Ange Postecoglou Masterclass Tactics Explained - Tottenham Hotspur

  




Unique aspects of his overall tactics

 

Ange Postecoglou is a manager renowned for his distinct ideology and playing style. His teams are characterized by their relentless pressing and a strong commitment to attacking football. A key aspect of his tactical approach involves moving the ball out from the back with speed and precision. One of the most notable and contemporary elements of Ange's tactical style is the utilization of inverted full-backs. This innovative strategy involves full-backs tucking inside the pitch, often assuming positions traditionally occupied by central midfielders. This tactical innovation adds a layer of sophistication to his teams' play and contributes to their ability to control the game from various areas of the field.

 

The players demonstrate a strong dedication to the fundamental structure of the system, with each player adhering to their designated positions as a foundational starting point. What sets them apart, however, is their remarkable capacity to remain flexible and dynamic. They display a seamless ability to adjust to the constantly changing conditions on the field. This adaptability is highlighted by their fluidity in transitioning between different areas of the pitch while consistently upholding the core tactical framework. This remarkable flexibility is grounded in their deep and intuitive comprehension of their respective roles within the team. It allows them to respond effectively to the evolving demands of the game.

 

The guiding philosophy encourages players to seize available space without hesitation, all while maintaining the team's structural integrity. This approach grants players the freedom to make decisions based on the specific circumstances and situational factors. The players are well aware that this freedom permits spontaneity without undermining the overall team structure. It's a system where players trust their instincts, understanding that regardless of their designated positions, if an opportunity arises in a particular space, they should exploit it.

 

Under Postecoglou's guidance at Spurs, players are empowered with the autonomy to make decisions within the confines of the system. Their capacity to interpret the game and adjust accordingly showcases their football intelligence and underscores the effectiveness of the coach's philosophy.

 

Strategies during the build-up phase

 

Postecoglou deploys his team in a 4-3-3 formation, but during possession, both full-backs transition into a midfield role, a tactic commonly referred to as inverted full-backs. This strategic move serves multiple purposes, including providing additional coverage in the central midfield area. As a result, the midfielders gain more freedom to advance higher up the pitch with increased versatility and support in the central areas.

 

As the inverted full-backs advance into the midfield, their lateral positioning enables them to exploit the compact spaces between the opposing full-back and center-back. In moments when offensive opportunities are not successful, Postecoglou's team is ideally positioned to quickly initiate a pressing game with multiple players situated in the central midfield areas. This flexibility allows for a rapid transition between offensive and defensive phases, enabling the team to regain possession efficiently and apply pressure on their opponents in crucial central zones.



In a 2-3 build-up scenario, Porro and Udogie shift into the midfield as inverted full-backs, while Bissouma drops deeper to receive the ball from the defense. Spurs' build-up strategy hinges on Bissouma's exceptional ball control and retention skills. By doing so, they aim to create space in front of Bissouma, allowing him to carry the ball forward and facilitate the progression of their play from the back. This leverages Bissouma's ability to maintain possession and initiate attacks from a deeper midfield position.

 

The presence of inverted full-backs provides Tottenham with a multitude of passing angles, allowing them to create intricate central diamond patterns in their build-up play. This approach ensures that Spurs consistently have multiple passing options available to them, enabling them to navigate through their opponents with a vertical Tiki-Taka style of play.

 

The unique positioning of Spurs' full-backs had an indirect benefit that created difficulties for the opposition when trying to press Bissouma. Udogie and Royal's positioning on the outside central midfielders prevented them from effectively overloading Bissouma since that would leave the full-backs unmarked. This strategic decision also opened up passing lanes from the center-backs to the wingers. By keeping the opposition's central midfielders occupied and their full-backs engaged, Tottenham was able to create more passing options and maintain possession effectively during their build-up play.

 

In Postecoglou's system, the wingers are positioned as wide as possible to fulfill the role of holding width in the attack. This width-stretching approach serves to put pressure on the opposition defense by forcing them to cover a larger area horizontally. However, there are moments when the wingers can adopt a narrower position, which then enables the fullbacks to overlap them.

 

This tactical adjustment allows Postecoglou's team to have a significant presence of attackers in the opposition's penalty area. By having wingers who can both stretch the play and cut inside, the team creates multiple dimensions to their attack, making it more challenging for defenders to predict their movements and defend effectively. It also allows for quick switches of play and the utilization of wide spaces when needed.

 

Ange Postecoglou's tactical philosophy, which emphasizes building from the back and prioritizing possession-based play, has been consistently implemented throughout his managerial career. This philosophy has been evident in his approach with Spurs as well. Regardless of the specific formation or shape used, there is a persistent emphasis on creating numerical advantages and triangular passing options on the field.

 

Teams managed by Postecoglou typically feature players positioned between the lines, allowing them to move centrally and exploit spaces in the opponent's defensive structure. Moreover, there is a concerted effort to maintain width on the pitch at all times. This combination of central presence and width is designed to achieve two key objectives:

 

1.Build up play patiently from the back, using ball circulation to draw opponents out of position.

 

2.Create gaps in the opponent's defensive shape and identify a free player who can receive and distribute the ball effectively.

 

In Ange Postecoglou's tactical system, there is typically an emphasis on positioning the central midfielders and attackers higher up the field. This strategic placement serves the purpose of attracting opposition players, thereby creating more space in deeper areas of the pitch. The central pivot, often a defensive midfielder, and the center-backs take on the responsibility of initiating and building the team's play from the back.

 

However, flexibility is a key feature of Postecoglou's approach. While the central attackers and midfielders primarily remain in advanced positions to stretch the opponent's defense and create opportunities, they are not fixed in place. Players, such as James Maddison in his time at Spurs, have the freedom to drop deeper when necessary.


Maddison's ability to drop into deeper areas allows him to receive the ball and act as an additional passing option for building the play from the back. This flexibility in positioning provides the team with various options for progressing the ball, as Maddison can link up with both the deeper-lying players and those in more advanced positions.

 

Ange Postecoglou's tactical approach prioritizes expanding the playing field to create as much space as possible. His football philosophy encourages players to constantly scan the field, looking for teammates who are in open and unmarked positions, regardless of how far away they may be. This forward-thinking mentality is a fundamental aspect of his style of play.

 

In Postecoglou's system, there is an emphasis on both dynamism and fluidity. Players are not confined to static positions but are encouraged to interchange positions when necessary. However, these positional rotations are always carried out within the framework of maintaining certain core principles: controlling possession of the ball and maintaining an attacking mindset.

 

This means that while players have the freedom to adapt and change positions as the game unfolds, they never lose sight of the primary objectives of retaining the ball and seeking attacking opportunities. The result is a style of play that combines tactical discipline with creative freedom, allowing players to express themselves while adhering to the team's fundamental principles.

 

Setup in the final third

In Ange Postecoglou's attacking system, midfielders in the number 8 roles are granted significant freedom and flexibility in their positioning and movements. These players are encouraged to make runs into the opposition's box, similar to attacking midfielders or forwards. However, their role goes beyond just attacking, as they also have responsibilities that can vary based on the situation and the team's needs.

 

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of the roles of number 8 midfielders in Postecoglou's system:

 

Attacking Runs: Number 8s are expected to make dynamic forward runs into the opposition's penalty area. This helps create overloads in advanced positions and adds an extra attacking dimension to the team's play. These runs can be timed to arrive in the box for crosses or cutbacks from wide players.

 

Support for the Pivot: While they have an attacking mandate, number 8s are also responsible for supporting the defensive midfielder (pivot) when needed. This support can involve dropping deeper to receive the ball from the pivot or providing passing options in central areas to help with ball circulation.Maddison frequently drops deep to support the pivot.

 

Wide Support: Number 8s are not limited to central areas. They have the freedom to move wide and provide support to the wide players or fullbacks. This lateral movement can stretch the opposition's defensive shape and create space for other teammates.At times, Sarr can be seen around the right-back position to provide support when Porro is moving into midfield

 

Fluidity and Adaptability: One of the defining features of Postecoglou's teams is their adaptability and fluidity. Number 8s are encouraged to read the game and make decisions based on the evolving situation. This unpredictability can confound opposing defenses and make it challenging to defend against Postecoglou's teams.

 

Creativity: Number 8s are often tasked with being creative forces in the team. They can be involved in playmaking, initiating attacks, and providing key passes to unlock stubborn defenses. Their ability to contribute both defensively and offensively adds depth to the team's midfield.Maddison has been the perfect number 8 for Spurs this season, excelling in this role with his top-notch creativity.

 

When fullbacks are deployed in a more inverted or central midfield role, they bring a valuable numerical advantage to the middle of the field. This strategic move is pivotal for team success as it allows for dominance in the middle third of the pitch.Having a surplus of players in the midfield area offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides more passing options, allowing for greater fluidity and creativity in building attacks. With extra players in the midfield, it becomes easier to maintain possession, control the tempo of the game, and initiate attacking plays.

 

Secondly, the numerical superiority in midfield often leads to greater ball recovery and pressing capabilities. Teams can win back possession quickly and higher up the pitch, putting additional pressure on their opponents and disrupting their game plan. Lastly, a crowded midfield can create confusion for the opposing team's defensive organization, as they need to contend with multiple players in central positions. This can lead to defensive errors, gaps in their formation, and opportunities for the attacking team to exploit.

 

In the opposition's half, the team maintains a dynamic structure that is strategically designed to create opportunities for intricate combinations. This involves forming triangles and diamonds among players who are in close proximity to one another. The primary objective of this structured positioning is to draw as many opposing players as possible into these tight spaces.

 

By doing so, the team aims to achieve two key outcomes:

 

1. Vertical Penetration: The close proximity of players in triangular and diamond formations serves as a lure for the opposition. When they commit more players into these compact areas, it creates vertical passing lanes and opportunities to break through their defensive lines. This can lead to quick and incisive attacks, exploiting the gaps created by the opposition's compression.

 

2. Weak Side Circulation: Alternatively, if the opposition doesn't take the bait and remains defensively compact in response to the crowded areas, the team can opt to circulate the ball to the weak side of the field. This strategic ball movement forces the opposing team to shift their defensive shape, potentially creating spaces and openings on the opposite side of the pitch.

 

In essence, this tactical approach is about manipulating the opposition's defensive structure. By forming triangles and diamonds in close proximity, the team entices the opposition to make choices – either overcommit to the crowded areas, leaving gaps to exploit, or stay compact and risk being pulled out of position when the ball is shifted to the weak side. It's a methodical way to control the flow of the game and create opportunities in the final third of the pitch.

 

 

Let's examine how each position behaves under Postecoglou when initiating an attack or attempting to create opportunities in the opponent's final third

 

1.Winger's Movement: The winger drops deeper into the midfield, creating an overload in that area. This movement serves multiple purposes, including providing an additional passing option, stretching the opponent's defensive shape, and potentially drawing out a defender.

 

2.Full-back's Role: The full-back seizes the opportunity created by the winger's drop and moves into the vacant wide area, effectively luring an opposing defender out wide. This not only creates space for the No. 8 but also opens up possibilities for crossing or cutting inside.

 

3.No. 8's Vertical Movement: With the winger dropping and the full-back pushing wide, there's now a void in the center of the field. The No. 8 exploits this vacant space with a vertical movement, gaining an advantage over their marker. This movement can disrupt the opposition's defensive structure.

 

4.Full-backs' Progressive Runs: Full-backs, often starting from deeper positions, initiate runs into attacking channels. These progressive runs not only disorient opposition full-backs but also create opportunities for switching the play to the wide winger. Additionally, they position themselves as the third passing option behind the defensive line.

 

5.Inverted Full-backs and No. 8s in Half-spaces: The inverted full-backs make diagonal movements into the half-space areas, adding complexity and unpredictability to the attack. This movement pattern is designed to confuse the opposition. Simultaneously, the reverse No. 8 (presumably the other central midfielder) may make diagonal runs between the opposition's center-backs. This further stretches the defense and creates passing lanes.

 

6.Striker's Role: The striker plays an essential role in this setup by either dropping deeper to attract the attention of the opposition's defenders or making runs to exploit the gaps created by the movements of the No. 8s and full-backs.

 



In the final third, the Spurs players adopt a proactive approach by venturing deeper into the attacking zone, seamlessly integrating themselves into the offensive setup. This strategic maneuver serves a specific purpose: to bolster the team's offensive presence alongside the five Brentford players who had already established themselves within the penalty box.

 

The objective behind this move is clear – to enhance the array of attacking options available and, in doing so, forge additional avenues for scoring. This calculated decision creates an overload in the attacking areas, significantly amplifying the attacking threat.

 

Furthermore, this tactical shift places Brentford in a challenging predicament. To cope with this influx of Spurs players, they are compelled to use their midfield resources to track and potentially fall back to defend against these advancing attackers. This diversion of Brentford's midfielders towards defensive duties can disrupt their own attacking game plan, potentially leaving them less equipped to transition into offensive phases of play.

 

Approach when out of possession



The return of high pressing has been a notable feature of this season under Postecoglou, reminiscent of the last time Spurs exhibited such a proactive approach under Pochettino. However, what sets this resurgence apart is that it's not solely the responsibility of the front three to execute. Instead, Spurs have implemented a comprehensive five-man press on several occasions, yielding promising results in terms of winning turnovers in the opponent's territory.

 

Under Postecoglou's guidance, the team consistently prioritizes winning the ball in advanced positions on the pitch. This proactive approach is underpinned by playing with a high defensive line, effectively squeezing the playing area in favor of the opposition. This approach has a dual purpose: it aims to disrupt the opponent's build-up play and regain possession quickly, ideally in areas where they are vulnerable to quick attacks.

 

Additionally, the defenders have been encouraged to venture higher up the field, often positioning themselves around the halfway line. This progressive positioning not only contributes to the team's high pressing but also enables a quicker transition from defense to attack when the ball is won back.

 

To stifle the opposition's ability to build from the back and create a suffocating defensive presence, Spurs have devised an intricate high-pressing strategy. In this tactical scheme, the wingers play a pivotal role by actively joining the center-forward in executing a high press. They employ a clever maneuver by curving their runs inward, effectively channeling the ball towards central areas of the field, where the pressure is most intense.

 

Complementing this pressing effort, the number eights and full-backs provide crucial support. Their involvement serves to further intensify the pressure on the opposition, closing down passing lanes and options for the opposing team.

 

This well-coordinated high pressing system is aimed at disrupting the opponent's build-up play and forcing them into making hurried decisions, often leading to turnovers in dangerous areas. Once possession is regained, the team finds itself in a strategically advantageous position, thanks to the concentration of players in central areas of the pitch.

 

With numerous players positioned centrally, rather than spread out wide, Spurs have an array of options when they regain the ball. They are well-equipped to play progressive passes that can cut through defensive lines and create opportunities for one-on-one situations with the opposing goalkeeper.

 

Furthermore, the strategic placement of the inverted full-backs in counter-pressing situations serves a multifaceted purpose, particularly in a defensive configuration involving 2-3 set up.

 

Firstly, it plays a crucial role in the quick recovery of the ball. The inverted full-backs are well-positioned to engage in immediate pressing actions when the team loses possession. Their proximity to the opposing player in possession allows for swift and effective ball recovery, disrupting the opponent's counter-attacking attempts.

 

Secondly, this tactical approach effectively channels the play towards the flanks. By having the inverted full-backs press the opposition wide, it narrows down the available passing lanes and options for the opposing team. This redirection of play towards the sidelines limits the opponent's ability to penetrate centrally, forcing them into wide areas where they may have fewer opportunities to create scoring chances.

 

Thirdly, the positioning of the inverted full-backs creates a protective double pivot in the central areas of the field. This compact presence makes it challenging for the opposition to execute central, penetrative passes. By congesting the midfield and applying pressure on the ball carrier, the team can restrict the opposing team's options and minimize the threat of direct balls that could exploit the space behind the high defensive line.

 


Installation Guide :

If you have downloaded a tactic file for Football Manager 2023 Mobile and are not sure how to install it, don't worry! It's a simple process and I'll guide you through it step by step.

  1. Download the Tactic File

The first step is to download the tactic file to your device. Make sure to download it from a trusted source.

  1. Access the Tactic Folder

After downloading the file, access the file manager on your device and go to Device Memory. From there, navigate to the Documents folder and then to the Sports Interactive folder.

Once you are in the Sports Interactive folder, find the Football Manager 2023 Mobile folder and open it.

Next, you will see a folder named normal. Open it, and then locate the folder named tactics. This is the folder where you will paste the downloaded tactic file.

  1. Paste the Tactic File

Once you have located the tactics folder, paste the downloaded tactic file into it.

  1. Open the Game

After pasting the tactic file into the tactics folder, you can now open your Football Manager 2023 Mobile game. From the home screen, click on the 'Actions' tab.

  1. Load the Tactic

In the 'Actions' tab, you will see an option to 'Load Tactic'. Click on it, and you will be taken to a new screen where you can see a list of all the tactics you have installed.

Find the tactic you just pasted in the tactics folder and select it. Once you have selected the tactic, click 'Load Tactic' and it will be applied to your game.

And that's it! You have successfully installed the tactic file in Football Manager 2023 Mobile. Now you can use it to dominate your opponents and win games.

In short:

1) Paste That File inside Device Memory>Documents>Sports Interactive>Football Manager 2023 Mobile>normal>tactics Folder

2) And Then Open Your Game & Check Into The Load Tactic From Action Tab


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