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Emulating Jose Bordalas' Getafe: El Banda Loco


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Getafe has long been the forgotten team in Madrid. From softcore porn videos to being Real Madrid's B team, there hasn't much to celebrate if you're a Getafe fan until Jose Bordalas took the reigns. The man himself has been coaching for 27 years and only recently the whole world knows about him. He was able to get Getafe back in La Liga after they were relegated in 2015.  He also lead the club to their best finish ever (5th place) last season and unfortunately will leave the club this year after narrowly missing out on a Europa League place. How did he do it?

Well Getafe's system is a bit simple

 

- They play a narrow and compact 442 formation centered around direct play and a target man (Angel Rodriguez or Jaime Mata).

- They also play a more physical version of counterpressing (which can lead to a lot of cards)

- Fullbacks are expected to play conservatively in attack in order to prevent counter attacks

- Wingers tend to double up as full backs themselves when out of possession even interchanging with them out of possession (!!!)

 

The way I set up the system in FM is to start off a bit simple. Since we can't exactly emulate swapping positions out of possession in this game (yet :D), we can emulate the disciplined roles of the wide men. Heres how I interpret how Getafe plays

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Mentality: Attacking

Getafe press high up the pitch when possession is lost so I want to team to begin with a high block. The mentality will also give them a high tempo and the widemen will get a higher mentality in attack which can bring a bit of zing in attack

TIs

In Possession

More Direct Passing

Getafe doesn't waste time on the ball. Their usally consists of either getting the ball to the wideman in order to feed Anger Rodriguez and then either Angel flicks the ball onto Jaime Mata, a winger or a midfielder making a late run or everybody else hitting long balls to Angel in order for him to flick the ball onto Jaime Mata, a winger or a midfielder making a late run

Pass Into Space

Getafe also does this often in order to break offside traps.

Hit Early Crosses

I want the team to look for my "Angel" often and not waste possession out wide.

Float Crosses

Both Angel and Mata are good in the air so this TI made sense to add

Play for Set Pieces

Getafe were deadly from set pieces so this TI made a bit sense

In Transition

Distribute to CBs

Usually I would opt to distribute to TMs but the goalkeeper distribution in this game is iffy with that so I let the CBs kick the ball to my TM instead

Distribute Quickly

This will get the GK to start some counters off after he saves

Counter

When Getafe wins the ball, they are deadly on the counter so this TI makes sense

Counter-Press

Duh

Out Of Possession

Defend Narrower

No further explanation needed

Higher Defensive Line

Getafe usually look to hound opponents high up the field so this TI makes sense

Much Higher Line of Engagement/Extremely Urgent Pressing/Tighter Marking/Prevent Short GK Distribution/Offside Trap

See above

Get Stuck In

We need to get those booking numbers up. Getafe are a dirty team to play against for a reason

 

TIs

SK (a)

I usually like to pair a highline with a SK. It is just practical and Soria plays a bit similar to the SK (a) role of this game

FB (s) x 2 - Cross From Deep, Distribute to TM

I dabbled with WB (d) but I find them to be too high up the pitch in attack often. I think the FB (s) role works as that conservative FB that will occasionally bomb forward

CBs x 2

I find that you can't really get any better with 2 normal CBs in this system. I find the LDs just hoofing it long aimlessly and BPDs just didn't really make any sense for a system like this that doesn't prioritize possession.

DW (s) - Get Further Forward, Roam From Position, Distribute to TM

Probably the best role for the wingers.

DLP (d)

Looking at the whoscored stats, I find Ambarri to be the one that makes the side tick as he holds the most touches every game. I think DLP will give him a bit more of the ball

BBM (s)

Maksimovic is the more attacking of the midfield two pair so it made sense to give him a more attacking role as a BBM

PF (d)

I played a bit with this but I find this role emulated Mata's role the best. In defense, he occasionally tracks back and help Getafe defend and in attack he helps support Angel

TM (s)

Angel, of course.

 

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A bit of demostration with the tactic at work. We got ourselves a clean sheet with Millwall. All 3 goals were scored in a Bordalas-esque matter (1 set pieces, and 2 of them in 3 passes in open play)

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The shape without the ball

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The shape with the ball

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The shape overall

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Edited by Jean0987654321
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Some more results

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Just what I wanted :D Could've used a few more reds tho :D

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Defensively solid at the back as well

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Taking a look at the wage bill and net spend, it is pretty similar to Getafe's

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Not a lot money spent but overachieved regardless

 

The End :D

 

Edited by Jean0987654321
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I don't know, man, I've watched a few of their games this season, and I don't think I've seen their defensive line press the opponent like crazy for 90 minutes. That's what extremely urgent pressing will get you, however. Also, they don't press very high all the time, sometimes they go back to a mid-block, or even a low-block. They keep changing their LOE during games, too. They do counter press more often than not though. I like your roles and duties, I believe it's an accurate representation of real life Getafe, but I would keep changing the duty of the PF depending on the situation and the opponent. Pass into space doesn't make much sense if you play a TM, in my opinion.

I really like Getafe's style, so I'll be following your update on how this system translates to FM with great interest.

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Jean,

Bordalas is a great manager who has, regardless of Getafe's poor run after the return to play, done an incredible job of transforming a squad with average talent into a top La Liga side. He's a bit like the Sean Dyche of Spain. 

Regarding his tactics, while I appreciate the effort, I think that you're a bit off of the mark. Having watched 15-20 Getafe matches since 2017/18 here are my observations. 

Getafe lines up in a 4-2-2-2 under any and all circumstances. Sometimes it looks a bit like a 4-2-2-1-1, but that's a function of the supporting forward's role rather than his starting position. 

Similarly, Getafe's mentality is always Balanced. As Francisco pointed out, they more often than not play in a mid-block. There are times when they press higher up the pitch in order to prevent a short distribution, but this is situationally based. When they do this the two forwards mark the central defenders and one of the central midfielders moves up and marks the opposition holding midfielder. The outside midfielder mark the opposition outside backs more loosely. This is part of the ploy as Bordalas wants to force the opposition to play to Getafe's strengths by either going wide where they will be outnumbered or booting in long since Getafe is very strong in the air. 

All of Getafe's defending,  which is what they do best, is based on a complex set of triggers and traps which are very hard to implement in FM. I would suggest that you review Rashidi's outstanding video on the subject. I never cease to learn things from him. 

As for team instructions, I'd drop most of them from the basic tactic. I'd start very simply and them add them based upon the opponent because this is precisely what Bordalas seems to do.

In Possession: 

More Direct Passing, High Tempo and Play for Set Pieces 

In Transition:

Distribute Quickly...that's it. No Counter? Generally no because it will commit too may players forward and Bordalas avoids this. Most of their attacks are very quick and involve no more than 4 players and often only 3. This of course depends upon the opponent. Player roles along with their individual tendencies are the key. 

Out of Possession:

Defend Narrower, Higher Line of Engagement (Bordalas' defensive genius is in compressing the pitch), Extreme Urgency and Mark Tighter. Once again, that's it. While Getafe get a lot of yellow cards, they don't pick up many reds because they don't go to ground when tackling so no Get Stuck In.  

As for player roles this is also a bit circumstantial. Whether it is Cucurella or Diedhiou, the left midfielder has been more aggressive in attack. I would change this the Winger (s) while making the left back a Fullback (s). With Nyom on the right Defensive Winger (s) seems right, but the right back should be a Wingback (s). Djene is to my mind should be placed on "cover" while whoever is in the opposite slot is a more of a stopper. The two central midfielders would be set deep with one a Segundo Volante (s) and the other as a Defensive Midfielder (s or d depending on the opponent). Up front Molina is a Target Man (s) and Mata is a Pressing Forward (a). Angel's role is a bit tougher to asses when his subs in. 

Anyway, that's how I see it. Thanks for starting the post! 

 

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17 minutes ago, Oakland Stomper said:

Jean,

Bordalas is a great manager who has, regardless of Getafe's poor run after the return to play, done an incredible job of transforming a squad with average talent into a top La Liga side. He's a bit like the Sean Dyche of Spain. 

Regarding his tactics, while I appreciate the effort, I think that you're a bit off of the mark. Having watched 15-20 Getafe matches since 2017/18 here are my observations. 

Getafe lines up in a 4-2-2-2 under any and all circumstances. Sometimes it looks a bit like a 4-2-2-1-1, but that's a function of the supporting forward's role rather than his starting position. 

Similarly, Getafe's mentality is always Balanced. As Francisco pointed out, they more often than not play in a mid-block. There are times when they press higher up the pitch in order to prevent a short distribution, but this is situationally based. When they do this the two forwards mark the central defenders and one of the central midfielders moves up and marks the opposition holding midfielder. The outside midfielder mark the opposition outside backs more loosely. This is part of the ploy as Bordalas wants to force the opposition to play to Getafe's strengths by either going wide where they will be outnumbered or booting in long since Getafe is very strong in the air. 

All of Getafe's defending,  which is what they do best, is based on a complex set of triggers and traps which are very hard to implement in FM. I would suggest that you review Rashidi's outstanding video on the subject. I never cease to learn things from him. 

As for team instructions, I'd drop most of them from the basic tactic. I'd start very simply and them add them based upon the opponent because this is precisely what Bordalas seems to do.

In Possession: 

More Direct Passing, High Tempo and Play for Set Pieces 

In Transition:

Distribute Quickly...that's it. No Counter? Generally no because it will commit too may players forward and Bordalas avoids this. Most of their attacks are very quick and involve no more than 4 players and often only 3. This of course depends upon the opponent. Player roles along with their individual tendencies are the key. 

Out of Possession:

Defend Narrower, Higher Line of Engagement (Bordalas' defensive genius is in compressing the pitch), Extreme Urgency and Mark Tighter. Once again, that's it. While Getafe get a lot of yellow cards, they don't pick up many reds because they don't go to ground when tackling so no Get Stuck In.  

As for player roles this is also a bit circumstantial. Whether it is Cucurella or Diedhiou, the left midfielder has been more aggressive in attack. I would change this the Winger (s) while making the left back a Fullback (s). With Nyom on the right Defensive Winger (s) seems right, but the right back should be a Wingback (s). Djene is to my mind should be placed on "cover" while whoever is in the opposite slot is a more of a stopper. The two central midfielders would be set deep with one a Segundo Volante (s) and the other as a Defensive Midfielder (s or d depending on the opponent). Up front Molina is a Target Man (s) and Mata is a Pressing Forward (a). Angel's role is a bit tougher to asses when his subs in. 

Anyway, that's how I see it. Thanks for starting the post! 

 

Some things I have to adjust a bit in order for it to "tick" within the ME

A 4222 shape in the game would probably way off the mark. In defense, they defend as a 442 (which can look like a lopsided 4411 when Mata drops back to help the defense) and for me that is the shape I have to begin with in this game. I tried having 2 DMs and I find either it leads them to be too far to press high or too far from my target man in order to take advantage of his flick ons. It could probably work IRL tho but not in the game

I have to disagree with the (lack of) Get Stuck In TI. Getafe leads the league in cards. They are also 3rd in Red Cards with 7 and lead the league on unprofessional fouls with 10 so...I think that TIs is appropriate.

 

Edited by Jean0987654321
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1 hour ago, Jean0987654321 said:

Some things I have to adjust a bit in order for it to "tick" within the ME

A 4222 shape in the game would probably way off the mark. In defense, they defend as a 442 (which can look like a lopsided 4411 when Mata drops back to help the defense) and for me that is the shape I have to begin with in this game. I tried having 2 DMs and I find either it leads them to be too far to press high or too far from my target man in order to take advantage of his flick ons. It could probably work IRL tho but not in the game

I have to disagree with the (lack of) Get Stuck In TI. Getafe leads the league in cards. They are also 3rd in Red Cards with 7 and lead the league on unprofessional fouls with 10 so...I think that TIs is appropriate.

 

That may be valid regarding the 4-2-2-2 as opposed to the conventional 4-4-2. With he more conventional formation I would use a Ball Winning Midfielder (s) and a Box-to-Box Midfielder. 

The red card total is very deceptive. Three of the seven were for a post-match fight v. Villareal with another being given to Nyom post match when he returned v. Atletico Madrid. From open play Getafe had a measly 3 red cards so "Get Stuck In" will have players leaving their feet ant THAT IS NOT part of Bordalas' defensive philosophy which emphasized keep shape and mutual support. 

What I think that GianniM was referencing was the time wasting through the constant lesser fouls that eventually add up to their high yellow card total. 

Your point regarding Mata is valid. He's likely a Pressing Forward (s or d). 

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8 minutes ago, Oakland Stomper said:

That may be valid regarding the 4-2-2-2 as opposed to the conventional 4-4-2. With he more conventional formation I would use a Ball Winning Midfielder (s) and a Box-to-Box Midfielder. 

The red card total is very deceptive. Three of the seven were for a post-match fight v. Villareal with another being given to Nyom post match when he returned v. Atletico Madrid. From open play Getafe had a measly 3 red cards so "Get Stuck In" will have players leaving their feet ant THAT IS NOT part of Bordalas' defensive philosophy which emphasized keep shape and mutual support. 

What I think that GianniM was referencing was the time wasting through the constant lesser fouls that eventually add up to their high yellow card total. 

Your point regarding Mata is valid. He's likely a Pressing Forward (s or d). 

While Get Stuck In will promote players going to ground, it'll also promote more aggressive tackles in general and Getafe tackles a lot. It is a Catch 42 in a way I guess

 

While timewasting may have helped lead to some yellows IRL, it doesn't really work like that in the game. I find the time wasting TI to just slow down the tempo which is probably useful if you're playing a possession game or just seeing the game out in the last few odd minutes

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Getafe fouls A LOT, but most of them are tactical which is the source of the yellow cards. An Attacking mentality and Get Stuck In will have them sliding in all of the place. Less so on balanced. 

I need to consider the two central midfield roles a bit. 

I guess that the only way to what works best is to try the tactic with both settings. 

 

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17 hours ago, Jean0987654321 said:

Some things I have to adjust a bit in order for it to "tick" within the ME

A 4222 shape in the game would probably way off the mark. In defense, they defend as a 442 (which can look like a lopsided 4411 when Mata drops back to help the defense) and for me that is the shape I have to begin with in this game. I tried having 2 DMs and I find either it leads them to be too far to press high or too far from my target man in order to take advantage of his flick ons. It could probably work IRL tho but not in the game

I have to disagree with the (lack of) Get Stuck In TI. Getafe leads the league in cards. They are also 3rd in Red Cards with 7 and lead the league on unprofessional fouls with 10 so...I think that TIs is appropriate.

 

Well if you adjust so many things for it to "tick the ME" to the point where it doesn't really resemble the tactic in real life than what's the point of calling it a tactical recreation? And with the many Team Instructions you are using it could just be another generic "Extreme Geggenpress win-all" tactic that you find at all the plug and play forums.

Why not actually try to make something that is faithful to his style and not just going for min-maxing efficiency?

Anyway, I appreciate the effort you put into this but it's not quite Getafe recreation for me. Maybe you should watch this excellent Tifo video again.

For once, from the video you can see that they don't heavily press ALL the time like some kind of Dortmund on steroids

Edited by crusadertsar
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Crusaderstar,

Your points are well taken. 

Creating a tactic that is faithful to reality AND also effective is far harder in FM than simply creating a tactic which is effective. For example, IMO, the downsides of pressing aren't where they should be. Not major complaint, it just needs some tuning for FM21. 

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On 28/07/2020 at 11:06, Oakland Stomper said:

Crusaderstar,

Your points are well taken. 

Creating a tactic that is faithful to reality AND also effective is far harder in FM than simply creating a tactic which is effective. For example, IMO, the downsides of pressing aren't where they should be. Not major complaint, it just needs some tuning for FM21. 

Indeed. Pressing in this game is way too unrealistic. Not many teams press like this IRL.

 

I hope in future editions, we can execute some pressing traps and also command players to press in a certain "zone". Unfortunately, it's not this game nor the next will that happen...

 

Until that happens, I try to work with I have have now :D

Edited by Jean0987654321
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