have an understanding and base of how to use them. If you discover something else that changes my assumptions or can be added please share. This is the best I manage to achieve, there is no reason to believe that it is the best that can be achieved.

Good question, interpretation of template is spot on. Question about creative players is the same, creative players will have lesser freedom to be creative, still creative players will play and create more than teammates not possessing their attributes in the system, this is down to their ability to do this. I had the exact same thoughts as you about one player in the team, should he be given the extra freedom or not....

Wow what a player!