Mid Fiels

MARCELO BIELSA
Attacking Tactics and

Sessions (4-1-4-1)
WRITTEN BY
ATHANASIOS TERZIS
PUBLISHED BY
CONTENTS
Meet the Author: Athanasios Terzis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Marcelo Bielsa’s Career . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United Formation and Players (4-1-4-1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Diagram Key and Coaching Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
MARCELO BIELSA’S ATTACKING STYLE OF PLAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Marcelo Bielsa’s Attacking Style of Play. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Marcelo Bielsa’s 4 Lines During the Build-up Phase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Target Areas (Key Passing Area and Crossing Areas) and Finishing Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Most Occupied Areas During the Build-up Phase. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Triangle Shapes for Combination Play within the Most Occupied Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Principles Applied to Create More Space: Creating Width. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Principles Applied to Create More Space: Creating Depth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Passing Options to Move the Ball into the Finishing Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Moving the Ball from a First Line to a Second Line Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
MARCELO BIELSA TACTICAL SITUATION 1:

Defensive Midfielder Drops Back to Create a Numerical Advantage for the Build-up. . . 29
Playing Through High Pressing of the First Line Players. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Chain Reaction Movements on the Strong Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Rotating Movements on the Weak Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Training Session Based on Tactics of Marcelo Bielsa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
1. Defensive Midfielder Drops Back for the Build-up in a Technical Position Specific Passing Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
2. Defensive Midfielder Drops Back for the Build-up in an Unopposed Functional Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
3. Defensive Midfielder Drops Back During the Build-up in a Conditioned 9v8 (+GK) Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Effective Positioning Between the Lines to Move the Ball to a Free Player. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Passing Lines/Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Creating a Free Player Between the Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Moving the Ball to Free Player with a 3rd Line (Through) Pass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Moving the Ball to Free Player with a 3rd Line (Through) Pass and then a Back Pass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Moving the Ball to Free Player with a 1st Line Pass and then a 3rd Line (Through) Pass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Moving the Ball to Free Player By Playing Around the Opponents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Lofted Pass into the Available Space in the Centre Behind the Second Line of Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Lofted Pass into the Available Space Out Wide Behind the Second Line of Pressure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Moving the Ball in Behind the Second Line of Pressure with Forward Pass + Through Pass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
1. Effective Positioning Between the Lines and Moving the Ball to a Free Player in a 7v3 Rondo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
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©SOCCERTUTOR.COM MARCELO BIELSA - ATTACKING TACTICS AND SESSIONS
2. Technical Passing Practice - Direct 3rd Line Through Pass to the Free Player. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
3. Technical Passing Practice - 3rd Line Through Pass and Back Pass by “Link Player” to the Free Player. . . . . . . . . . . 57
4. Technical Passing Practice - 1st Line Pass and 3rd Line Through Pass by “Link Player” to the Free Player. . . . . . . . 58
5. Technical Passing Practice - The Free Player Receives After the Ball is Moved Around the Opponents. . . . . . . . . . 59
6. Effective Positioning Between the Lines and Moving the Ball to a Free Player in a Functional Practice. . . . . . . . . 60
7. Effective Positioning Between the Lines and Moving the Ball to a Free Player in a Three Zone Game
with 4 Mini Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Moving the Ball to the Defensive Midfielder in Space. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Positioning and Shifting of the Defensive Midfielder to Receive Free Between the Lines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Moving the Ball to the Defensive Midfielder with a 3rd Line Through Pass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Alternative Option for the Positioning of the Defensive Midfielder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Moving the Ball to the Defensive Midfielder by Using Link Players when Direct Pass is Blocked. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Moving the Ball to the Defensive Midfielder by Using the Attacking Midfielder as Link Player. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Moving the Ball to the Defensive Midfielder by Using the Full Back as Link Player. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Moving the Ball to the Defensive Midfielder by Using the Centre Back as Link Player. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Solution for when the Opposition Attempt to Restrict the Space for DM Between the Lines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
1. Moving the Ball to the Defensive Midfielder in Space in a Functional Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
2. Moving the Ball to the Defensive Midfielder in Space in a Functional Practice with Additional Link Players. . . . 74
3. Moving the Ball to the Defensive Midfielder in Space in a Functional 5 (+2) v 6 Game with 4 Mini Goals. . . . . . . 75
4. Moving the Ball to the Defensive Midfielder in Space in a 7v6 (+GKs) Tactical Game with Receiving End Zone. . 77

Midfielders Switching Positions to Find Space Between the Lines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Defensive Midfielder and Attacking Midfielder Switch Positions on the Strong Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Defensive Midfielder and Attacking Midfielder Switch Positions on the Weak Side. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
1. Midfielders Switching Positions to Find Space Between the Lines in an Unopposed Functional Practice. . . . . . . 85
2. Midfielders Switching Positions to Find Space Between the Lines in a Functional Practice vs 2 Central
Midfielders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
3. Midfielders Switching Positions to Find Space Between the Lines in a Tactical 7v6 (+GK) Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Moving Rotations of the Midfield Three. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Rotations of the Midfield Three. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Rotations of the Midfield Three: Anti-clockwise Rotation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Rotations of the Midfield Three: Clockwise Rotation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
1. Rotations of the Midfield Three in an Unopposed Functional Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
2. Rotations of the Midfield Three in an Unopposed Functional Practice vs 2 Central Midfielders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
3. Rotations of the Midfield Three in an 8v8 (+GK) Dynamic Game with an Attacking Zone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
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Attacking Midfielder Drops Back to Receive Between the Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Attacking Midfielder on the Strong Side Drops Back to Receive Between the Lines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
The Forward Drops Back to Receive Between the Lines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Attacking Midfielder on the Weak Side Drops Back to Receive Between the Lines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Attacking Midfielders’ Positioning: Taking Up Positions Between the Lines and Opponents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

The Forward Attacking the Space in Behind the Defensive Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
The Forward’s Positioning Between Defenders to Find Space. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Taking Up a New Position to Attack the Space in Behind the Defensive Line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Taking Up a New Position on the Weak Side to Attack the Space in Behind. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Training Session Based on Tactics of Marcelo Bielsa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
1. The Forward Attacking the Space in Behind the Defensive Line in an Unopposed Functional Practice. . . . . . . . 123
2. The Forward Attacking the Space in Behind the Defensive Line in a Dynamic Tactical Practice with
Target Zone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
3. The Forward Attacking the Space in Behind the Defensive Line in an 11v11 Three Zone Tactical Game. . . . . . . . 126

Forward Stays Behind Defensive Line (Blind) & Drops Back at the Correct Moment. . . . . 127
Forward Stays Behind Defensive Line, Drops Back at Correct Moment + Runs in Behind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Forward Drops Back to Receive Between the Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Forward Drops Back to Receive and Turns in Advanced Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
1. Forward Drops Back at the Correct Moment - Varied Patterns of Play Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
2. Forward Drops Back at the Correct Moment in a Functional Two Phase Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
3. Forward Drops Back at the Correct Moment in an 11v11 Tactical Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Moving the Ball to the Attacking Midfielders and Forward to Create Chances. . . . . . . . . . . 139
Positioning of the Attacking Midfielders and the Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Providing Three Passing Options for the Defensive Midfielder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Moving the Ball to a Third Line Player with a Through Pass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Moving the Ball to a Third Line Player Using the Forward as a Link Player. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Receiving Between the Lines by Playing Around the Opponents (Through Pass Blocked). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Attacking Midfielders Attack the Space in Behind the Defensive Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
1. Moving the Ball to the Attacking Midfielders and Forward to Create Chances in a Technical Passing Practice . . 153
2. Moving the Ball to the Attacking Midfielders and Forward to Create Chances in a Functional Game. . . . . . . . . . 154
3. Moving the Ball to the Attacking Midfielders and Forward to Create Chances in a Dynamic Three Zone
Functional Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
4. Moving the Ball to the Attacking Midfielders and Forward to Create Chances in a Tactical 11v11 Game . . . . . . . 158
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Forward Drops Back to Get Free of Marking or Create Space for Teammates. . . . . . . . . . . . 159
A) Attacking Midfielder on Strong Side Exploits Space Behind the Centre Back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
B) Attacking Midfielder on Weak Side Exploits Space Behind the Centre Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
C) Attacking Midfielder Exploits Space After a Passing Combination (1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
D) Attacking Midfielder Exploits Space After a Passing Combination (2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
E) Full Back Restricts Space in the Centre which Creates Space Out Wide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
1. Forward Drops Back to Get Free of Marking or Create Space for Teammates in a Functional Pattern + Finish. . 166
2. Forward Drops Back to Get Free of Marking or Create Space for Teammates in a Functional Practice
vs 2 Centre Backs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
3. Forward Drops Back to Get Free of Marking or Create Space for Teammates in a Functional Practice
vs Back 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

Attacking Midfielder and Winger Switch Positions to Receive Between the Lines. . . . . . . 171
A) The Winger and Attacking Midfielder Switch Positions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
B) The Winger Finds Available Space in the Middle (in Between the Lines). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Variation: The Attacking Midfielder Finds Available Space Out Wide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

Positioning of the Wingers to Receive in Behind the Defensive Line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Positioning of the Wingers to Receive in Behind the Defensive Line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
“Ideal Line” for the Winger to Receive in Behind the Defensive Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Principles to Receive when Positioned Deeper than the Opposing Full Back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Principles to Receive when Positioned in Line with the Opposing Full Back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Alternative Space to Attack when Receiving Close to the “Ideal Line” is Not Possible. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Weak Side Winger Applies the Same Principles to Receive in Behind (Close to “Ideal Line”). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
The Winger Receives Out Wide without Neutralising the Opposing Full Back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
1. Positioning of the Wingers to Receive in Behind the Defensive Line in a Functional Pattern + Cross and
Finish (1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
2. Positioning of the Wingers to Receive in Behind the Defensive Line in a Functional Pattern + Cross and
Finish (2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
3. Positioning of the Wingers to Receive in Behind the Defensive Line in a Functional Practice vs 5 Active
Opponents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
4. Positioning of the Wingers to Receive in Behind the Defensive Line in an 11v11 Tactical Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190

Positioning and Runs to Score from Crosses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Positioning of the Forward for the Winger’s Cross into the Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Team Positioning for a Cross into the Box from the Flank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
1. Positioning of the Forward and Runs to Score from Crosses in an Unopposed Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
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2. Positioning of the Forward and Runs to Score from Crosses in an Opposed Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
3. Coordinated Runs of the Forward and Att. Midfielder on Weak Side for Crosses in an Unopposed Practice . . . 203
4. Coordinated Runs of the Forward, Att. Midfielder and Winger for Crosses in an Unopposed Practice. . . . . . . . . 205
5. Positioning and Runs to Score from Crosses in a Zonal Tactical Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207

Exploiting a 2v1 Advantage Wide with the Full Back in an Advanced Position . . . . . . . . . . 209
Exploiting a 2v1 Advantage Wide with the Full Back in an Advanced Position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Target Area Out Wide (to Gain Advantage). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Moving the Ball to the Full Back in an Advanced Position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Areas to Move the Ball when Receiving in an Advanced Wide Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
“Give-and-Go” with Overlapping Run to Exploit Numerical Advantage on the Flank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
1. Exploiting a Numerical Advantage Out Wide to Attack the Available Spaces in a Tactical Pattern of Play
Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
2. Exploiting a Numerical Advantage Out Wide to Attack the Available Spaces in a Functional Practice. . . . . . . . . 224
3. Exploiting a Numerical Advantage Out Wide to Attack the Available Spaces in a Tactical Game with Zones. . . . 226

Combination Play Out Wide with the Full Back in a Normal Position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Combination Play Out Wide with the Full Back in a Normal Position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Combination Play in Wide Areas to Unbalance the Opposition and Break Through Pressure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Chain Movements to Create and Exploit Available Spaces (3v3 Situation Out Wide). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Providing Support Behind the Receiving Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Finding Time on the Ball to Look Up and Play into Available Spaces on the Weak Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
1. Moving the Ball in Behind the Defensive Line in a Technical Passing Practice + Finish on Goal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
2. Proving Support to the Attacking Midfielder and Playing a Long Pass in Behind in a Functional
Unopposed Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
3. Combination Play Out Wide with Full Back in Normal Position in a Functional Practice vs 2 Active Defenders. . 246
4. Attacking Combination Play Out Wide in a Dynamic Break Through Pressure Zone Game + Cross & Finish. . . . 248
5. Combination Play Out Wide or Switch to Weak Side in a Dynamic Tactical Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249

Combination Play Out Wide with the Full Back in a Deep Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Winger Receives with Time and Space Near the Side-line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Attacking Midfielder Makes an Overlapping Run Around the Winger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Moving the Ball to the Weak Side or Playing a One-Two to Receive in Behind. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
The Winger in a 1v1 Duel Against the Opposing Full Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
The Winger Drops Back to Create Space in Behind when Under Close Marking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
1. Combination Options when the Full Back is in a Deep Position in a Technical Passing Practice + Finish. . . . . . . 262
2. Combination Play Out Wide when the Full Back is in a Deep Position in a Functional Practice vs 2 Active
Defenders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
7
3. Combination Play Out Wide when the Full Back is in a Deep Position in a Dynamic Break Through
Pressure Zone Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
4. Combination Play Out Wide when the Full Back is in a Deep Position in a Dynamic Tactical Game with
Side Zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266

Solutions to Play into the Key Central Area when the Full Back Receives Deep. . . . . . . . . . 267
Full Back Receives in Deep Position and Progresses the Attack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Stretching the Defensive Line (Vertically) to Create a Free player within Key Central Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Combination Play Out Wide when the Full Back Receives in a Very Deep Position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
1. Solutions to Play into the Key Central Area when the Full Back Receives Deep in a Technical Passing
Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
2. Solutions to Attack the Space in Behind the Opposing Full Back in a Technical Passing Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
3. Solutions to Attack the Space in Behind the Opposing Centre Back in a Functional Practice vs 2 Centre Backs. . . 280
4. Solutions to Play into the Key Central Area when the Full Back Receives Deep in a Functional Practice
vs the Back 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
5. Solutions to Play into the Key Central Area when the Full Back Receives Deep in a Conditioned 8v8 (+GK)
Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284

The Full Back Exploits Space on the Weak Side when Switching Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Options and Effective Positioning of the Full Back on the Weak Side when Switching Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Using an Inverted Full Back During a Switch of Play (via the Defensive Midfielder). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Att. Midfielder Drops Back to Switch Play and the Full Back Moves to Receive Between Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Switching Play to Available Space on Weak Side and Exploiting it with Overlap Run. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
1. Switching Play to the Full Back Behind the Midfield Line + Accurate Final Pass in a Technical Passing Practice. . . 295
2. Switching Play into Space Out Wide + Full Back’s Supporting Run in a Positional Passing Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . 296
3. The Full Back Exploits Space on the Weak Side when Switching Play in a Functional Practice vs the Back 4 . . . 298
4. The Full Back Exploits Space on the Weak Side when Switching Play in a Dynamic Tactical Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299

Winning the Second Ball. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Winning the Second Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
A) Winning the Second Ball Near the Side-line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
B) Winning the Second Ball in the Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
8
MEET THE AUTHOR: ATHANASIOS TERZIS
y UEFA ‘A’ Coaching Athanasios Terzis is a football tactics expert and instructor
Licence for many coaching seminars and workshops around the
world. Athanasios has written many best selling football
y M.S.C. in Coaching and
coaching books published by SoccerTutor.com in multiple
Conditioning
languages (English, Spanish, German, Italian, Greek,
y Greek Football Japanese, Korean and Chinese):
Federation Instructor
y Diego Simeone Attacking and Defending Tactics -
(HFF)
Tactical Analysis and Sessions from Atlético Madrid’s
y Former Coach of 4-4-2 (2020)
Professional Teams in
y Pep Guardiola’s Attacking Tactics - Tactical Analysis
Greece
and Sessions from Manchester City’s 4-3-3 (2019)
y Former Technical
y Creative Attacking Play - From the Tactics of Conte,
Director of DOXA Dramas
Allegri, Simeone, Mourinho, Wenger & Klopp (2017)
Academy (Greek 2nd
division) y Marcelo Bielsa - Coaching Build Up Play Against High
Pressing Teams (2017)
y Former Professional
Football Player y Coaching the Juventus 3-5-2 - Tactical Analysis and
Sessions: Attacking and Defending (2016)
y Jürgen Klopp’s Attacking and Defending Tactics:
Tactical Analysis and Sessions from Borussia
Dortmund’s 4-2-3-1 (2015)
y FC Barcelona Training Sessions: 160 Practices from 34
Tactical Situations (2013)
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)
9
MARCELO BIELSA’S CAREER
HONOURS (Domestic Leagues)

y Argentine Primera División (1991, 1992, 1998)
y EFL Championship (2020)
HONOURS (Domestic Cups)

y Copa del Rey runner-up (2012)
HONOURS (European)
y UEFA Europa League runner-up (2012)
HONOURS (International)
y Summer Olympics (2004)
y CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament (2004)
COACHING ROLES y Copa América runner-up (2004)
y Leeds United (2018-2022)
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
y Lille (2017)
y IFFHS World’s Best National Coach (2001)
y Lazio (2016)
y Marseille (2014-2015) y South American Coach of the Year (2009)
y Athletic Bilbao (2011-2013) y FIFA World Coach of the Year 3rd Place (2020)
y Chile National Team (2007–2011) y LMA Championship Manager of the Year

(2020)
y Argentina National Team
(1998-2004) y EFL Championship Manager of the Month
(August 2018, November 2019, July 2020)
y Espanyol (1998)
y FIFA Fair Play Award (2019)
y Vélez Sarsfield (1997–1998) [shared with his club Leeds United]
y Club América (1995–1996)

y Atlas (1993–1995)
y Newell’s Old Boys (1990-1992)
10
INTRODUCTION
Marcelo Bielsa was appointed as Leeds The following key tactical situations
United manager in June 2018 before the are covered in this book with extensive
2018-2019 season. After two seasons in analysis. The analysis is then used to
the Championship, he led Leeds back to create a full progressive session to coach
the Premier League after a 15 year absence this specific tactical situation.
(since 2005).
y TACTICAL SITUATION 1:
In their first season in the Premier League Defensive Midfielder Drops Back to
(2020-2021), Bielsa’s team were hugely Create a Numerical Advantage for the
successful and finished in 9th place, with an Build-up
impressive 59 points (18 wins and 5 draws
from their 38 games). y TACTICAL SITUATION 2:
Effective Positioning Between the
Under Bielsa, Leeds United became one of
Lines to Move the Ball to a Free Player
the most exciting teams to watch with the
following impressive attributes, which have y TACTICAL SITUATION 3:
become his trademarks: Moving the Ball to the Defensive
y High tempo Midfielder in Space
y Constant off the ball movements y TACTICAL SITUATION 4:

Midfielders Switching Positions to
y Quick combination play
Find Space Between the Lines
y Creating numerical advantages in key
areas of the pitch y TACTICAL SITUATION 5:
Rotations of the Midfield Three
y Constant pursuit to exploit potential
free spaces y TACTICAL SITUATION 6:
Attacking Midfielder Drops Back to
The book provides tactical analysis of Receive Between the Lines
Leeds’ attacking phase during the 2019-
2020 season and the 2020-21 Premier y TACTICAL SITUATION 7:
League season. The Forward Attacking the Space in
Behind the Defensive Line
The analysis is based on recurring
patterns of play observed within the y TACTICAL SITUATION 8:
Leeds United team. Once the same phase Forward Stays Behind Defensive Line
of play occurred a number of times (at (Blind) and Drops Back at the Correct
least 10), the tactics would be seen as a Moment
pattern.
Each action, pass, individual movement Moving the Ball to the Attacking
with or without the ball, and the Midfielders and Forward to Create
positioning of each player on the pitch Chances
including their body shape, are presented.
11
y TACTICAL SITUATION 10: y TACTICAL SITUATION 15:
Forward Drops Back to Get Free Combination Play Out Wide with the
of Marking or Create Space for Full Back in a Normal Position
Teammates
y TACTICAL SITUATION 11: Combination Play Out Wide with the
Attacking Midfielder and Winger Full Back in a Deep Position
Switch Positions to Receive Between
the Lines y TACTICAL SITUATION 17:
Solutions to Play into the Key Central
y TACTICAL SITUATION 12: Area when the Full Back Receives
Positioning of the Wingers to Receive Deep
in Behind the Defensive Line
y TACTICAL SITUATION 13: The Full Back Exploits Space on the
Positioning and Runs to Score from Weak Side when Switching Play
Crosses
y TACTICAL SITUATION 14: Winning the Second Ball
Exploiting a 2v1 Advantage Wide with
the Full Back in an Advanced Position
12
MARCELO BIELSA’S LEEDS UNITED
FORMATION AND PLAYERS (4-1-4-1)
Goalkeeper effectively during the attacking phase.

Pascal Struijk (21) played when Copper
Illan Meslier (1). Apart from his abilities was not available, and also has high
defending the goal, Meslier has very percentages in passing accuracy but he is
good technique in receiving and passing, not as effective in aerial duels.
elements which were essential for this
Leeds team during build-up play.
Right Centre Back
Left Centre Back Robin Koch (5) and Diego Llorente (14)
were the two players used in this position.
Liam Cooper (6) is very effective in his Both players have similar characteristics as
defensive duties (aerial duels, tackling, they are good defensively, especially Koch
intercepting and blocking the ball). He in aerial duels. They are very good with the
also has high percentages in passing ball too, especially passing and receiving.
accuracy, which means that he participates
13
Llorente likes to play short passes and very good at tackling, blocking, and aerial
Koch prefers to try longer passes. duels. Koch (5), Struijk (21) and Dallas (15)
were used when Phillips was not available.
Left Back
Ezgjan Alioski (10) played his first seasons
Attacking Midfielders
at Leeds as a winger before Bielsa used Rodrigo (20) is a Spanish international and
him as a left back. In this position, Alioski one of the most technically gifted players
was very attack minded. Frequent at Leeds United. His ability to hold the
forward supporting runs (overlapping ball, to play key through passes, and score
and underlapping) provided for the goals is outstanding. Mateusz Klich (43)
left winger are his trademark. He is also is a modern midfielder with constant off
often positioned in the box for crosses the ball movement and a good first touch,
coming in from the right side, and he with excellent positioning and movement
has a high number of shots for a full to exploit free spaces. He is very effective
back. Occasionally he is used as a left in playing key passes and scoring goals.
winger. Despite being very effective He is not the best defensive player, but he
during the attacking phase, Alioski has does not neglect his defending duties. He
some difficulties when he has to defend - was more dependable than Rodrigo. Klich
especially in aerial duels. Stuart Dallas (15) is more of a Number 8, while Rodrigo and
also played left full back in several matches. Pablo Hernandez (19) are more Number
10s. Hernandez is a quality player with
Right Back efficiency in scoring and playing key
passes, who played a decisive role for
Luke Ayling (2) suits Bielsa’s style of play
Bielsa’s Leeds in the Championship.
perfectly and is extremely effective in
defending and attacking. He is very good KEY POINT: Stuart Dallas (15) was an
at tackling, blocks, dribbling, and playing alternative option and is the most versatile
long passes, usually in behind the defensive Leeds player. Despite not having a specific
line or switching play. Ayling has no position, he was probably Bielsa’s most
significant weaknesses. Stuart Dallas (15) valuable player. He played the most
and Jamie Shackleton (46) were also used minutes for Leeds during the 2019-20 and
in this position occasionally. 2020-21 seasons. Dallas can play as a full
back and defensive midfielder, but he was
Defensive Midfielder mainly used as an attacking midfielder (left
Kalvin Phillips (23) started with Leeds as or right). Dallas has the ability to hold the
a box-to-box midfielder. Under Bielsa, he ball, exploit free spaces, score from long
became one of the best defensive (holding) range, and be very effective during the
midfielders in the Premier League. Bielsa’s defensive phase - he is the most balanced
decision to change Phillips’ position midfielder of Leeds options in this position.
was decisive and led to his England
call up, where he has since become a Left Winger
regular starter. Phillips has no significant Jack Harrison (22) has the skills and speed
weaknesses as a player. His passing to beat his opponents in 1 v 1 duels. His
accuracy percentage is very high, and he dribbling and crossing ability are at a very
is very effective in playing key passes, high level and enable him to provide many
through passes, and long passes. He is also assists for his teammates. Harrison has
14
also been one of Leeds top scorers. His Forward
defensive contribution is not one of his
strong points. Patrick Bamford (9) was the leading scorer
for Leeds in the 2019-20 and 2020-21
seasons. He has the ability to finish on goal
Right Winger
in various ways. Bamford can hold the ball
The Brazilian Raphinha (18), just like by using his body and even though he is
Harrison, has the ability to beat his not very explosive during the first yards, he
opponents in 1 v 1 duels. He plays on the has the speed to beat his opponents and
right despite being left footed, which reach the ball first when he has to compete
allows him to cut inside to receive. He likes with them over longer distances - this is
to drive the ball towards the inside and usually when exploiting the free spaces
play key passes from central positions. in behind the defensive line. Bamford (9)
Crossing is also one of his strong points is a hard-working player and uses a lot of
and helps him provide many assists for energy when carrying out his defensive
his teammates. Raphinha likes to try long duties. Tyler Roberts (11) and Rodrigo (20)
range shots and has scored several goals were the alternative options when Bamford
for Leeds. His defensive contribution is one was not available.
of his weak points. Helder Costa (17) was
an alternative option for playing as a right
winger.
15
DIAGRAM KEY & COACHING FORMAT
TACTICAL SITUATION AND ANALYSIS

y The analysis is based on recurring patterns of play observed within Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds
United team. Once the same phase of play occurred a number of 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.
TRAINING SESSIONS BASED ON THE TACTICS OF MARCELO BIELSA

y Technical and Functional Unopposed Practices
y Functional and Tactical Opposed Practices
y Functional Games / Conditioned Games
y Name/Objective and Full Description
y Conditions, Progressions, Variations & Coaching Points (if applicable)
16
Marcelo Bielsa’s Attacking Style of Play
Marcelo Bielsa’s 4 Lines During the Build-up

Phase
Within the 4-1-4-1 formation, the Leeds This is only the starting positions of the
players take up the best possible positions players, as Marcelo Bielsa’s teams are very
to be effective. To achieve this, they flexible - players frequently move to areas
position themselves between the lines of far away from their starting positions and
the defending team, which enables them their zones of responsibility. They also
to find more available space. There are switch or rotate positions to find space
players who take up positions in between for themselves or create space for their
the opposition’s forward and midfield lines, teammates.
while others take up positions between the
midfield and defensive lines. KEY POINT:
There is the possibility of a player moving
Four lines are created: to a nearby line by dropping back or
1st. Two centre backs moving further forward. For example, a
2nd. Two full backs + defensive midfielder second line player can become part of the
first line by dropping deeper or become
3rd. Two attacking midfielders a third line player by moving to a more
4th. Two wingers + centre forward advanced position.
19
MARCELO BIELSA
TACTICAL ANALYSIS
SITUATION 4
Midfielders Switching Positions to Find

Space Between the Lines
Content from Tactical Analysis of Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United team

during the 2019/2020 season and the 2020/2021 Premier League season,
when they finished in 9th position.
y Analysis based on recurring patterns of play observed in Marcelo Bielsa’s team.
Once the same phase of play occurred a number of times (at least 10), the tactics
y Tactical solutions displayed as examples of the team’s tactics being used effectively.
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.
y The analysis is then used to create a training session to coach this tactical situation.
78
Midfielders Switching Positions to Find Space Between the Lines
Defensive Midfielder and Attacking Midfielder

Switch Positions on the Strong Side
When an opposing midfielder marked the Finding space between the lines can be
defensive midfielder closely and restricts achieved with synchronised movements.
his available space between the lines, These synchronised movements include
Marcelo Bielsa’s players used the options switching positions and rotations.
described in the last section and also used
The simplest form of these movements is
the options we will describe in this section,
the switching of positions between two
with midfielders switching positions to find
players.
space in between the lines.
1A) The Defensive Midfielder is Marked Closely
The attacking midfielder and defensive as he is under close marking, he makes a

midfielder often switched positions. forward run (see next page). The attacking
This switch is triggered as soon as the midfielder (43) reacts and drops into
ball is moved to one of the centre backs the defensive midfielder position. In this
or full backs with time and space on the specific example, Koch (5) receives from
ball. When the defensive midfielder (23) Copper (6) and Phillips (23) is under the
realises he cannot find space to receive close marking of red midfielder No.8.
79
1B) Attacking Midfielder Exploits Space Created by Defensive Midfielder
To deal with this situation, the Leeds This space is exploited by the attacking
defensive midfielder Phillips (23) makes midfielder Klich (43), who drops back
a forward diagonal movement behind the in synchronisation with the forward
red left midfielder No.11. movement of his teammate Phillips (23).
This action forces red central midfielder Klich (43) receives, turns and has several
No.8 to follow him and results in space options to pass the ball to progress the
being created between the lines (see Leeds attack.
highlighted area in diagram).
80
2) Def. Midfielder Receives Between the Midfield and Defensive Lines
If the red No.8 does not follow the forward Receiving within the key central area
movement of Phillips (23), the Leeds enables the defensive midfielder Phillips
defensive midfielder can receive a pass (23) to then play a key pass to a teammate
played through the midfield. from an advanced positions.
This depends on the positioning of the
wide red midfielder No.11.
If red No.11 is wide enough and there is an
available passing lane, the through pass
(yellow arrow) is the best option.
If No.11 is narrow and playing a through pass
is not possible, then going around (white
arrows) is the best option. In this situation,
the participation of the right back Ayling
(2) is needed.
The player in possession centre back Koch
(5) has to make the right decision.
81
Defensive Midfielder and Attacking Midfielder

Switch Positions on the Weak Side
A) Defensive Midfielder and Weak Side Att. Midfielder Switch Positions
The switching of positions can also take Ayling (2) and has some available time and
place between the defensive midfielder space on the ball.
and the attacking midfielder on the weak
At the same time, the defensive midfielder
side.
Phillips (23) is closely marked by the red
The defensive midfielder Phillips (23) is central midfielder No.6 who denies him
again the player who triggers the dropping space to receive.
back movement of the attacking midfielder
Bielsa and Leeds solution to this situation is
in his attempt to create space between
explained on the following page...
lines.
In the diagram example, the Leeds centre
back Koch (5) receives from right back
82
B) Att. Midfielder Receives Between the Midfield and Defensive Lines
The defensive midfielder Phillips (23) As Klich (43) is in an advanced position

moves away from the ball and the attacking and too far away from the starting position
midfielder Rodrigo (20) moves back and of Phillips (23) to drop back in time, it is
towards the centre to occupy Phillips’ (23) the attacking midfielder on the weak side
starting position. Rodrigo (20) who exploits the available
space to receive, and then has several
The movement of Phillips (23) forces the
options to pass forward.
red central midfielder No.6 to follow him,
which creates space between the lines
(highlighted area in diagram).
83
TRAINING SESSION BASED ON
TACTICS OF MARCELO BIELSA
Midfielders
Switching Positions
to Find Space
Between the Lines
84
Session for MARCELO BIELSA Tactics - Switching Positions to Find Space Between the Lines
SESSION FOR THIS TACTICAL SITUATION (3 PRACTICES)

1. Midfielders Switching Positions to Find Space Between the
Lines in an Unopposed Functional Practice
Scenario A: Def. Midfielder and Att. Midfielder on Strong Side Switch (1)
Description y This is done by moving forward towards

y This is a 35 x 45 yard area, but you can the strong side (Scenario A & B) or the
adjust to the age/level of your players. weak side (Scenario C) - the respective
We have 4 white defenders and 3 attacking midfielder drops back.
midfielders. The mannequins represent y In this example, the strong side
the opposing forwards and midfielders. attacking midfielder (20) drops back
There are also 3 white target areas. and the defensive midfielder (23) moves
y The centre backs start by passing the forward. The defender in possession
ball around. As soon as one of the (6) can direct the ball towards the high
defenders (centre back or full back) target area or the central target area.
decides to move forward with the ball y The player who receives (20 or 23 in
after receiving, the defensive midfielder Scenario A) into either of the 2 closest
(23) triggers the switching of positions. mini goals.
85
Session for MARCELO BIELSA Tactics - Switching Positions to Find Space Between the Lines
PROGRESSION
3. Midfielders Switching Positions to Find Space Between the
Lines in a Tactical 7v6 (+GK) Game
Description low and in the centre - the attacking

y This is a progression of the previous midfielder (20 in diagram) receives,
practice using the same 35 x 45 yard and the next aim is to move the ball
area. The full high zone is 30 x 20 yards to a teammate inside the white high
(narrower than main area). target zone (30 x 8 yards). If this aim is
achieved, the receiver tries to score.
y We play a 7v6 (+GK) game. The Coach
starts and the white defenders aim to y If the available space exists higher, the
move the ball into the available space ball is moved directly towards the white
created by the switching of positions high target zone for the forward moving
between the defensive midfielder (23) defensive midfielder (23) to receive.
and an attacking midfielder (20 or 43). y If the reds win possession, they counter
y When the red central midfielder follows and try to score within 8-10 seconds.
the white defensive midfielder’s (23) y Restrictions: The red players and the
movement, the available space is created GK cannot enter the white area.
90
MARCELO BIELSA
TACTICAL ANALYSIS
SITUATION 12
Positioning of the Wingers to Receive in


175
Positioning of the Wingers to Receive in Behind the Defensive Line
Positioning of the Wingers to Receive in

The Leeds United wingers were usually There is a possibility to move towards the
positioned near the side-lines in their inside in coordination with the attacking
attempt to provide width, find the most midfielder who shifts wide (switching
available space they can and stretch their positions) in an attempt to create space.
opponent’s defensive line. The main aim is to attack the space behind
However, as we analysed in the previous the defenders (to break the last line of
section, they do not stay wide all the time. pressure), but if this is not possible, they try
Instead, they readjust their positioning to find space to receive either by dropping
according to the positioning of their deeper or moving towards the inside and
nearby teammates. in between the lines.
Advantages/Disadvantages in the Wide Areas According to Positioning
176
“Ideal Line” for the Winger to Receive in

The ”Ideal Line” to receive is behind the Taking into account that the Leeds wingers
opposing full back and along the imaginary should be in a wide position near the side-
line that connects the full back with the line to find available space and stretch
centre of the goal the opposition’s defensive line, there are
two main positions that they can take up
If the winger receives within this area,
according to the position of the opposing
then he will have put his body between the
full back. They are either in a deeper
defender and the goal, and the defender
position or in line with them.
will no longer be able to protect his goal.
The closer to this imaginary line the In the diagram example, the winger
winger receives, the better it is in regard to Raphinha (18) manages to receive close
neutralising his direct opponent. to the ideal line, so he is able to neutralise
the red left back No.3. Raphinha (18) is in a
The point for the winger to receive along
favourable position to deliver a cross into
the ideal line is normally within the area
the box or even shoot at goal.
the full back controls. However, the winger
can increase his chances if he applies some NOTE: It is difficult for a winger to gain an
principles. These principles are affected by advantage big enough to reach the exact
the starting position of the winger. ”Ideal Line” in this situation.
178
Alternative Space to Attack when Receiving

Close to the “Ideal Line” is Not Possible
If the opposing full back No.3 has Raphinha This is one of the movements that Bielsa’s
(18) within his visual field, he will be able to attacking players (not only the wingers)
time his movement with the Leeds winger’s would use a lot, which would enable Leeds
movement. to receive within the available space
when the pass towards the ideal line (see
This way, red No.3 can avoid being caught
previous pages) could not be played.
standing still when Raphinha (18) is about
to attack the space behind him, and he can Raphinha (18) is able to receive free of
also narrow the through passing lane. marking because the opposing defender
anticipates the diagonal run into the space
In a situation like this, Raphinha (18)
behind him.
changes direction instead of trying to
attack the space in behind. He moves away
from the red left back No.3, gets free of
marking, and receives in a wider position.
181
Weak Side Winger Applies the Same Principles

to Receive in Behind (Close to “Ideal Line”)
A) Winger Moves Close to the Full Back to Attack the Space in Behind
KEY POINT: The positioning of the As a ground through pass can be played,
opposing full back in relation to his Harrison (22) carries out the necessary
teammates is key for deciding the correct actions to be able to receive close to the
movement and type of pass that should be ideal line. He makes a well-timed diagonal
used to exploit the space in behind. run inside before the pass is played to
obtain a head start, gets as close as
If there is a wide enough gap between the
possible to the red right back No.2 and
opposing full back and closest centre back,
almost in line with him at the moment
a ground through pass can be played.
Phillips (23) plays the pass.
In this example, the left winger Harrison
(22) applies the previously explained NOTE: These actions increase the
principles to receive close to the ideal line. possibility of controlling more space in
Harrison (22) starts his run from a deeper behind the full back and receiving close to
position than the full back, and there is a the imaginary line which connects No.2 with
gap between him and red centre back No.4. the centre of the goal (the “Ideal Line”).
182
Positioning of the
Wingers to Receive
in Behind the
Defensive Line
185
Session for MARCELO BIELSA Tactics - Wingers Receive in Behind the Defensive Line

1. Positioning of the Wingers to Receive in Behind the
Defensive Line in a Functional Pattern + Cross and Finish (1)
Phase 1/2
Description (Phase 1/2) • As soon as he turns and moves forward,

• In the first phase of the drill (1/2), the the winger (22) moves forward
wide mannequins (which represent to receive behind the right back
the opposing full backs) are in wide mannequin. He has to make sure that he
positions. starts running early (first arrow), moves
closer to the mannequin, and is almost in
• The centre backs start by passing the line with it at the moment the defensive
ball to each other. When one of them midfielder (23) plays the pass.
decides to move forward with the
ball, this triggers the dropping back • The winger (22) receives as he runs
movement of the defensive midfielder towards the centre and then delivers
(23). He drops back to receive between a cross for the run of the attacking
the lines and between the 4 central midfielder (43), who makes a run from
mannequins, to ensure that he finds the the other side to try and score.
most possible available space.
186
Session for MARCELO BIELSA Tactics - Wingers Receive in Behind the Defensive Line
PROGRESSION
3. Positioning of the Wingers to Receive in Behind the
Defensive Line in a Functional Practice vs 5 Active Opponents
Description movements to receive behind them (see

• Using 2/3 of a full pitch, we mark out a previous practices + analysis pages).
high zone as shown and a 35 x 25 yard • The wingers (22/18) have to finish within
middle zone with a 5v3 situation. 3-4 seconds of receiving within the high
• The Coach starts and the white players zone. The 2 red full backs cannot enter
try to move the ball to an attacking the high zone to defend their goal.
midfielder (20/43) or defensive Coaching Points
midfielder (23), who has available time
and space to pass to one of the wingers. 1. Find the free midfielder quickly.
The 3 red midfielders try to win the ball 2. Read the positioning of the full back.
and then score in the 2 mini goals. 3. Well-timed runs by the wingers (to avoid
• The wingers (22/18) have to take the being offside).
positioning of the red full backs (No.2/ 4. Quick and accurate passing + finishing.
No.3) into account and choose the best
189
MARCELO BIELSA
TACTICAL ANALYSIS
SITUATION 14
Exploiting a 2v1 Advantage Wide with the

Full Back in an Advanced Position

209
Exploiting a 2v1 Advantage Wide with the Full Back in an Advanced Position
Target Area Out Wide (to Gain Advantage)
In the diagram, we show the area which will If Ayling (2) were to receive in a deeper
provide an advantage for Bielsa’s Leeds position than this, it would enable the
team if the full back Ayling (2) is able to opposing wide midfielder red No.11 to
receive. contest him and therefore prevent the 2v1
advantage from occurring.
This available space highlighted between
the opposing team’s midfield and
defensive lines, depends on the positioning
of the red left midfielder No.11.
If Ayling (2) receives the pass inside this
area, then he can potentially neutralise
the red No.11 and create a 2v1 situation out
wide with the right winger Raphinha (18)
against the opposing full back.
211
Moving the Ball to the Full Back in an

Advanced Position
In this example, the right back Ayling Because Ayling (2) receives already a
(2) receives with an advantage against few yards ahead of red No.11, he can avoid
his direct opponent red No.11 within any pressure from him and create a 2v1
the highlighted space between the situation against the red left back No.3.
opposition’s midfield and defensive lines.
ASSESSMENT:
The pass towards the full back in an advanced position is not always open.
The most effective way to play this pass is when a switch of play from one
side to the other is done quickly and the opposition are unable to shift across
in time. This 2v1 numerical advantage on the flank was the base for several
combinations used by the Leeds players to break the line of defence.
212
Areas to Move the Ball when Receiving in an

Advanced Wide Position
With the pass to the advanced full back Moving the ball behind the full back No.3
(right back Ayling 2 in diagram example), (crossing area) will break the third line and
Leeds manage to break two lines of the enable Leeds to deliver an effective cross
red defending team by playing around (not into the box.
through) them.
Moving the ball into the central area can
When a full back received in an advanced lead to playing a key pass.
position, Bielsa’s Leeds players had
The winger moves inside into the space
specific target areas to aim for, which are
behind the full back, while the attacking
highlighted in the diagram:
midfielder provides another option inside
1. Behind the opposing full back (chain movements shown on next page).
2. Towards the central key passing area
between the lines
213
1A) The Winger Attacks the Space Behind the Full Back to Receive
The simplest option is to move the ball If No.3 moves to press Ayling (2), even
behind the red full back No.3 and break the more available space will be created behind
last line of defence. him, as shown in the diagram.
This is achieved with the winger Raphinha However, even if red No.3 stays to defend
(18) moving inside as soon as the ball is the space, Raphinha (18) is still in a
directed to Ayling (2), and then attacking favourable position to attack the space
the space behind red No.3. behind him.
This option is used when the opposing full The diagonal run of Raphinha (18) is
back marks the Leeds winger closely after followed by the forward run of the
Ayling (2) receives. It would be difficult for attacking midfielder Klich (43) to provide
Raphinha (18) to receive the next pass if an option for an inside pass within the key
the red defender No.3 stayed in his original central area. Playing a pass in between the
position. lines may not break the last line of the red
team’s defence, but it definitely increases
As soon as Ayling (2) receives, Raphinha
the possibility of playing a key pass to one
(18) moves towards the inside and takes up
of the forwards. These chain movements of
a position between the red centre No.5 and
the two players are triggered at the same
the left back No.3. This positioning helps
time.
him stay free of marking and also attack
the space behind red No.3.
214
2) Receiving within the Key Central Area and Playing a Final Pass into the
Space Between Defenders (and into the Box)
In this variation of the previous example, The red defenders retain balance to
the red centre back No.5 shifts across in cover as much space (width) as possible.
time to follow Raphinha’s (18) movement However, this reaction creates gaps
and marks him during his run behind the between them, one of which is exploited by
red left back No.3. the forward run of the attacking midfielder
Rodrigo (20). The other attacking
This movement stretches the lines
midfielder Klich (43) receives the inside
vertically, as the rest of the red defenders
pass from Ayling (2) within the key central
are forced to drop back and across
area and plays a lofted pass towards into
towards the strong side. More space is
the space behind red No.4. Rodrigo (20)
created between the red team’s midfield
receives on the run and scores.
and defensive lines. The shifting of the
defenders can also create gaps between ASSESSMENT:
them if they decide to stay in balanced
The space created between the lines due
positions or available space on the weak
to the vertical line stretching can get even
side if they decide to shift in coordination
bigger if the red central midfielders No.6
towards the ball area.
and No.8 do not drop back quickly enough.
In the diagram example, the red right back The inside passing option towards Klich
No.2 and centre back No.4 shift towards the (43) is created due to the well-coordinated
strong side following the extensive shifting chain movements carried out by Raphinha
towards the side-line of No.5. (18) and Klich (43).
216
Exploiting a 2v1
Advantage Wide
with the Full Back
in an Advanced
Position
220
Session for MARCELO BIELSA Tactics - Exploiting a 2v1 Advantage Wide with Advanced Full Back
PROGRESSION
2. Exploiting a Numerical Advantage Out Wide to Attack the
Available Spaces in a Functional Practice
Phase 1/2: Exploiting the Available Space in Behind the Full Back
Description (Phase 1/2) • The aim is to either break the last line of
• This is a progression of the previous pressure by moving the ball in behind
practice. the red full back and deliver a cross or
move the ball inside into the key central
• In the first phase of the practice area and play a key pass.
(diagram above), there are 4 red
defenders. • In the diagram example, the right back
(2) receives in an advanced position
• The white players have to read the and the opposing left back No.3 moves
positioning of the opposing full back forward.
(No.2 or No.3) and the reaction of the
centre back on the strong side e.g. No.5 • This creates space for the right winger
in diagram, to carry out the correct (18) to receive the next pass in behind
combination (see analysis pages). and then deliver a cross into the box.
224
Session for MARCELO BIELSA Tactics - Exploiting a 2v1 Advantage Wide with Advanced Full Back
Phase 2/2: Exploiting the Available Space Inside (in Between the Lines)
Description (Phase 2/2) Coaching Points

• In the second phase, we add two 2 1. Decision making is key to success in this
central midfielders (No.6 and No.8), which practice. In the diagram above, the full
makes it more challenging for the whites back reads the situation well (the red
to make the best decision and score, centre back shifting across) to see that
as they now have to deal with 6 active winger is marked and there is available
players. space inside towards the attacking
• In this example, the red centre back midfielder.
No.5 shifts across to cover the run of the 2. Quick and accurate passing,
right winger (18) and puts him under combination play, runs, and finishing.
immediate pressure if the pass is played
into the space on the flank.
• Although this pass is now covered,
space is available inside and between the
lines. The right back (2) passes to the
attacking midfielder (43), who can move
forward and play a key pass.
225
MARCELO BIELSA
TACTICAL ANALYSIS
SITUATION 18
The Full Back Exploits Space on the Weak

Side when Switching Play

285
The Full Back Exploits Space on the Weak Side when Switching Play
Using an Inverted Full Back During a Switch of

Play (via the Defensive Midfielder)
When the strong side full back passes to As Phillips (23) is in a central position and
the defensive midfielder, who receives in a at an angle which enables him to play a
relatively central position, his main aim is to diagonal pass towards the favourable area
play through the opposition. The potential between the lines, this triggers a specific
options have been analysed in one of the reaction from Ayling (2) to move into and
earlier chapters of this book. receive in the available space shown. As
When the weak side attacking midfielder soon as Ayling (2) receives, he has two or
is positioned close to the strong side three options to play a key pass in behind,
(between the centre backs), while the and makes his decision based on the
forward is on the weak side, Bielsa’s Leeds reaction of the opposing defenders.
had an option which led to them attacking
with many players positioned behind the ASSESSMENT:
opposition’s midfield line. Another option for this situation is the
forward dropping back to exploit the same
In this example, as soon as the defensive
available space instead of the weak side
midfielder Phillips (23) receives, the weak
full back. However, Leeds would then be
side full back Ayling (2) moves to receive in
attacking in the final third with one less
an advanced position between the lines.
player.
287
The Full Back Exploits Space on the Weak Side when Switching Play
Att. Midfielder Drops Back to Switch Play and

the Full Back Moves to Receive Between Lines
A) Att. Midfielder Drops Back from in Between Centre Back and Full Back
When the defensive midfielder Phillips wide enough, Ayling (2) makes a diagonal
(23) receives from the left back Alioski run into the available space between the
(10) after shifting extensively towards lines that was left free when Klich (43)
the strong side and it is not possible to dropped back (as shown in the diagram).
play through, the weak side attacking
Ayling’s (2) run enables him to receive
midfielder Klich (43) drops back to provide
within the key central area between the
a passing option as a link player to switch
lines and then play a key pass in behind to
play. As Klich (43) drops back, there is
the forward Bamford (9) or shoot at goal.
one less player behind the opposition’s
midfield line, which is compensated by If the red full back No.3 tries to limit this
the movement of the weak side full back space by shifting towards the inside, more
Ayling (2). available space will then be created wide.
In this situation, Klich (43) can play a long
If the distance between the red central
pass to the winger Raphinha (18) instead.
midfielder No.8 and wide midfielder No.11 is
288
The Full Back

Exploits Space
on the Weak Side
when Switching
Play
294
Session for MARCELO BIELSA Tactics - Full Back Exploits Weak Side Space when Switching Play

1. Switching Play to the Full Back Behind the Midfield Line +
Accurate Final Pass in a Technical Passing Practice
Objective: The full backs use diagonal • The full back (10/2) moves forward with
runs to receive behind the midfield line and the ball and then tries to score in one of
within the key central passing area. the mini goals (accurate final pass).
Description • There are 2 players in each midfielder

position, who rotate (No.43 with No.23
• Divide half a pitch vertically into two and No.20 with No.5). The wide players
halves. There are 2 mini goals on each who start the practice rotate with the full
side and 2 mannequins, which represent backs (10/2), and this keeps the practice
the positions of the opposing central running without stoppages.
and wide midfielders.
• The practice starts simultaneously on Coaching Points
both sides with the pass towards the 1. The focus is on quick and accurate
midfielder (5/23/20/43), who drops passing throughout the practice.
back, receives and plays a diagonal pass
2. Well-timed runs are needed to meet
between 2 mannequins for the full back
the passes at the correct moment and
(10/2), who makes a well-timed run to
prevent losing any momentum.
receive behind the midfield line.
295
Session for MARCELO BIELSA Tactics - Full Back Exploits Weak Side Space when Switching Play
PROGRESSION
3. The Full Back Exploits Space on the Weak Side when
Switching Play in a Functional Practice vs the Back 4
Objective: The full backs use well-timed in the previous practices in this session.
forward runs to either receive between the The decision making is dependent on
lines or create a 2v1 advantage out wide the reaction of the red defenders.
and break through the pressure. • There can be 2 white players in each
Description position to retain a high tempo for the
practice.
• In half a pitch, we have 8 white outfield
players (no centre backs) playing against Coaching Points
4 red defenders + GK.
1. The focus is on quick and accurate
• The defensive midfielder (23) starts the passing throughout the practice.
practice by passing to a full back (2 in
2. Well-timed runs are needed to meet the
diagram example). This forces the red
passes at the correct moment.
players to shift towards the strong side,
as shown. 3. Read the reactions and positioning of
the opponents to be able to choose the
• The white players then switch play by
best combination (solution).
using one of the combinations trained
298
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MARCELO BIELSA

Attacking Tactics and

Meet the Author: Athanasios Terzis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

MARCELO BIELSA’S ATTACKING STYLE OF PLAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

MARCELO BIELSA TACTICAL SITUATION 1:

MARCELO BIELSA TACTICAL SITUATION 2:

MARCELO BIELSA TACTICAL SITUATION 3:

MARCELO BIELSA TACTICAL SITUATION 4:

MARCELO BIELSA TACTICAL SITUATION 5:

MARCELO BIELSA TACTICAL SITUATION 7:

MARCELO BIELSA TACTICAL SITUATION 8:

MARCELO BIELSA TACTICAL SITUATION 9:

MARCELO BIELSA TACTICAL SITUATION 11:

MARCELO BIELSA TACTICAL SITUATION 12:

MARCELO BIELSA TACTICAL SITUATION 13:

MARCELO BIELSA TACTICAL SITUATION 14:

MARCELO BIELSA TACTICAL SITUATION 15:

MARCELO BIELSA TACTICAL SITUATION 16:

MARCELO BIELSA TACTICAL SITUATION 17:

MARCELO BIELSA TACTICAL SITUATION 18:

MARCELO BIELSA TACTICAL SITUATION 19:

HONOURS (Domestic Leagues)

HONOURS (Domestic Cups)

y Chile National Team (2007–2011) y LMA Championship Manager of the Year

y Club América (1995–1996)

y Constant off the ball movements y TACTICAL SITUATION 4:

Goalkeeper effectively during the attacking phase.

TACTICAL SITUATION AND ANALYSIS

TRAINING SESSIONS BASED ON THE TACTICS OF MARCELO BIELSA

Marcelo Bielsa’s 4 Lines During the Build-up

Midfielders Switching Positions to Find

Content from Tactical Analysis of Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United team

Defensive Midfielder and Attacking Midfielder

1A) The Defensive Midfielder is Marked Closely

The attacking midfielder and defensive as he is under close marking, he makes a

1B) Attacking Midfielder Exploits Space Created by Defensive Midfielder

2) Def. Midfielder Receives Between the Midfield and Defensive Lines

Defensive Midfielder and Attacking Midfielder

B) Att. Midfielder Receives Between the Midfield and Defensive Lines

The defensive midfielder Phillips (23) As Klich (43) is in an advanced position

SESSION FOR THIS TACTICAL SITUATION (3 PRACTICES)

Description y This is done by moving forward towards

Description low and in the centre - the attacking

Positioning of the Wingers to Receive in

Content from Tactical Analysis of Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United team

Positioning of the Wingers to Receive in

Advantages/Disadvantages in the Wide Areas According to Positioning

“Ideal Line” for the Winger to Receive in

Alternative Space to Attack when Receiving

Weak Side Winger Applies the Same Principles

SESSION FOR THIS TACTICAL SITUATION (4 PRACTICES)

Description (Phase 1/2) • As soon as he turns and moves forward,

Description movements to receive behind them (see

Exploiting a 2v1 Advantage Wide with the

Content from Tactical Analysis of Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United team

Target Area Out Wide (to Gain Advantage)

Moving the Ball to the Full Back in an

Areas to Move the Ball when Receiving in an

Description (Phase 2/2) Coaching Points

The Full Back Exploits Space on the Weak