5 Diego Tactics

DIEGO SIMEONE
ATTACKING TACTICS
Tactical Analysis and Sessions
from Atlético Madrid’s 4-4-2
Written by
ATHANASIOS TERZIS
Published by
CONTENTS
Meet The Author: Athanasios Terzis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Diego Simeone’s Achievements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Simeone's Incredible Success with Atlético Against the Odds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Atlético Madrid's 4-4-2 Formation (2017-18 Season). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Atlético Madrid's 4-4-2 Formation (2018-19 Season). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Atlético Madrid Players. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Coaching Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Key. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
THE ATTACKING PHASE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

The Attacking Phase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Benefits of Atlético Madrid's Attacking Shape Against a 4-Man Defence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Benefits of Atlético Madrid's Attacking Shape Against a 3-Man Defence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
TACTICAL SITUATION 1: Build-up Play from the Back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Build-Up Play Against the 4-4-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Build-Up Play Against the 4-2-3-1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Session (2 Practices) for "Build-up Play from the Back". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
1. Build-up Play from the Back in a 6v6 Dynamic Small Sided Game with Mini Goals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
2. Build-up Play from the Back in a 10v9 Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
TACTICAL SITUATION 2: Dragging the Centre Back Out of Position to

Create and Exploit Space. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Creating Space for the Full Back to Receive Unmarked High Up the Flank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Session (4 Practices) for "Dragging the Centre Back Out of Position to
Create and Exploit Space". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
1. Dragging the Centre Back Out of Position to Create and Exploit Space in a Technical
Passing Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
2. Dragging the Centre Back Out of Position to Create and Exploit Space in a Functional Practice . . . . 44
3. Dragging the Centre Back Out of Position to Create and Exploit Space in a Functional Small
Sided Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
4. Dragging the Centre Back Out of Position to Create and Exploit Space in a Conditioned Game. . . . 48
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©SOCCERTUTOR.COM DIEGO SIMEONE'S ATTACKING TACTICS
TACTICAL SITUATION 3: Options for the Full Back After Receiving High Up
the Pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Advanced Full Back Receives Up Against the Opposing Full Back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Session (4 Practices) for "Options for the Full Back After Receiving High Up
the Pitch" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
1. Options for the Full Back After Receiving High Up the Pitch in a Technical Passing Practice
with Finish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
2. Options for the Full Back After Receiving High Up the Pitch in a Functional Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
3. Options for the Full Back After Receiving High Up the Pitch in a Functional Small Sided Game. . . . . 60
4. Options for the Full Back After Receiving High Up the Pitch in a Conditioned Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
TACTICAL SITUATION 4: Synchronised Movements of the Full Back and

Wide Midfielder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Creating and Exploiting an Overload Out Wide with Synchronised Movements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Session (4 Practices) for "Synchronised Movements of the Full Back and
Wide Midfielder". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
1. Synchronised Movements of the Full Back and Wide Midfielder in a Technical Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
2. Synchronised Movements of the Full Back and Wide Midfielder in a Functional Practice
with Finish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
3. Synchronised Movements of the Full Back and Wide Midfielder in a 10v4 (+GK) Functional
Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
4. Synchronised Movements of the Full Back and Wide Midfielder in a Conditioned Game. . . . . . . . . . . 72
TACTICAL SITUATION 5: Forward Exploits Space Behind the Opposing

Full Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Forward Exploits Space Behind the Opposing Full Back with Wide Midfielders Central. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Variation: Forward Creates Space for the Wide Midfielder in the Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Forward Exploits Space Behind the Full Back with Width Created by Wide Midfielder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Session (4 Practices) for "Forward Exploits Space Behind the Opposing
Full Back". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
1. Forward Exploits Space Behind the Opposing Full Back in a Technical Practice with Finish. . . . . . . . . 84
2. Forward Exploits Space Behind the Opposing Full Back in a Functional Practice with Finish. . . . . . . . 86
3. Forward Exploits Space Behind the Opposing Full Back in a Functional Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
4. Forward Exploits Space Behind the Opposing Full Back in a Conditioned Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
TACTICAL SITUATION 6: Forward Drops Back to Receive or Create Space

in Behind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Forward Drops Back to Receive or Create Space in Behind. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
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Session (4 Practices) for "Forward Drops Back to Receive or Create Space
in Behind" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
1. Forward Drops Back to Receive or Create Space in Behind in a Technical Practice with Finish . . . . . . 97
2. Forward Drops Back to Receive or Create Space in Behind in a Functional Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
3. Forward Drops Back to Receive or Create Space in Behind in a Small Sided Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
4. Forward Drops Back to Receive or Create Space in Behind in a Conditioned Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
TACTICAL SITUATION 7: Weak Side Forward Drops Back to Create Space

in Behind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Weak Side Forward Drops Back to Create Space in Behind for Wide Midfielder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Session (3 Practices) for "Weak Side Forward Drops Back to Create Space
in Behind" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
1. Weak Side Forward Drops Back to Create Space for Wide Midfielder in a Functional Practice (1). . . 109
2. Weak Side Forward Drops Back to Create Space for Wide Midfielder in a Functional Practice (2). . . 111
3. Weak Side Forward Drops Back to Create Space for Wide Midfielder in a Conditioned Game. . . . . . 113
TACTICAL SITUATION 8: Creating an Overload and Attacking Through

the Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Creating an Overload and Attacking Through the Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Session (3 Practices) for "Creating an Overload and Attacking Through
the Centre" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
1. Creating an Overload and Attacking Through the Centre in a Technical Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
2. Creating an Overload and Attacking Through the Centre in a Dynamic Zonal Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . 121
3. Creating an Overload and Attacking Through the Centre in a Conditioned Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
TACTICAL SITUATION 9: Making a Run on Blind Side of Defender to

Receive a Long Pass in Behind. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Making a Run on the Blind Side of the Defender to Receive a Long Pass in Behind. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Session (3 Practices) for "Making a Run on Blind Side of Defender to
Receive a Long Pass in Behind". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
1. Making a Run on Blind Side of Defender to Receive a Long Pass in Behind in a
Technical Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Dynamic Zonal Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Conditioned Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
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TACTICAL SITUATION 10: Forward Creates and Exploits Space to Receive
in Behind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Forward Creates and Exploits Space to Receive in Behind. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Getting Onside to Exploit the Space Between the Opposing Defenders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
THE TRANSITION FROM DEFENCE TO ATTACK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

The Transition from Defence to Attack (Positive Transition) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Factors that Affect the Positive Transition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
TACTICAL SITUATION 1: Counter Attack After Winning the Ball in a

Wide Position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Counter Attack After Winning the Ball in a Wide Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Session (3 Practices) for "Counter Attack After Winning the Ball in a
Wide Position". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
1. Counter Attack After Winning the Ball Wide in a Functional Practice (Passive Centre Backs). . . . . . . 142
2. Counter Attack After Winning the Ball Wide in a Functional Practice (Active Centre Backs). . . . . . . . 144
3. Counter Attack After Winning the Ball Wide in a Conditioned Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
TACTICAL SITUATION 2: Counter Attack After Winning the Ball in the

Centre (Direct Threat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Counter Attack After Winning the Ball in the Centre (Direct Threat). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
2 Practices for "Counter Attack After Winning the Ball in the Centre
(Direct Threat)". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
1. Counter Attack After Winning the Ball in the Centre in a Functional Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
2. Counter Attack After Winning the Ball in the Centre in a Functional Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
TACTICAL SITUATION 3: Defensive and Counter Attack-Minded Positioning

of the Forwards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Defensive-Minded Positioning of the Forwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Counter Attack-Minded Positioning of the Forwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Session (4 Practices) for "Defensive and Counter Attack-Minded Positioning
of the Forwards" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
1. Positioning of the Forwards and Counter Attack After Winning the Ball Out Wide in a
Functional Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
2. Positioning of the Forwards and Counter Attack After Winning the Ball in the Centre in a
3. Positioning of the Forwards and Counter Attack After Winning the Ball Out Wide in a
Functional Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
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4. Positioning of the Forwards and Counter Attack After Winning the Ball in the Centre in a
Functional Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
TACTICAL SITUATION 4: Counter Attack with an Open Ball Situation. . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

Possession is Won in the Central Area and an Open Ball Situation is Created. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Role of the Midfielders During a Counter Attack with an Open Ball Situation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
2 Practices for "Counter Attack with an Open Ball Situation" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
1. Counter Attack with an Open Ball Situation in a 6v6 (+GK) Functional Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
2. Counter Attack with an Open Ball Situation in a 6v8 (+GK) Functional Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
TACTICAL SITUATION 5: Counter Attack with a Closed Ball Situation. . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

Counter Attack with a Closed Ball Situation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Tactical Solutions After Winning the Ball in a Closed Ball Situation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
2 Practices for "Counter Attack with a Closed Ball Situation". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
1. Forwards Read the Situation (Open or Closed Ball) & Apply Correct Decision Making in a
2. Counter Attack with a Closed Ball Situation in a Dynamic Conditioned Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
TACTICAL SITUATION 6: Exploiting Width During a Counter Attack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

Exploiting Width During a Counter Attack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Practice for "Exploiting Width During a Counter Attack". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Exploiting Width During a Counter Attack in a Dynamic Conditioned Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
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MEET THE AUTHOR: ATHANASIOS TERZIS
y UEFA ‘A’ Coaching Licence Athanasios Terzis is a football tactics expert and is regularly
invited as an instructor to many coaching seminars and
y M.S.C. in Coaching and workshops around the world.
Conditioning
Athanasios has written many successful football coaching books
y Greek Football Federation published by SoccerTutor.com, which have sold thousands
Instructor (HFF) of copies worldwide in multiple languages (English, Spanish,
German, Italian, Greek, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese):
y Former Coach of
Professional Teams in y Pep Guardiola Attacking Tactics - Tactical Analysis and
Greece Sessions from Manchester City’s 4-3-3 (2019)
y Creative Attacking Play - From the Tactics of Conte, Allegri,
y Former Coach of Semi-Pro
Simeone, Mourinho, Wenger & Klopp (2017)
Teams in Greece
y Marcelo Bielsa - Coaching Build Up Play Against High
y Former Technical Director Pressing Teams (2017)
of DOXA Dramas Academy
(Greek 2nd division) y Coaching the Juventus 3-5-2 - Tactical Analysis and
Sessions: Attacking and Defending (2016)
y Former Professional y Jürgen Klopp’s Attacking and Defending Tactics: Tactical
Football Player Analysis and Sessions from Borussia Dortmund’s 4-2-3-1
(2015)
y FC Barcelona Training Sessions: 160 Practices from 34
Tactical Situations (2014)
* Winner of the Italian FA Award for “Best Coaching Book” 2014
y Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid - A Tactical Analysis:
Attacking and Defending in the 4-2-3-1 (2012)
y FC Barcelona - A Tactical Analysis: Attacking and
Defending (2012)
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DIEGO SIMEONE’S ACHIEVEMENTS
Honours
y Spanish La Liga Primera División (2014)
y UEFA Champions League Runner-up

(2014 & 2016)
y UEFA Europa League (2012 & 2018)
y UEFA Super Cup (2012 & 2018)
y Argentine Primera División (2006 & 2008)
y Copa Del Rey (2013)
y Supercopa de España (2014)
Individual Awards
y European Coach of the Season (2012)
Coaching Roles y La Liga Coach of the Year (2013, 2014 & 2016)
y Atlético Madrid (2011 - Present) y IFFHS World's Best Club Coach (2016)
y Racing Club (2011) y Miguel Muñoz Trophy (2014 & 2016)
y Catalania (2011) y Globe Soccer Master Coach Special Award
y San Lorenzo (2009 - 2010) (2017)
y River Plate (2007 - 2008)
y Estudiantes La Plata (2006 - 2007)
y Racing Club (2006)
9
SIMEONE'S INCREDIBLE SUCCESS WITH
ATLÉTICO AGAINST THE ODDS
LA LIGA
2014 CHAMPION
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE
+ +
2014 RUNNER-UP 2016 RUNNER-UP 2012 CHAMPION 2018 CHAMPION
UEFA SUPER CUP COPA DEL REY
+
2012 CHAMPION 2018 CHAMPION 2013 CHAMPION
* Trophy images from PIXSECTOR.com

10
The Winning Culture at Atlético Madrid Under Diego Simeone
During his years at Atlético Madrid, Teamwork is paramount as Atlético Madrid lack
Diego Simeone has managed to build an superstars like Messi and Ronaldo, who they
extraordinarily strong team which has won or have consistently competed against.
been the runners-up of the most significant
titles against all odds. Even though they are forced to sell every big
player like Falcao, Diego Costa and Griezmann
The Argentine coach brought with him a culture and their budget is relatively low compared to
of commitment, passion, aggressiveness, and other top clubs, they still remain the same ultra-
determination. From the first moment of his competitive side that refuses to surrender.
arrival at Atlético Madrid, he made it clear that
nobody and nothing is above the team and in Diego Simeone's Atlético Madrid era may not
order to achieve greatness, the players have to have produced a team which plays attractive and
give everything and work all together within a free-flowing football, but nobody can deny that
strong team spirit. they are often the toughest team to play against
in the whole of Europe.
This culture was, from the first day, transferred
to the players and since the beginning of Diego
Simeone’s era, it is more than obvious that they
fight in every match like warriors and are willing
to support each other until the very end.
Diego Simeone's Atlético Madrid Tactics

The tactical organisation has had a lot to do Atlético have also been very efficient in their
with the culture that Diego Simeone has created attacking play (analysed in this second part of a
at Atlético Madrid. Simeone built a game plan two book set) and have great success in scoring
which relied on good defensive organisation. goals with a counter attacking style, and by
exploiting set pieces.
The players must carry out their basic defensive
tasks with commitment, passion, aggressiveness,
and determination (elements of the culture
brought by the Argentine).
This has made them extremely difficult to break

down, even by the very top attacking sides.
11
ATLÉTICO MADRID'S 4-4-2 FORMATION
(2017-18 SEASON)
Atlético Madrid’s First XI
Diego Simeone's Atlético
Madrid team mainly use the
4-4-2 formation.
There were some matches

where Simeone adapted and
used the 4-1-4-1, 4-4-1-1 and
4-3-3 formations. However,
this book will focus solely on
how Atlético implemented the
4-4-2.
This was the first XI for Atlético

during the 2017-18 season,
with Thomas (5) the most
regular change, making
50 appearances in central
midfield.
Squad Players
Thomas (5) often played with
Saúl (8) or in place of him if he
moved into the right midfield
position.
Lucas (19) made 44

appearances as cover at left
back and centre back. Savić
(15) and Vrsaljko (16) played
many games at centre back
and right back respectively.
D. Costa (18) was bought in

January 2018 and became a
starter, while Gameriro (21)
made 36 appearances as cover
and often as a substitute.
12
ATLÉTICO MADRID'S 4-4-2 FORMATION
(2018-19 SEASON)
Atlético Madrid’s First XI
This was the first XI for Atlético
during the 2018-19 season.
However, the wide midfielders

were changed often:
y Lemar (11) made 43
appearances mainly as a
left midfielder.
y Correa (10) made 49
appearances mainly as a
right midfielder.
Squad Players
As explained above, Lemar
(11) and Correa (10) often
played as wide midfielders.
They would play in place of
Koke (6) or Saúl (8) if either
of them was playing in central
midfield and sometimes
purely just because it was
Diego Simeone's preference
for a particular game.
Arias (4) made 33

appearances as cover at right
back and Morata (22) made
17 appearances as a forward.
13
ATLÉTICO MADRID PLAYERS
GOALKEEPER During the 2018-19 season, Rodri (14) took over

Gabi's (14) role and was partnered with Saúl
Jan Oblak (13) has been one of Europe's most (8) or Thomas (5) if Saúl (8) played as a right
outstanding goalkeepers in the last few years, midfielder.
providing a high level of consistency and
security for Atlético's goal.
WIDE MIDFIELDERS
CENTRE BACKS Angel Correa (11) and especially Koke (6) are
not "winger-type" wide midfielders, and mainly
Diego Godín (2) was a top class defender for play as inside midfielders. They are Atlético
Atlético, together with Stefan Savić (15) or the Madrid’s most creative players. They can dribble,
younger Jose Giménez (24). Either would form make key passes, and shoot well from long
a strong duo with Godín (2) in the centre of distance. In addition, during the defensive phase
defence. All 3 centre backs are highly effective in they are very hard-working players who provide
aerial duels, as well as in duels on the ground. a great contribution. Saúl (8) also played as
a wide midfielder, mostly during the 2018-19
FULL BACKS season.
Juanfran (20) and Simo Vrsaljko (16) at right
back, together with Filipe Luis (3) and Lucas FORWARDS
Hernandez (19) on the left, are very quick, Antoine Griezmann (7), Diego Costa (18/19),
good in 1v1 situations and are all capable of Fernando Torres (9) and Kevin Gameiro (21)
contributing well in the attacking phase too. are all quick and capable of playing on the
counter attack. They are highly effective in
CENTRAL MIDFIELDERS dribbling and finishing. During the defensive
Gabi (14) was the player who could always phase, they played a crucial role as they
play at a high tempo and with full energy for controlled their zone of responsibility effectively
the entirety of the 90 minutes. His contribution using well-coordinated movements.
was outstanding as he could fill every possible
gap in midfield, as well as in the defensive line.
Gabi (14) could also block through passes and
apply heavy pressure in every single attempt.
His tactical awareness was fantastic as well, as
he read the game perfectly and applied the
appropriate tactical response in each moment.
Gabi's (14) partner was the versatile Saúl

Niguez (8) who is exceptionally good tactically
and technically, as well as extremely hard-
working, perfectly matching the demands of
Simeone. Thomas (5) was often used in central
midfield as well, playing a mainly defensive role.
14
COACHING FORMAT
1. TACTICAL SITUATION AND ANALYSIS

y The analysis is based on recurring patterns of play observed within Diego Simeone's Atlético
Madrid team. Once the same phase of play occurred several times (at least 10), the tactics
would be seen as a pattern.
y Each action, pass, individual movement (with or without the ball) and the positioning of each
player on the pitch including their body shape, are presented with a full description.
2. FULL TRAINING SESSION FROM THE TACTICAL SITUATION

y Technical and Functional Practices, Tactical Practices and Games
y Objective and Full Description
y Restrictions, Progressions, Variations & Coaching Points (if applicable)
KEY
15
THE ATTACKING
PHASE
16
The Attacking Phase
THE ATTACKING PHASE

DEFINITION: When a team has possession of In some situations, the attacking phase starts
the ball and the opponents have managed to get from the GK but some of the stages can be
well-organised defensively, then the attacking skipped if the GK Oblak (13) is forced to play a
team is in the attacking phase. long pass straight to the forwards (due to the
opposition's high pressing).
Atlético Madrid are not often thought of as
an exciting team during the attacking phase. When building up play from the GK, Diego
However, despite what many think, Diego Simeone's philosophy is very specific. No risky
Simeone’s team have been very effective during options are allowed. If the opposition apply a
the attacking phase for many years. For a team to high press and the Atlético players feel that a
be as successful as Atlético have, they need to be short pass might be risky, they prefer to make a
highly effective in all of 4 phases of the game. long pass and play with safety.
If there are good possibilities to use short

THE STAGES OF THE ATTACKING passing in order to move the ball from the GK
PHASE to a player in a more advanced position, then
the team can build up from the GK using short
The attacking phase includes different stages. passing combinations.
These stages are:
In conclusion, Atlético use a mix of different
1. Building up play from the GK and moving the tactics, depending on the tactics of the
ball to a player in the defensive line (usually to opposition.
a defender or a midfielder who drops deep).
In this book, we focus on how Diego Simeone’s
2. Moving the ball to a player between the Atlético Madrid team attack against middle or
opposition's forward and midfield lines low block teams.
(usually to a midfielder).
3. Moving the ball to a player between the

opposition's midfield and defensive lines
(usually to a midfielder or forward).
4. Playing a final pass in behind the defensive

line (or shooting at goal).
5. Receiving the final pass and finishing on goal.
In order not to skip any of these stages, the

attacking phase should start from the GK and
gradually build from there. However, this is not
always possible as Atlético often win the ball
in more advanced areas before the ball ever
reaches the GK Oblak (13).
17
The Attacking Phase
BENEFITS OF ATLÉTICO MADRID'S ATTACKING

SHAPE AGAINST A 4-MAN DEFENCE
Atlético's attacking shape has both full backs in For example, there can be an overload within the
wide and advanced positions. zone of responsibility of the opposing full back
or centre back. These overloads create dilemmas
The 2 wide midfielders are positioned inside and Atlético's aim is to take advantage of them
between the lines. This creates a dilemma for to create scoring opportunities.
the opposing full backs, who must decide
whether to follow them or not. Additionally, the Finally, the central positioning of the wide
2 wide midfielders overload the central area. midfielders usually forces the opposing full backs
So, if the ball is moved to one of them, it can be to move towards the inside. This reaction creates
crucial for the outcome of the attacking move, available space out wide, which can be exploited
as most key passes or shots are made within by Atlético full backs. If the opposing full backs
this area. Furthermore, their central positioning do not converge (move centrally), then it is easier
can also create overloads in specific zones of for the Atlético forwards to find available gaps
responsibility of opposing players. between the defenders and take advantage.
18
The Attacking Phase
BENEFITS OF ATLÉTICO MADRID'S ATTACKING

SHAPE AGAINST A 3-MAN DEFENCE
If the opposition are using a formation with 3 They are still able to create the same overload
centre backs e.g. 3-5-2, Atlético are no longer in the central area between the opposition's
able to exploit wide areas with their advanced midfield and defensive lines, with the wide
full backs like they can against a 4-man defence. midfielders Koke (6) and Correa (11) taking up
the central positions shown.
The potential space out wide is usually restricted
by the opposing wing backs.
Against teams with a 3-man defence, the Atlético

full backs receive in the space available in deeper
positions.
19
TACTICAL
SITUATION 4
Synchronised Movements of the Full

Back and Wide Midfielder
The content in this section is from analysis of Diego Simeone's Atlético Madrid teams
during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 seasons.
The analysis is based on recurring patterns of play observed within the Atlético Madrid team. Once
the same phase of play occurred several times (at least 10), the tactics would be seen as a pattern. The
analysis on the following pages are examples of the team’s tactics being used effectively.
Each action, pass, individual movement with or without the ball, and the positioning of each player
on the pitch including their body shape, are presented.
The analysis is then used to create a session to coach this specific tactical situation.
63
Tactical Situation 4 - Synchronised Movements of the Full Back and Wide Midfielder
SYNCHRONISED MOVEMENTS OF THE FULL BACK

AND WIDE MIDFIELDER
1a. Creating a 2v1 Situation within the Opposing Full Back's Zone of
Responsibility with Synchronised Movements
The synchronised movements of the full The Atlético left back F. Luis (3) makes a forward
back and the wide midfielder can lead to 2v1 run at the same time to enter the opposing full
situation being created within the opposing full back's zone of responsibility, and a 2v1 situation
back's zone of responsibility. is created out wide (see highlighted area).
In this tactical example, the Atlético left

midfielder Koke (6) drops back into a central
position between the opposition's midfield and
defensive lines.
64
1b. Opposing Full Back Retains Position and the Wide Midfielder
Receives Unmarked Between the Lines
This 2v1 siutation can be exploited in 2 different Koke (6) is able to turn and has 3 options for a
ways, depending on the reaction of the pass in behind the defensive line:
opposing full back.
1. The forward Griezmann (7).
In this tactical example, the white right back 2. The other forward Torres (9).
No.2 decides not to follow the dropping back
movement of the Atlético Madrid left midfielder 3. Switch of play to the full back on the weak
Koke (6). side Juanfran (20).
Therefore, Koke (6) is free of marking and able

to receive the pass from the central midfielder
Gabi (14) between the opposition's midfield and
defensive lines.
65
2. Opposing Full Back Follows the Wide Midfielder's Movement and

Creates Space for the Full Back to Receive High Up the Flank
In this variation, the
white right back No.2
follows the dropping
back movement of the
Atlético left midfielder
Koke (6).
This creates space in
behind white No.2 (see
highlighted area).
The Atlético left back
F. Luis (3) can receive
from the central
midfielder Gabi (14) via
an aerial pass.

F. Luis (3) receives
within the created space,
dribbles forward and
delivers a cross for his
oncoming team mates.
66
SESSION (4 PRACTICES)
FOR "SYNCHRONISED
MOVEMENTS OF THE
FULL BACK AND WIDE
MIDFIELDER"
67
SESSION FOR THIS TACTICAL SITUATION (4 PRACTICES)

1. Synchronised Movements of the Full Back and Wide
Midfielder in a Technical Practice
A = Centre back, B -= Central midfielder, Player B has 2 options for where to direct the ball:
C = Full back, D = Wide midfielder. 1. On the left side, the ball is passed to C in the
Description (1/2) wide area, who dribbles the ball forward and
crosses into the mini goal.
y Within a 35 x 45 yard area, the wide areas are
5 x 8 yards and the central areas are 2. On the right side, the ball is passed to D in the
4 x 4 yards. The practice starts at both ends central area, who receives, turns, and passes
simultaneously with Player A. into the mini goal.
y A starts by passing to B, who drops back. B Each player moves to the next position
then plays a 1-2 with A, opens up and turns. (A -> B -> C -> D -> A). After practicing these
different options on one side of the pitch (right),
y As soon as B receives the third pass, D drops
switch to practice them on the left side.
back, and C moves forward.
68
PROGRESSION
Midfielder in a Functional Practice with Finish
There can be 2 players in the wide midfielder y As soon as the central midfielder (14/8)
and forward positions to keep a high tempo. The receives the third pass, the wide midfielder
centre back and central midfielder switch positions (6/11) drops back and the full back (3/20)
after each repetition. moves forward.
Description y LEFT SIDE: If the white full back No.2 follows
y Within a 40 x 50 yard area, there are 12 x 5 the red left midfielder's (6) movement, the
yard wide areas and a 25 x 5 yard central area. central midfielder (14) passes to the left back
The practice is played simultaneously in the 2 (3) in the wide area, who dribbles forward and
equal halves. delivers a cross for the forward (7) to score.
y The centre back (2/24) starts by passing to y RIGHT SIDE: If the white full back No.2
the central midfielder (14/8), who drops back. doesn't follow, the pass is played to the right
The central midfielder then plays a 1-2 with midfielder's (11) feet in the central area. He
the centre back, opens up and turns. turns and plays a final pass for the forward (9).
69
PROGRESSION
Midfielder in a 10 v 4 (+GK) Functional Practice
Scenario A: Opposing Full Back Follows the Wide Midfielder's Movement
Description (Scenario A) y Decision making is extremely important,

y In this progression of the previous practice, as the central midfielder (14/8) reads the
we add 2 white centre backs to increase the reaction of the opposing full backs in order to
difficulty and play in 2/3 of a full pitch. direct the ball towards the right area.
y The reds again aim to create and exploit an y In this first example, the white right back No.2
overload out wide. follows the red left midfielder's (6) movement
back into the central area.
y The practice starts with the Coach's long pass
to a centre back (2/24). The players combine y Therefore, the central midfielder (14) passes
until the central midfielder (14/8) opens up to to the left back (3) in the wide area, who
receive and play forward. dribbles forward and delivers a cross.
70
TACTICAL
SITUATION 8
Creating an Overload and Attacking

Through the Centre
114
Tactical Situation 8 - Creating an Overload and Attacking Through the Centre
CREATING AN OVERLOAD AND ATTACKING

THROUGH THE CENTRE
1a. Wide Midfielder Creates an Overload by Moving into the Centre
of the Pitch to Receive
The central positioning of Atlético's wide This prevents the opposing centre back (white
midfielders helps create overloads in specific No.4 in diagram) from moving forward to press
areas. Attacking through the centre is a popular Atlético's left midfielder Koke (6).
tactic for Diego Simeone's team.
As soon as central midfielder Gabi (14) receives
The wide midfielder moves towards the centre in from the centre back Giménez (24) in this
between the opposition's midfield and defensive example, the left midfielder Koke (6) moves
lines and enters the zone of responsibility of the towards the centre and creates a 2v1 overload in
opposing centre back, who then has 2 players to a crucial area, as shown.
deal with (see highlighted area).
115
1b. Opposing Centre Back Retains Position and the Wide Midfielder
is Able to Receive, Turn and Look for a Final Pass
This situation enables the left midfielder Koke The forward movement of both full backs
(6) to receive free of marking and turn facing the triggers the central midfielder Saúl (8) to drop
opponent's goal. back and help retain a numerical advantage at
the back.
As soon as the turn is carried out, the 2 forwards
Griezmann (7) and Torres (9) move to receive a
potential final pass, as do both full backs F. Luis
(3) and Juanfran (20), who are positioned near
the side-lines to retain width.
116
2. Opposing Centre Back Tracks the Wide Midfielder's Movement,

who Plays First-time Pass in Behind
In a similar situation to
the previous one, Koke
(6) receives a forward
pass from Gabi (14),
but the reaction from
the white defenders is
different.
Specifically, the white
centre back No.4 decides
to step forward and
put Koke (6) under
pressure, which leaves
Griezmann (7) free of
marking. Griezmann
(7) opens up to receive
a first-time pass from
Koke (6).
3. Opposing Centre Back Tracks the Wide Midfielder's Movement,

who Uses a Link Player to Pass in Behind
This shows another
option for how Atlético
deal with the same
situation using a passing
combination.
As soon as Koke (6)
receives under pressure
from the white centre
back No.4, the ball is
directed to Griezmann
(7) via the other forward
Torres (9), who moves
close to Koke (6) to offer
him a passing option.
117
FOR "CREATING
AN OVERLOAD AND
ATTACKING THROUGH
THE CENTRE"
118
PROGRESSION
2. Creating an Overload and Attacking Through the
Centre in a Dynamic Zonal Practice
Description y Please see the previous practices and

y The practice starts within the marked-out analysis pages in this section for the correct
low zone and the reds play 4v2 with the aim decision making for the red wide midfielder.
of moving the ball to a central midfielder y In this example, the opposing centre back
unmarked beyond the white forwards. No.4 moves forward to press the wide
y As soon as this happens, the wide midfielder midfielder (6), so he uses the weak side
on that side (6) moves towards the centre forward (9) as a link player to pass to the other
to create an overload and receive from the forward (7) in the space created behind No.4.
central midfielder (14). y If the white centre backs win the ball, they
y The wide midfielder (6) must decide whether move the ball to the forwards and try to score
to play a first-time pass in behind or receive in the mini goals within 12-15 seconds. If the
and turn, depending on the white centre white forwards win the ball within the low
back's reaction. zone, they try and score within 6 seconds.
121
PROGRESSION
3. Creating an Overload and Attacking Through the
Centre in a Conditioned Game
Description y In the diagram example, the white centre back

y In the final practice of this session, the 2 teams retains his position, so the wide midfielder (6)
play an 11v11 game in 2/3 of the pitch. You can receive, turn, and play a final pass.
can decide whether to have the areas to help y The white team try to win the ball and then
the players or not. score (counter attack) within 10-12 seconds.
y The reds can score in any way but if they score
after successfully exploiting an overload in the
Coaching Points
centre, they score 3 goals. 1. There needs to be synchronisation in the
players' movements (forwards and wide
y The red wide midfielder has to read the midfielders).
tactical situation and make the right decision
about where to direct the ball and create a 2. Read the situation and make decisions
scoring chance (see previous practices and according to the opposing centre back's
analysis pages). reaction.
122
THE TRANSITION
FROM
DEFENCE
TO
ATTACK
134
The Transition from Defence to Attack
THE TRANSITION FROM DEFENCE TO

ATTACK (POSITIVE TRANSITION)
DEFINITION THE STAGES OF THE POSITIVE
TRANSITION PHASE
The transition from defence to attack (positive
transition) is the phase which starts as soon 1. Winning possession (where).
as possession is won by the defending team
and lasts until the opposing team successfully 2. Securing the ball (moving the ball to a player
reorganise defensively. with available time and space to move forward
or pass forward).
3. Players in advanced positions move to receive
DIEGO SIMEONE'S ATLÉTICO MADRID
in available space.
Atlético Madrid is a club that owes much of 4. The man in possession plays a forward pass.
its success in recent years on Diego Simeone's
tactics during the transition from defence to 5. The target player receives and uses his skills
attack (positive transition phase), where they to beat an opponent (1v1) and shoot (direct
have consistently been one of the best teams in threat) or make a final pass/cross (indirect
Europe. threat).
In the 2017-18 La Liga season, Diego Simeone's

Atlético Madrid team had the second best record
of goals scored from counter attacks (5). They
were only just behind Villarreal CF (6).
135
The Transition from Defence to Attack
FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE POSITIVE

TRANSITION
FACTOR 1:
What area is the ball
won in?
The first factor that affects
the way the positive
transition is carried out
is the area where the ball
is won, and possession is
gained.
There are different ways

of carrying out a positive
transition if possession is
won in the central area or
wide areas.
FACTOR 2: FACTOR 3:
Defensive Positioning of Players The Situation Around the Ball Area
For a coach to prepare for the transition from Another factor that affects the transition from
defence to attack, he has to consider the defence to attack is the situation which is created
defensive positions of his players (within the around the ball area at the moment the ball is
formation used) during the defensive phase. won.
The transition from defence to attack is strongly For example, the Atlético players (especially the
related to the defensive positions of the players forwards) react in a different way when there is
at the moment the ball is won. This means that an open ball situation compared to a closed ball
not only different formations provide different situation.
possibilities for carrying out this phase, but also
small adjustments in the defensive positioning of In an Open Ball Situation, the ball carrier has
the players within a formation. time and space to pass forward immediately.
In many occasions, the 2 Atlético forwards take In a Closed Ball Situation, the ball carrier is
up counter attack-minded positions within the pressed immediately and it is difficult to move
4-4-2 formation and this variation in positioning forward or play a forward pass.
provides different possibilities for counter
attacks.
136
TACTICAL
SITUATION 3
Defensive and Counter Attack-Minded

Positioning of the Forwards
153
Tactical Situation 3 - Defensive and Counter Attack-Minded Positioning of the Forwards
COUNTER ATTACK-MINDED POSITIONING OF THE

FORWARDS
1a. Counter Attack-minded Positioning of Forwards with Ball in Centre
Over Diego Simeone's time
at Atlético Madrid, they
have mainly used defensive-
minded positioning of
the forwards during the
defensive phase. However,
they have used counter
attack-minded positioning
of the forwards in many
matches, especially when
D. Costa (19) plays.
Atlético have 1 forward in
a very advanced position
and there is more space for
the opposition to exploit
between the forward and
midfield lines.
1b. Counter Attack-minded Positioning of Forwards with Ball Wide

When using defensive-
minded positioning of the
forwards (see last 3 pages),
both forwards are able to
contribute in the defensive
phase.
When using counter attack-
minded positioning, only 1
forward contributes in the
defensive phase, which is
Griezmann (7).
The other forward D. Costa
(19) is in a dangerous
position to exploit a potential
direct counter attack if the
ball is won.
157
2a. Available Spaces to Exploit After Winning Possession in a Wide

Area (Counter Attack-minded Positioning of Forwards)
Despite the available space between the forward When winning the ball in a wide area, it is more
and midfield lines which can be exploited by likely that the space out wide and behind the
the opposition, this positioning of the forwards opposing full back No.2 can be exploited.
provides benefits for the transition from defence
to attack. However, with this counter attack-minded
positioning of the forwards, Griezmann (7) is
The main target player D. Costa (19) is close to in a relatively deep position compared to the
the opponent’s goal and the available space that previous situation (normal defensive positioning
can be exploited is in the central area. However, of forwards) and the white full back No.2 can
taking advantage of this after winning the ball recover in time and fill the gap.
in a wide area is not easy. It is far easier when
the ball is won in the centre, which we show on In addition, moving the ball into the available
pages 162-164. space in the centre for D. Costa (19) to exploit is
not easy, as a perfectly accurate pass is needed.
In this example, the Atlético left back F. Luis (3)
intercepts the pass to white No.7.
158
2b. Forward Receives in Available Space Between the Centre Backs

and Creates a DIRECT THREAT
After winning the ball, the Atlético left back Therefore, F. Luis (3) takes on the more difficult
F. Luis (3) looks to play a forward pass. pass into the available space in the centre for the
target player and other forward D. Costa (19).
The easiest forward passing option towards the If this pass is perfectly accurate, it can create a
forward on the strong side Griezmann (7) is direct threat and shot on goal.
covered by the white right back No.2.
ASSESSMENT
The available space for the most advanced positioned forward D. Costa (19) depends on
the positioning of the opposing centre backs (white No.4 and No.5).
If the white centre backs' positioning doesn’t enable D. Costa (19) to take advantage of
space in between them, then he should search to find space elsewhere (see next page).
159
3a. Space on Blind Side of Centre Back After Winning Possession in

a Wide Area (Counter Attack-minded Positioning of Forwards)
In this variation, the
positioning of the
white centre back No.5
prevents D. Costa (19)
from exploiting the
space between him and
No.4.
In this situation, it was
highly effective for
the advanced Atlético
forward to make a run
into the available space
on the blind side of
the centre back, as he
is unable to see both
D. Costa (19) and the
ball.
3b. Forward Receives in Available Space on Blind Side of Centre

Back and Creates a DIRECT THREAT
However, it is difficult to
achieve this kind of long
aerial pass on the blind
side of the white centre
back No.5.
F. Luis (3) needs quality,
as well as enough time
and space on the ball to
play this accurate pass.
If he does it successfully
and D. Costa (19)
receives in behind, as
shown in the diagram,
Atlético create a direct
threat to shoot on goal.
160
4. Moving the ball Inside After Winning Possession in a Wide Area to

Increase the Possibility of Playing an Effective Forward Pass
When Atlético win the ball in a central area, As soon as the Atlético left back F. Luis (3)
they are able to take advantage of the counter intercepts the ball in this tactical example, he
attack-minded positioning of the forwards and passes inside the central midfielder Rodri (14) in
become extremely effective in the transition a central area, and he opens up to receive.
from defence to attack (see next page).
A pass from Rodri (14) towards the available
The best option to take advantage of the counter space between the opposing centre backs is now
attack-minded positioning of the forwards if the easier to achieve.
ball is won in a wide area, is to move the ball
quickly to a free player positioned within the A Direct Threat is created, as D. Costa (19)
central area. receives in an extremely dangerous position to
shoot at goal.
With this inside pass, the pass towards the
available space between the centre backs or on
the blind side one of the centre backs can be
played easier.
161
FOR "DEFENSIVE AND
COUNTER ATTACK-
MINDED POSITIONING
OF THE FORWARDS"
165
PROGRESSION
3. Positioning of the Forwards and Counter Attack After
Winning the Ball Out Wide in a Functional Game
Description As they are in a wide area, the player that wins

y The 2 teams play a 9v10 game in 2/3 of the the ball can:
pitch. 1. Pass to the forward on the strong side (7) to
create an Indirect Threat.
y The game starts with the white GK and the
white team must move the ball into one of the 2. Pass directly to the advanced forward (19) to
wide areas and then try to move the ball to create a Direct Threat (difficult pass).
the forward No.9 in the yellow central area to 3. Pass inside to the central midfielder (5), who
score against the GK. then passes to the advanced forward (19) to
y The reds try to win the ball in a 3v3 situation create a Direct Threat.
within the wide area and then launch a
Restriction: Any pass towards white No.9
counter attack. Please see the analysis pages
should be played from within the wide area.
in this section for the correct decision making.
168

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How does Atlético Madrid set up their attacking shape against different defensive formations?

How does Atlético Madrid set up their attacking shape against different defensive formations?

What are the benefits of Atlético Madrid's attacking shape against a 4-man and 3-man defense?

What are the benefits of Atlético Madrid's attacking shape against a 4-man and 3-man defense?

DIEGO SIMEONE

THE ATTACKING PHASE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

TACTICAL SITUATION 1: Build-up Play from the Back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

TACTICAL SITUATION 2: Dragging the Centre Back Out of Position to

TACTICAL SITUATION 4: Synchronised Movements of the Full Back and

TACTICAL SITUATION 5: Forward Exploits Space Behind the Opposing

TACTICAL SITUATION 6: Forward Drops Back to Receive or Create Space

TACTICAL SITUATION 7: Weak Side Forward Drops Back to Create Space

TACTICAL SITUATION 8: Creating an Overload and Attacking Through

TACTICAL SITUATION 9: Making a Run on Blind Side of Defender to

THE TRANSITION FROM DEFENCE TO ATTACK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

TACTICAL SITUATION 1: Counter Attack After Winning the Ball in a

TACTICAL SITUATION 2: Counter Attack After Winning the Ball in the

TACTICAL SITUATION 3: Defensive and Counter Attack-Minded Positioning

TACTICAL SITUATION 4: Counter Attack with an Open Ball Situation. . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

TACTICAL SITUATION 5: Counter Attack with a Closed Ball Situation. . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

TACTICAL SITUATION 6: Exploiting Width During a Counter Attack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

y UEFA Champions League Runner-up

y UEFA Europa League (2012 & 2018)

y UEFA Super Cup (2012 & 2018)

y Argentine Primera División (2006 & 2008)

y Copa Del Rey (2013)

y Supercopa de España (2014)

y River Plate (2007 - 2008)

y Estudiantes La Plata (2006 - 2007)

y Racing Club (2006)

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE

UEFA SUPER CUP COPA DEL REY

* Trophy images from PIXSECTOR.com

Diego Simeone's Atlético Madrid Tactics

This has made them extremely difficult to break

There were some matches

This was the first XI for Atlético

Lucas (19) made 44

D. Costa (18) was bought in

However, the wide midfielders

Arias (4) made 33

GOALKEEPER During the 2018-19 season, Rodri (14) took over

Gabi's (14) partner was the versatile Saúl

1. TACTICAL SITUATION AND ANALYSIS

2. FULL TRAINING SESSION FROM THE TACTICAL SITUATION

THE ATTACKING PHASE

If there are good possibilities to use short

3. Moving the ball to a player between the

4. Playing a final pass in behind the defensive

5. Receiving the final pass and finishing on goal.

In order not to skip any of these stages, the

BENEFITS OF ATLÉTICO MADRID'S ATTACKING

BENEFITS OF ATLÉTICO MADRID'S ATTACKING

Against teams with a 3-man defence, the Atlético

Synchronised Movements of the Full

SYNCHRONISED MOVEMENTS OF THE FULL BACK

In this tactical example, the Atlético left

Therefore, Koke (6) is free of marking and able

2. Opposing Full Back Follows the Wide Midfielder's Movement and