Coaching The Bielsa Way
Coaching The Bielsa Way
Coaching The Bielsa Way
Copyright © 2021 TheFootballCoach.Net
ISBN: TBC
Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used ctitiously. Names,
characters, and places are products of the author’s imagination.
United Kingdom
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BOOK CONTENTS
COACHING THE BIELSA WAY
Work-Rate…………………..…………..……………….………..………………………32
Rotation…………….………………..….……………….……….………………………40
Pressing……………………………………….………….……….………………………46
Man-to-Man Marking……….………………………….…….….………………………55
The Partial-Libero………….……..…………………….…….….………………………61
Formations……………………………..……………..………………….………………….65
Defending 1v1………………………………………..………………….………………….82
Playing Vertically……………………………………..………………….………………….88
Finishing Practices……………….…………..……..………….…..….………………….112
Defending Practices………………………….…….………………….………………….136
Build-Up Play………………..………………..………..……………….………………….147
Possession Practices……………….…………..………..…………….………………….157
MurderBall…………………..…….……….………..………………….………………….163
Book Expectations
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person in my career.
Mauricio Pochettino
Marcelo Alberto Bielsa Caldera, a man who has developed a reputation for
his chaotic and enthusiastic approach to football, but who is Marcelo
Bielsa? He was born in 1955 in the Argentinian city of Rosario, the city is
the largest in the central Argentinian province of Santa Fe. He is one of
three, with both an older brother and sister.
A young Marcelo had already developed a studious need for information,
with family members recalling his ability to read a book a day from such a
young age. Bielsa’s approach to reading is said to have come from his
Grandfather, who is said to have had 30,000+ books in a personal library.
His desire for information was supported by his mother and father who,
both held academically demanding jobs. His mother was an excellent
teacher, whilst his father was a lawyer.
Bielsa was not born in to any old family, his family have had a rich history in
Argentina for Law and Politics. His siblings have also gone on to great
things, living successful working lives as politicians. Both his brother and
sister have held important government positions in the past. Their
successful academic background, mixed with his Grandfathers love of
reading, has clearly had an in uence on a young Marcelo Bielsa. However,
this was not the only in uence his parents had.
Bielsa’s parents were not just connected by their academic background, but
also by their love of football, and more speci cally local club Rosario
Central. Marcelo is said to have played football from a young age in the
local youth leagues of Rossario, he showed signs as a better than average
centre-back who would look to stand at over six foot tall. However, in order
to pursue a future in the game as a player, Bielsa would need to move to
accommodation at Newell’s Old Boys.
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WHO IS MARCELO BIELSA?
However, having moved across the city to live in Newell’s Old Boys
accommodation, things didn’t go to plan for Bielsa who was just 15 at the
time. Having arrived at Old Boys, Marcelo was about to experience his rst
fall out and the footballing worlds rst experience of the strong principled
man that is Marcelo Bielsa. After just two days, Marcelo was thrown out of
accommodation after refusing to leave his two-stroke motorcycle outside.
This rebellious or strong willed personality would continue to be a feature in
his career.
Having been removed from accommodation, Bielsa’s footballing journey
continued. He progressed through the youth setup and continued to play as
a defender who was comfortable in possession, knew and understood the
game. However, it was clear Bielsa lacked pace and after just a handful of
games for his beloved Newell’s Old Boys, he moved on at just 21 years old.
He then continued to play through the lower leagues for four more years
before moving to Buenos Aires
For Marcelo, football and education were not two separate entities, they
were one connected and constant value. Whilst playing the game, he
continued to read day in day out and subscribe to as many as 40
magazines that he had indexed from a young age. Bielsa’s educational
values continued and during his twenties he studied agronomy and physical
education. It was this quali cation tied with his move to Buenos Aires that
created his rst move into coaching.
It was at the local university in Buenos Aires that Bielsa rst became a head
coach. In typical Bielsa fashion, he watched over 1000+ players before
selecting a squad of 20. He also insisted on carrying a thesaurus around
with him, and addressed players formally to match their academic and
professional environment.
Those who were fortunate enough to nd themselves in the squad noticed
a completely different approach to university football. He provided a new
added professionalism to the training and expected professional standards
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WHO IS MARCELO BIELSA?
from every player and person involved within his squad. The players who
had worked with him, spoke of his passion, intensity and the volume of
work they were expected to perform. Even at this age, Bielsa has a clear
understanding of the need for verticality on a football pitch and also had an
idea of what good looked like.
Bielsa was not going to be a University head coach for long, that was clear
to everyone. With a career high of beating Boca Juniors B team, he was off
and with that, he was back off to Rosario. This time Bielsa has some
theories that he wanted to put into place. Marcelo returned to the club that
had released him at age 25, and they had given him control of some of the
youth setups. It is said that every youth team Marcelo had the chance to
in uence, went on to be successful at some level, winning some
competitions in Argentinas youth format.
Bielsa was made responsible for recruitment, and was challenged to nd
and develop the best talent across Argentina. In typical Bielsa fashion, he
took the job seriously and worked tirelessly to be successful. It is claimed
that he racked up 25,000 miles in three months in his Fiat 167, because he
was scared of ying. Bielsa was making journey after journey looking to nd
the future talent of Newells Old Boys.
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WHO IS MARCELO BIELSA?
became the rst team head coach of Newells. Instantly, Bielsa took the
young players through to the rst team with him. He experienced success
quite quickly winning the Argentine title and qualifying for the South
American equivalent of the European Cup. His Newell’s side worked hard
and were combative but eventually fell short, losing in the nal in a penalty
shoot-out.
As Marcelo Bielsa began to nd success on the elite senior level, his stock
in South American football began to rise. His team was recognisable, and
his approach was well discussed. It was not long before international sides
began to look for Bielsa’s services, and after just two seasons in charge, he
was off.
In 1993, Bielsa appeared in Mexico working for Club Atlas, he was
recommended to Atlas by Argentine coaching legend Cesar Luis Menotti.
Bielsa would go on to spend four years in Mexico, working within the top
division. Quite quickly Bielsa made headlines, by making unusual requests
when arriving. In his rst season at Atlas, he demanded that he only take
over the youth teams in the rst season, and then in the second season he
would lead the senior team. The approach he delivered to the youth players
is still in operation in many places in Mexico today.
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WHO IS MARCELO BIELSA?
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today, no, players had to read the newspapers - all of the newspapers, and
compile feedback for Bielsa from that. This feedback would then help
structure his training week. With most games on a Sunday, Bielsa would
give the players Monday off, dedicate Tuesday to physical tness and then
begin with detailed tactical analysis on the Wednesday
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WHO IS MARCELO BIELSA?
Life in international football must have suited the needs of Marcelo, who
after a short break found himself again in International football at South
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WHO IS MARCELO BIELSA?
Bielsa’s long lasting success was still built from that World-Cup success in
2010, his side beat Honduras in the group stages, before beating
Switzerland in the second game. This then setup a mouth watering nal
group game between Spain and Chile. Spain ran out 2-1 winners in a tight
game, and then went on to win the tournament.
Chile’s journey continued through after nishing second ahead of
Switzerland. They then drew tournament favourites Brazil and were put to
the sword in a 3-0 defeat in Johannesburg. This ended up being Bielsa’s
nal game in charge of Chile, as he walked away with a disagreement with
the National team Boses.
However, as previous mentioned the 2010 legacy was only a small part of
Bielsa’s infuelnce on football in Chile. He was able to do much more. He
was able to blood young, creative and energetic players into the national
team, playing key roles in the development of players such as Alexis
Sanchez, Arturo Vidal and Gary Medel. Who were all able to go on and
make great careers in Europe.
Following his exit from Chile, Bielsa returned to club football and this time
he returned to Spain for a much longer period of time, than his previous
tenure of just six league games. This time it was Athletic Bibao, and this
time it was a memorable experience for everyone. His side adjusted fairly
quickly to his methods, and as the season progressed, they showed more
and more consistently that they were able to deliver the principles. Bielsa
scored early points with the fans with a victory over local rivals Real
Sociedad.
Bielsa’s rst season continued to be successful with great performances
and draws against big Spanish sides such as FC Barcelona and Valencia. It
was however, in European competitions where Bielsa’s reputation really
ignited. His side nished top of their Europa league group having won four
of their six games. Bielsa’s side were up against Salzburg, PSG and Slovan
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WHO IS MARCELO BIELSA?
Bratislava. Bielsa’s men were able to beat the French giants Paris Saint-
Germain at home 2-1, they were also able to record an outstanding 2-1
victory at home to Bratislava before progressing through the group as
winners with four wins, one draw and one defeat.
It was likely in the next round where Marcelo Bielsa’s fame hit its proverbial
jackpot. Bielsa’s side drew tournament favourites Manchester United, who
had dropped into the Europa League after failing to make it through their
group in the Champions League. At the time Manchester United were
defending Premier League champions, were beaten nalist in the previous
Champions League nal and were managed by legendary coach Sir Alex
Ferguson.
It was described by English journalists as a ‘Sensational game for the
purists’ and it saw Bielsa’s Athletic put Sir Alex Ferguson to the sword 5-3
over two legs. Goals from players such as Fernando Llorente helped put
the game to bed. Bielsa’s side had a very deliberate three man attack, who
positionally were excellent with and with without the ball. They took up
positions in between lines and exploited United on the counter-attack
constantly.
Manchester United just could not nd a method of attack, without being hit
dynamically on the transition by Bielsa’s men. In fact if it was not for the
heroics of David De Gea, the game could have nished six or seven-one.
United struggled in the rst half, constantly turning possession over as
Bielsa’s men pressed and pressed and pressed. Forcing United players to
turn back and nd more pressure from Llorente and his partners.
But it was not just the pressure that confused and destroyed Manchester
United, it was the use of unique man-marking system that United had not
come across before in the Premier League. At times in the game David De
Gea would stand with his foot on the ball, look up and just see nothing but
the blue and white Blackburn Rovers style away kit of Bilbao.
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In attack, Athletic Bilbao were able to deliver wave after wave of attack, the
intensity and the tempo of the attack was mesmerising to English football
fans, who might have just been receiving their rst dose of Bielsa-Ball. The
biggest take away for fans who were watching were the number of sprints,
the intensity of the sprints and the players willingness to sprint.
This desire to run and the willingness to run, forced Manchester United
players to try and match the volume of work, naturally they were not able to,
and the fatigue both physically and mentally was obvious for all to see.
Manchester United’s Premier League winning back four, could clearly be
seen to tire and make mistakes that would lead to goals by Bilbao’s
attacking three.
Bielsa’s side did not just out work Manchester United, they were able to
play a unique and ball-centred approach to possession. They moved the
ball quickly in short combinations, going from back to front quickly but
keeping the ball glued to the oor. This kind of combination play was
something that looked like it had come from a Dutch side of yesteryear.
It was this game that propelled Bielsa side into the quarter- nals, and this
time it was an away trip to Germany and to Schalke. Bielsa’s men were
rampant in a 4-2 victory, which again contained intensity, volume and
courage. In the return leg, they were able to hold onto a 2-2 draw that saw
Athletic Bilbao into the last four of the Europe League.
In the semi- nal, Bilbao headed to Portugal to play Sporting and were
beaten 2-1 in a dramatic game where Bilbao threw away a lead in the last
15 minutes. In the return leg, Bielsa’s side took an early advantage before
being pegged back a minute before half-time. In what was a huge moment
before half-time Lbai scored a stoppage time goal to hold a 2-1 advantage
at half-time. In what was maybe Bielsa’s most important team talk, his team
needed to nd a winner or fear conceding another goal and facing a
mountain to climb on away-goals. The second half was cagey and Bielsa’s
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Having already nished sixth in the league, missing out on fth on head to
head results, Athletic Bilbao headed to Bucharest to play Athlético Madrid in
an all Spanish nal. Athletic were quite simply blown away on the night by a
clinical Atleti. Although Bilbao were able to dominate the ball, the quality of
Atleti shined through with a brace from man of the match Falcao, and a late
goal from Diego.
This was to some extent the end of the good days for Bielsa and Athletic
Bilbao as the 2012 season began with major disappointment as key players
were sold to major European clubs and after a 12th place nish, Bielsa was
not offered a new contract and his journey at Bilbao came to an end after
just two seasons, but the Bielsa pro le had blossomed and boomed across
Europe.
From here Bielsa’s future became more choppy and unpredictable, or
predictable, depending on how well you think you know Marcelo Bielsa. He
arrived at French club Marseille in 2014 and got of to a fast start, his side
were top at the half-way point. The side showed a huge amount of potential
to go on and win the French league. However, after a turbulent second half
to the season, bielsa side ended up nishing a modest fourth place.
In his second season the problems really began to tell, and after just one
game he walked away, resigning quoting issues with changes in his
contract and dispute with management within the club. This again showed
the strong willed and strong principles that Bielsa held from such a young
age.
Following this journey, Bielsa arrived in Lazio in Italy with a new challenge
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but after just two days, Bielsa quit as the manager sparking legal action and
a law suit of €50 Million euros. When questioned by the media Bielsa
claimed that Lazio had made promises on transfer targets, and then had
failed on recruiting them. This period of just two days increased the
confusion and mystery around Bielsa and his next challenge would occur
back in France.
Arriving in France with a fresh opportunity, Bielsa took charge of Lille in
May 2017. His job was to rebuild what he saw as a very aged squad. He
looked to move on players such as Mavuba and Eder and replace them
with younger more tting players to his model. However, this did not go to
plan. It is claimed he told players that he intended on leaving before pre-
season had even nished. But after just 13 games in charge, Bilesa was
suspended by Lille and found his contract being terminated.
Lille sporting adviser Luis Campos spoke about how letting some of the
senior players go was one of the key reasons in letting Bielsa go. It was
seen as a shock and a poor decision by many in the media, as recruiting
Bielsa as a coach must involve allowing him to recruit his own players for
his unique style. Recruiting him and attempting to limit him, will only cause
a chaotic and quick ending.
Following his departure from Lille, Bielsa found himself signing as manager
for Leeds United, a club lurking in the second division of English football, a
club who had fallen from grace, having been in the champions league just a
decade or so before. Bielsa arrived on a two-year contact with an option for
a third, with a really simple aim, get Leeds and their huge fan base back to
the Premier League.
The task ahead for Bielsa was not easy. He was in fact the 21st manager to
take over Leeds since they were relegated in 2004. This meant the average
tenure of a Leeds manager was just 36.5 games, just over half a season in
total with a 46 game season, and two cup competitions. With the average
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manager departing with just 15 wins in their tenure. This matched with just
an average win rate of 30% really showed the challenge that was ahead for
Bielsa.
With Bielsa in charge, Leeds got off to a ying start winning their rst four
games, a club record for a new manager. The perfect start for Bielsa’s need
was upon us and Bielsa was the Championship manager of the month for
his rst month in English football. As the season continued, the injuries
piled up for Leeds, the questions of the Bielsa approach began to appear,
was his philosophy too intense for the hectic nature of English Football?
As the injuries continued, Bielsa looked to the academy, like he has through
his time in coaching. The young players lled the needed gaps and the
level of performance was still reasonable as the season continued. The
squad was almost bare by Christmas, with 10 players under the age of 21
receiving a debut in the Championship. With Leeds top at Christmas,
Bielsa-Ball seemed to be well and truly working in Englands second
division, however, there was still a long way to go.
In early January, a storm swept through English football, as Bielsa admitted
to sending a spy to Derby Counties training ground to watch training. This
created a huge backlash from Derby manager Frank Lampard, Bielsa was
backed up by Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino (an ex-player of his)
and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. The sage dubbed ‘Spygate’
by the media continued to rumble for a few weeks.
This was until Bielsa announced a press brie ng where he provided a
detailed analysis on a slideshow, the onlooking media were amazed by the
detail and the quality of the work. Journalists left calling Bielsa a ‘Genius’.
Leeds were then handed a £200,000 ne, which Bielsa insisted he paid and
forced Leeds to let him pay this out of his own pocket. Again, this was
another moment that showed the strong willed and strong principled
Marcelo Bielsa.
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If you thought that was enough drama for one season at Leeds, think again.
Things were about to become even more dramatic and memorable for
Leeds fans and football fans. It started rst by Leeds falling away from top
spot and slipping into second place. They then lost 2-1 to Wigan Athletic in
a shock game, where Wigan even had 10 men for well over an hour.
But the strangest and most memorable moment was about to arise. With
Leeds still mathematically able to achieve automatic promotion, they took
on Aston Villa at home. With just under 20 minutes remaining, Jonathan
Kodja went down just inside his own half, under a tackle that did look a foul,
but was not given. The game then seemingly came to a stop as the Aston
Villa players called for medical attention.
However, Leeds continued (with the right to) and let Klich run down the left
hand side and cut in and score. This caused a riot inside the stadium as the
players came together instantly in a brawl as the ball hit the back of the net.
The goal was huge, it would at least give Leeds an advantage in the play-
offs. The managers seemingly clashed on the side, the stewards came on
to the pitch and Kodja remained on the oor from some time.
Whilst this occurred, a very calm Marcelo Bielsa, spoke with his translator
and the Villa manager, whilst the crowd looked on. Bielsa continued to
shout to his captain Liam Cooper. It was at this point remarkably Marcelo
Bielsa forced his side to let Aston Villa walk through and score to equalise
the game to 1-1. This again showed the strong willed nature of Marcelo
Bielsa, a man who wants to see football in the perfect way he expect and
nothing short.
Following this incident, Bielsa was awarded the FIFA FairPlay award and
the game that nished 1-1 ultimately ended Leed’s chance of automatic
promotion. Bielsa’s season then came to an abrupt end after failing to beat
sixth place Derby County in the play-off semi- nals. Bielsa faced criticism of
his methods, the English media challenged the intensity and volume of
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work, claiming his players were burnt out and fatigued. As the 2019-20
season began, Leeds fans were optimistic that it would be second time
lucky under Bielsa. However, with everything we know about him, the
unknown can be unpredictable and the future can be chaotic.
In tremendous fashion, Leeds started their second season with the same (if
not more) energy than before. The season was highly affected by covid but
the performance level remained high. Bielsa’s team continued to make very
few permanent signings, but did rely on young loan talent to assist in their
process.
Leeds started quickly, like in his rst season, and was manager of the
month for November. Leeds were unbeaten in their rst seven games, but
this year they were not top on Christmas Day. Normal service did resume
for Bielsa and Leeds, as they took their pole position back on December
29th with a fantastic win over Birmingham City.
Leeds continued to perform as the season continued, and took a key point
from top of the table rivals West Bromwich Albion late in January. Bielsa’s
season looked unstoppable as Leeds remained in pole position as they
approached the middle of March, Leeds were in fact seven points clear of
the play-offs and seemingly promoted with nine games to go. However,
Bielsa would encounter a problem he could not control, the Coronavirus
pandemic saw the league suspended and Leeds’ chance to win promotion
hanging in a balance they could not control.
Fortunately for Leeds, the season was resumed and they were able to win
the Championship, but with no fans able to be in attendance. Bielsa had
become the rst manager to return Leeds to England’s top division since
their nancial collapse all those years ago. However, for Bielsa the work
had only just began, the pressure of being Leeds United manager would
mean the fans would expect the side to compete in the Premier League, not
just survive.
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With the side back in the Premier League, Bielsa’s work had begun and his
skills could be tested against the biggest and best managers and clubs in
the world, including Guardiola and Klopp. In fact the season started with a
trip to play Klopp’s title winning Liverpool Side.
Bielsa’s side came off second best in what can only be described as a
game for the ages, the game nished 4-3 with Liverpool being pushed to
the limit, but both sides defensive frailties exposed. Bielsa had already
engaged and excited the English football fan after just one game in the
Premier League. Leeds continued to excite, nding themselves on the other
side of a 4-3 this time at home.
As the season continued, Leeds continued to compete and cause problems
to sides with their energetic and man-orientated approach to defending.
They were able to wrestle a point at home to Manchester City and break
teams like Aston Villa apart 3-0. There was however some limitations to
Leeds in the Premier League, and sides such Leicester were able to pick
them apart, in crushing defeats. Bielsa’s approach was chaotic, organised
and decisive. Regardless of the score or the opponent, the approach was
the same, to attack with and without the ball.
As Bielsa’s rst season in the Premier League came towards an end, they
were able to re ect on a truly successful season. Leeds were able to nish
ninth and secure a very comfortable and safe nish. The results could be
viewed as chaotic and unpredictable, with wins at Tottenham and
Manchester City, yet defeats at Crawley Town and Brighton and Hove
Albion. There were, however, many plaudits for Leeds who seemed to
approach the Premier League with an enthusiasm and a tenacity to want to
compete and beat every side they played. However, they were dubbed by
others as naive and erratic, for failing to adapt to the opponent and play the
situation they were dealt. It is probably in the next few chapters where we
look to expose and understand the method behind the madness.
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11 7 9 7
11
10 8 10
8 6 2
5
5 2
4 3 4
6 3
1 1
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Figure: 1-4-3-3 on a team sheet Figure: 1-4-3-3 In Possession
As the two gures show on the previous page, the same formation can look
very different based on the scenarios explained. So it is important to
recognise that when we discus Marcelo Bielsa’s philosophy and the
principles of his play, we understand that these do not include the
formations, the formations and animations of play are just a product of the
principles.
Through each chapter you will be able to see how exible Bielsa’s
formations are based upon his principles of play. One of the key factors to
think about when choosing a formation is how can you t the individuals
you have, the principles of play you have and the oppositions strengths and
weaknesses into a shape that gives you the best opportunity to perform.
We will see through out the the use of a 1-3-3-1-3 but this can
change week to week depending on how many strikers to opposition play
with as Bielsa doesn’t want his strikers to matchup in a 1v1 situation, he is
always trying to have the numerical overload of +1. So this means if the
side start with just one attacker he will often switch to his 1-4-1-4-1
formation. This means the principles are still the same and the information
to the players remains consistent. But importantly his team will have a +1
on the defensive line.
Without giving too much away for the remaining chapters, it is
important to understand far more about a team than the formation they play.
What are a teams strengths and weaknesses and what are they trying to
achieve? Mixing this with your own philosophy and your own intentions you
can better plan, prepare and deliver coaching sessions. Which in turn will
better prepare your players for game day.
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THE PHILOSOPHY
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3.) Rotation - The importance of rotation is obvious within all Bielsa teams,
his teams do not just perform semi-static rotations when playing out from
the back, but complex and positional rotations both vertically and
horizontally to support ball progression through to the nal third. Like all of
Bielsa’s key principles of play, they accommodate each other to allow for
success in possession.
His teams ability to rotate to create space and support his teams desire to
break through lines is obvious in all moments of the game. This rotation can
occur in any area of the pitch but is commonly seen in the attacking areas
to move the opponent and open up more progressive opportunities to
score.
4.) Pressing - Bielsa’s teams are extremely aggressive with every action
they take both in and out of possession. As expected, pressing plays a
signi cant role within the philosophy. His pressing cannot really be de ned
by any simple de nition. It is always tactically orientated, meaning they
press the opponent to make them weak and concede possession in
dangerous area. How they deliver this press will be dependent on the
opponent, the situation and the hours upon hours of analysis that has
occurred.
Fundamentally, Bielsa’s teams press in a unique and intense man to man
coverage press, meaning every player is responsible for another player on
the eld of play. Once a player applies pressure to his or her opponent then
pressure comes from the surrounding players. This is quite a unique
approach as teams will often look to press with weak sides and strong.
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You are probably sat there right now thinking, how is work-rate a principle of
play, how is it speci c to Bielsa? Isn’t work-rate a fundamental for any
player in and system, and you would have a point. However, what Marcelo
Bielsa demands from his players is fundamentally different to what you
would see and expect to see from the 99% of other professional teams you
might see. His players are forced to work harder in and out of possession,
and be tougher and more resilient.
His Leeds team have reset the standard for running in the Premier League,
his team averaged 115km per game in 2020. This was more than any side
have ever averaged since this statistic became available. Leeds’ running
data is not just mindless running either, they have become famous for the
ferocity of the sprinting that they perform consistently. In 2020/21, they
averaged an average sprint distance of 2234.3, more than any top ight
club in the world. The likes of Manchester City could not even come close,
with way below 2000.
This requirement to sprint is a core principle of what Bielsa tries to achieve,
his players make the playing environment very dif cult for opponent
players. They have to play under the pressure of the Leeds players, who
they know are going to be pressing, sprinting and change them through out
the game. But they also have to play knowing that this style of play will last
until the game ends, it will not be a 10 or 15 minute spell to survive at the
start of the game. Bielsa’s players will keep the intensity going until the nal
whistle.
Bielsa’s teams volume of work has been praised by many, but it is
fundamentally linked to the way he trains. He demands that his players run,
run and run some more, and this can only be created with overload training
and high volumes of training. Some players have described his philosophy
as ‘ruthless’, saying that El Loco demands his players to work at crazy
intensities for small periods of time. Others have said it is “relentless and,
just consistent” suggesting Bielsa never allows the intensity to drop and
33
WORK-RATE
CREATING THE +1
build-up play situation. Here we can see in the images, on the left how
build-up play might look in a standard 11v11 game with a side pressing
Bielsa’s team, so there is no option to play out. Whilst the image on the
right shows how his team might use the Principle of +1 and overloads to
manipulate the opponent and create numerical opportunities to play
vertically through the opponent.
This situation is of course slightly exaggerated to make the tactical
principles clear on a small image, but the idea remains the same, create an
overload to support the forward progression of the ball through the centre
of the pitch.
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CREATING THE +1
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CREATING THE +1
As you can see in both the images on the previous page, Bielsa will almost
base his playing system around the opponents shape to ensure he is
always able to create those +1 moments. In the rst image we can see how
Bielsa is playing against an opponents 1-4-4-2 shape. This produces a
problem with the forward players playing against Bielsa’s defensive line. In
order to combat this, Bielsa switches his side to a back three, in order to
ensure that the centre-backs are able to play with a numerical overload of
+1. In this situation, it would become a 3v2 situation supporting the side in
and out of possession.
When a team attacks Bielsa’s sides with a single striker, in a formation such
as a 1-4-3-3, Bielsa is comfortable switching to a back four (as shown in the
second image) to ensure that the opponents single striker is out numbered
by the rst defensive line in Marcelo Bielsa’s team. If you are wondering
how he would deal with a front three playing very attacking football, it is
very simple. The use of a back four against the front three will still create a
+1 moment. So there is no need to adapt to create a solution for this
problem. It would just require some simple adjustments to positions to
ensure the front three are effectively dealt with.
The +1 principle is a simple principle that can be used by coaches in order
to simplify the game for their players. This principle can be used to adjust
the way you setup against sides, just switching from a back four to a back
three depending on the shape of the opponent. This will also make players
aware of the tactical situation around them and challenge them to make
their own decisions. If you are wondering how, it can be done as simple as
this.
Ensure you give your players two clear ways of playing with a back four and
back three, and then provide them with simple instructions, when you
recognise the opponent is using a one or a two striker system, change our
shape to the appropriate formation to deal with the threat and problem that
has been put upon us by the opponent.
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ROTATION
The vertical rotation did not just occur with movements towards the ball,
Bielsa’s team are intelligent in how they move around the pitch and their
use of vertical moments away from the ball in order to create more space to
play, and more opportunity to play forward. The important thing to
remember here is that the movements are always made in order assist the
progression of the ball forward through the pitch.
As we can see in the gure to the right,
the players are making movements away
from the ball. The 8 and the 10 have
pushed into the attacking line and the 11
and 7 have pushed into the wide channel
stretching the game and leaving the
space in the centre of the pitch.
This movement is not made by Bielsa’s
team in order to play direct into the
attack half, but instead the rotation is to
to stretch the opponent and support the
principle of verticality and principle of +1
as the opponent have now most likely
been stretched into a position where they
are not able to deal with the split
formation of 5 and 5 and the Bielsa side
will breakout of the rst line with their full-
backs.
This process might be a simple view on a tactic board with no opponent,
but it is in fact a strategy used by Bielsa commonly to cause chaos in the
opponents shape. When you watch this principle used effectively with the
combination of verticality and +1 you will often see basketball match like
situations, where the game is seemingly going back and forward. This is
because this simple principle has forced the opponent to defend in a shape
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ROTATION
Horizontal rotations also occur in wide area, they are used again for the
same tactical reasons in wide area, to try and assist the progression of the
ball through the lines and into a position where the team are able to score.
The rotations generally occur in the attacking half but are not exclusive to
the attacking third.
The wide player will often be involved in horizontal rotation when the ball is
moved into the half-space in a moment where the opponent are in a block
or have made ball progression dif cult. Bielsa’s sides like to make the
rotation when the ball is in the half-space because it is a dif cult location to
exploit with play able to move on both sides of the ball carrier.
In this example here, we can see
the centre-back controlling
possession with the 8 making a key
movement into the central space,
this is then a trigger for the 11 to
come inside and receive possession
in the half-space. This squares up
the full-back and forces the outside
channel to become free.
This horizontal rotation has now
created space for Bielsa’s full-back
to go and exploit, the key to the ball
progression here is the rotation, it is
the manipulation of numbers to
create moments that can support
forward thinking and forward moving
football.
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His Leeds side still adopt the basic Bielsa principle of having a +1 on the
rst defensive line, this means when his teams attack, they will always hold
an overload in the defensive line. The +1 principle is not the only numerical
principle to Marcelo Bielsa’s playing or pressing system. When his team
look to press the opponent (more recent Bielsa with Leeds) his side always
look to concede an under-load of -1 on the most attacking line. This means
he is happy to give the opponent a numerical advantage when playing out
from the back.
This means Bielsa’s side will adapt the formation and approach to their
press depending on the system of the team they are playing. Here in the
rst image we can Bielsa’s side in red pressing the blues. The blues have
three centre-backs as they look to play out and they are being pressed by
two forwards from Bielsa’s team. In this situation, he would expect his two
attackers to do the job of three attackers by taking up positions that split the
pitch and limit the opportunity of a switch of
play. Numerically limiting the strength of
the opponent.
What conceding the -1 allows is for a man
to man orientated system to occur. It also
allow for the +1 to appear on the defensive
line. As we can see in this animation to the
right, Bielsa’s side have switched to a
back four in order to match up the
opponent, and maintain the two consistent
principles that they want to achieve when
they are out of possession of the ball. This
shows that the pressing system is based
on principle rather than systems. The
system just changes based on the needs
to support the principles of the defensive
and attacking philosophies.
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In the second image you can see how Bielsa’s side will adapt if their
opponent switches to a back four, in order to build out from the back. Here
we can see the four and the ve hold the rst defensive line for the red
team. They are matched up with the one attacking nine. This creates the
principles of -1 on the attacking line. However, with effective positioning,
moment and pressure, Bielsa’s nine is capable of forcing the ball carrier to
play one way, by cutting out the number three by sitting in a position
between them.
This will force the blue to play into one side of the pitch, where Bielsa’s
team will have the ability to go man-to-man on this side of the pitch and
look to win possession back quickly by applying pressure to the ball and
players around the ball. Pressing is often a mentality exercise, where
players are forced to work under pressure and apply pressure, the players
who can cope with it survive. This is why Bielsa trains at such a high
intensity to create players who win those 1v1 situations because they can
cope with the intensity.
Here we are also able to see how the rst
defensive line has been adjusted in order
to maintain the equilibrium needed
through out the system. The team are
now playing against what is most likely a
1-4-4-2, and this system sees two strikers
on the rst defensive line. In order to deal
with this, Bielsa’s side have switched to a
back three or back ve depending on the
game. But most importantly, they now
have three centre-backs on the rst line
ensuring they have been able to keep the
+1 principle in order throughout.
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PRESSING
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Triggers
Like all coaches, Bielsa will often have triggers that initiate the way his
teams press, a trigger is simply a moment that occurs within the game that
is the catalyst for his players to press. For example, coaches might say that
the rst centre-back receiving possession of the ball is the ‘trigger’ moment
to initiate the press. Others might have more tactical situations such as
individuals who have been targeted receiving possession of the ball.
However, for Marcelo Bielsa there are often triggers based upon tactical
analysis, but there are two stand out triggers in more recent times. The rst
is when a vertical pass by the opponent nds a player facing his own goal.
This becomes a trigger to apply pressure and either look to steal
possession of the ball or force the opponent backward.
This is a more recent trigger and something that only occurs in the central
areas of the pitch, so when the opponent plays a straight pass through the
centre of the pitch and the opponent receives with his or her back to goal,
there is a belief that they are receiving in an
overloaded area, and are likely unaware of
the pressure around them. This provides us
with a meaningful attempt to apply pressure
instantly.
As we can see in the image to the right, the
ball might have been played through the
lines into the 10, and this becomes the
trigger point for our players to apply pressure
to the ball and block the passing lanes. Both
are strategies to suffocate the opponent and
increase our chances in winning possession
back quickly and effectively with out risking
conceding a goal.
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The forward central pass, is not the only trigger to which you can try to win
possession back. Bielsa’s sides in recent years have also tried to press the
ball as it has been played wide. In order to get the opponent to play wide,
you must rst dictate play and force the opponent to play into the wide area,
this is where Bielsa’s genius system comes into its dominance again.
We have already discussed how Bielsa creates a -1 on the rst attacking
line, and this creates a potential problem, his team are instantly overloaded.
However, this is also the strength of the system. It means that on every
other progressive line on the pitch, Bielsa’s team have an overload, as the
goalkeeper has possession.
The centre-forward set-up forcing the goalkeeper to play one way, once the
goalkeeper plays the pass, the nine applies passive pressure. The pressure
is in the line of the opposite centre-back, meaning there is no opportunity to
switch possession from one side to the other. It also means the centre-back
now has little to no option than to play wide, into the fullback.
Once the ball is played to the full-back, the
pressure arrives instantly. As the ball is
moved from the four to the ve, the red
seven applies aggressive pressure to win the
ball from the ve. This alone is not enough to
win possession of the ball, there still needs
to be a series of individual factors in order to
win possession back.
The centre-forward (9) must be quick to
come across the number four to ensure that
the full-back is not able to switch back inside,
the detail is very important as to what
position the nine takes up. For example, the
nine needs to take up a position where they
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PRESSING
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MAN-TO-MAN MARKING
insight into the though process without the ball for Leeds. In the transition
moment, the players are thinking about their player and their responsibility.
The players have not openly spoken about winning the ball back early, but
about knowing where their marker is. If your marker is close, then you are
in a good position to defend and a good position for the team.
The players have also said if the opposition player is not too far away, then
can you adjust your body position to block the passing lane and still have
an in uence. If you are not near your player then you are in trouble and you
must react quickly to prevent your opposite number getting in possession of
the ball.
The man-marking approach, like all systems, does have limitations. It
provides a very individual approach to defending where players are trusted
to perform their roles. It also allows for sides who are uid in possession to
exploit and challenge the structure of a Bielsa team. To counter this,
Bielsa’s teams are very uid and comfortable moving and rotating as the
game demands.
One great example of this is the season opener for Leeds in the Premier
League. They lost 4-3 in a dramatic game at An eld where the structure of
both sides was destroyed by the uidity of the game. One interesting
tactical moment that occurred within the game, was Leeds’ willingness to
always defend +1 and always stay with their marker.
Roberto Firmino challenged this more than anyone else, by playing as a
withdrawn forward. This provided a huge challenge to Leeds, as Firmino
would drop from the highest line to the line of the deepest mid eld player to
pick up possession. Now its important to think of the principles we have
discussed. Every player has a personal responsibility, the team must
maintain a +1 on the defensive line.
Once you have followed those rules the outcome and what follows was
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Actually very simple, the Leeds centre-back travelled 60 yard to stay with
the Liverpool number nine and prevent him gaining possession. This is
because Leeds still had the +1 on the defensive line, with just one solitary
striker against no centre-forward. So their approach and consistency to
their approach allowed for the centre-back to run all over the pitch picking
up the Liverpool number nine.
This is however a very dif cult system to master and is the reason why very
few coaches and players in world football even attempt this. It only takes
one player to switch off and not perform his or her role, to cause a great
issue to the system. Within Bielsa’s system we have seen moments where
players have broken away from their opposite numbers and attacked the
defensive line.
When this happens, it is important to recognise that Leeds are prepared,
coached and ready for these moments. They recognise that a player must
leave his or her marker in order to deal with the player who is the threat (the
player in possession). This player however must come usually from the
wide areas in order to deal with the ball carrier. This is because only at last
resort do Bielsa’s sides wants to surrender their +1 on the defensive line.
The +1 on the defensive line, is also another reason why his teams are so
reliant on that +1 rule to ensure that even when the man-marking fails and
the opponent attacks through the centre of the pitch, his players we still
have an opportunity to defend in some kind of defensive balance. This is
because if the +1 theory is maintained, Bielsa’s team will still get the
opportunity to defend in a numerically balanced situation such as a 2v2.
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Secondly, it is very important that the team are willing to accept some
vulnerability when the partial-libera occurs, it will not be possible
immediately to cover every individual player. For this reason, there must be
principles as to who to leave. Ultimately, Bielsa would want to still keep the
principle of +1 if possible. His sides are then more likely to leave the
opposite wide player, or the players on the opponents defensive line.
It is fundamental that when a player leaves his or her marker to deal with a
player, that another team mate does not move to cover the space left, if
they are in a more important position. This is a dif cult principle to explain,
so we will use a graphic
to support this.
Here we can see the
progression from the
previous moment. The
eight has now been
picked up by our
number three, and the
opponent number
seven is free.
It would detrimental for
our number four to
instantly cover the
position left, as this
would leave the number
nine spare, who is far more dangerous and far more likely to score. Now if
the pass is played wide by the number eight, then Bielsa’s team might be
forced to surrender their principle of +1 by the four sliding across and the
six and ve tucking in. But it would be very dangerous for the defensive line
to perform this without the ball being already played into that area.
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Here we see another situation where the opponent has broken free of
pressure, our number 11 has lost a 1v1 dual against the opponent number
two and now we will see the opponent try to drive through the middle of the
teams shape. It is important now that players employ the ‘Partial Libero’ in
order to deal with the largest problem.
Here you can see how our number 10 and number three and both
challenged to deal with this problem, we can see here how the number 10
tries to do what a lot of coaches will refer to as a ‘job and a half’ this is
where he or she looks to apply
pressure to the player in
possession without leaving the
player they mark. This is by just
blocking the passing lane and
narrowing the space.
However, the number 10 would not
completely leave their player due to
the opponent six playing in the
centre off the pitch. The full-back
(number three) then does the
same, but this player is more willing
to apply pressure because their
player in the man-marking system
is not as dangerous positionally as
the opponent number six.
These decisions are made within
the moment, but are fundamentally
based on simple principle as to
who needs to be prioritised and
who can be left.
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Having now made your way through over 60 pages of technical and tactical
detail, you are probably not surprised to hear, being in a 1v1 dominant is a
key skill for any player who wants to play within a Marcelo Bielsa system.
His players must be able to beat an opponent quickly and dynamically,
understanding how to attack centrally and create goal scoring opportunities.
On the ip side, his players must be able to defend 1v1, they must be able
to match a physically dominant player. They must be able to recognise how
to win the ball back, and how to force a player away from pressure. All
these skills are vital in a system that is built upon the foundations of an
individually responsible defensive system.
His players must also be very effective within transitional moments, for
example recognising when to leave their market to come inside and deal
with the ball carrier, when to pick up their opposite player and when to block
the passing lane. These are all components of successful players in the
transitional moments of the game. It is always important to remember that it
is time that is important in transition, how quickly can you react and
recognise the defensive or offensive transition
The next chapter is going to demonstrate ve ways in which a player can
beat an opponent in a 1v1 situation by using their rst touch effectively.
1.) Pro led turn
2.) Receive Behind the Opponent
3.) Attack the Castle
4.) Receive against the Opponent
5.) Receive using the air
These are ve tools that players can use to exploit the opponent in 1v1
moments using their receiving skill set. The skillset is varied here, and will
involve receiving in different moments to support the attacking principles of
play.
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For players to be able to do this, they must have an effective body position
to start with, they must be aware of how to scan behind and around the line
they are playing on. Secondly, they must be dynamic in their movements to
receive on the outside shoulder, with a quick change of pace to ensure the
opponent cannot move and block the space left.
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For our potentially young players, this is an easier skill to practice, looking to
make movements of a player to then run into the space behind. In this
practice, our player will require some strong physical components of their
game, such as balance, co-ordination and the ability to change direction
very quickly.
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When replicating this with our players, we must again be physically dynamic
in how our players are able to move. Are our players able to move laterally
on their rst touch, this will involve a level of explosiveness that might come
with physical development in adolescent players. However, the technique
alone is important to train, once combined with the power it will be effective.
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This is a method that is easy to train in 7v7 and smaller, because the
defensive lines are often weak, unorganised and high. We are asking the
players to make double movements towards the ball and then away. Whilst
the ball carrier slides a pass into the space behind to create the goal scoring
opportunity.
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The session is very simple the outside players have possession of a ball
each, the central players compete in a 1v1 battle. The player in the middle
can only shoot in each goal once and can only get one ball from each
outside player. So they must be effective in using their receiving skills in
order to move the opponent and score.
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The red simply plays into the 1v1, where the receiving player will be
challenged to enter one of the red zones. They then have to think of what
receiving skillset will support them and assist them in moving the ball into
this area. They might also be challenged to go from one end to the other
directly with the use of another skillset.
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This practice can be made even more relevant to our players, we can
provide tactical information and game relevance to them. This might be the
centre-back playing a pass into the holding mid eld player who takes their
touch around the opponent and plays a pass into the full-back who can
attack the opponent.
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For our individual players, this is relevant at all times, even our mid eld
players might need to nd a way out of tight spaces when one side of the
pitch is shut down. We will have to ensure we are mixing the delivery up, to
ensure that the practice remains realistic and challenging.
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DEFENDING
1V1
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1V1 PRACTICES
- Can our players make contact with hands and arms, looking to get their
shoulder ahead of the opponent making it possible to get our body between
the ball and the opponent.
- The coach might choose to be loud in these moments, becoming
demanding
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DEFENDING 1V1
1V1 PRACTICES
DEFENDING 1V1
1V1 PRACTICES
Here we have the red and the blue, both in a shuttle race. We are looking for
them to race out to the cone ahead, and back and forward for 4 or 5 times.
This creates a repetitive change of direction task. Then, once the players
have completed the race, they sprint out to the ball and attack the opposite
goalkeeper.
The rst one out to the ball attacks and the second player defends. If the
defender wins possession back, then they get the chance to go to the
opposite end and shoot.
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DEFENDING 1V1
1V1 PRACTICES
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DEFENDING 1V1
1V1 PRACTICES
This is an easy to use practice. There are four lines of players, behind each
gate, situated in the middle of four sides. Firstly, the red attacks the blue from
the bottom to the top of the practice. If the red scores then the next red
attacks on the left hand side. However, if the blue wins it back and scores or
kicks the ball out. The blue attacks the red on the right hand side attacking the
left hand side.
This means the practice is constant and transitional, not only do
players need to defend ef ciently in 1v1 moments, but they must also
recognise the transition.
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PLAYING
VERTICALLY
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The practice is very simple, it involves nine players, who are split into three
different teams. One team sit on the inside as defenders, whilst the other two
work together. The practice sees each team submit one player to the middle
essentially creating 3v2 in the middle and a 6v3 in total. Whichever team
gives away possession transitions to the outside of the practice and becomes
the defending side.
It is important that the transitions are quick and effective, this means
pace and power in the transition, to force the opponent to surrender
possession of the ball.
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PLAYING VERTICALLY
The practice is a 6v3 rondo, where 4v2 occurs on one side, and a 2v1 occurs
on the other side. The idea of the practice is to move the ball within the 4v1,
before using the wide player to play the through pass. So we see the up, back
and through occur in the centre of the pitch with the use of the wide player to
complete it. This session will focus around the central player attracting the
pressure in order to play forward. The end player must then drop into
complete the progression of the ball.
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This is another adapted 6v3 rondo that requires a slightly different skill set
compared to the previous practice. Here we have changed the rules of the
practice to ask the end player to drop in and become part of our combination
instead of the end of our combination. Now the 4v2 must use the ball
effectively and then play forward when the top player makes a movement
back into the central area. Once that has happened, how quickly can the third
player react in order to offer the back and thorough motion of the move.
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This is now an 8v3 rondo, where the two full-backs have clear roles in the
practice. The combinations still occur as before with the middle player
dropping into help create up, back and throughs when required. However, we
are challenging our players to now play threaded passes into the folk-backs in
the space beyond the opponents middle three players.
There is an important rule which is the centre-backs, who are xed on
the vertical line can not pass to the full-backs on the outside of them, this is to
prevent what would be a very unrealistic pass, where a player under limited
pressure plays to a player under no pressure. The full-back should only
receive within the oblong and not the triangle areas.
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The goalkeeper plays into a 2v2 in the rst part of the practice, there is then a
4v2 on the mid eld line. The reds look to play into the middle zone where the
yellows have an overload, making it dif cult to stay on the ball. This means
the reds should then look to bounce the ball back into the 2v2 and then
through in to the 2v1 advantage they have in the attacking half. This will not
only force our players to defend compactly centrally, but force them to be
aware of the up, back and through in and out of possession.
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This is a progression of the previous practice, this one now includes wide
players. Importantly, the wide player cannot play forwards, unless they
receive possession in the centre of the practice (e.g. middle three lanes) if
they receive the ball wide, they must play sideways or backwards. What we
want to achieve is the wide players making out to in runs, receiving
possession behind the opponents mid eld 4. This will help us create up, back
and through progressions using the outside channel.
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Here we see the Goalkeeper create a 2v1 advantage for the side in
possession in both the rst third and the third third. In the central area we see
a 3v3+1. The idea of the practice is to move the ball through the thirds from
back to front using each third. In order for a player to join the nal third and
create a 2v2, the ball must be bounced into the striker for the player to set a
team mate. This continues to create the principle of verticality within our
session.
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Each team is set up with two banks of four within the central area of the
practice. These create an 8v8 in this area, the yellows however, get one
additional player which is a deeper centre-back or sweeping player who can
be used if the yellow cannot play forward, and need the additional line to
help play around and through pressure. We must encourage our players to
use all three lines in their 1-4-4 formation, in order to play through the
opponent and attack the space behind the central box.
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Here we see the Goalkeeper create a 2v1 advantage for the side in
possession in both the rst third and the third third. In the central area we see
a 3v3+1. The idea of the practice is to move the ball through the thirds from
back to front using each third. In order for a player to join the nal third and
create a 2v2, the ball must be bounced into the striker for the player to set a
team mate. This continues to create the principle of verticality within our
session.
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One thing that is vital when trying to create a third man run, is to have good
attacking structure. This means our players must be playing on different
vertical and horizontal lines. Why? Because in order to play through
opponents spaces, we must be able to stretch the opponent and create those
gaps. By having players play across ve channels, naturally we increase the
shape of the opponent out of possession. By using multiple vertical lines, we
create space on different lines allowing our players to move freely up and
down the pitch.
The second part that we must teach our players in these moments is to
learn to attract pressure. For example if a player is in pressure and they are
not comfortable attacking in a 1v1 moment, they might attract the pressure of
the opponent, in order to invite the third man run. For example, if the player
on the ball slows in their actions it attracts the pressure of the opponent.
As the example to the right
shows, the nine takes their
time and delays, attracting
the pressure of the
opponent, giving space to
their team mate to run in
too. Once the opponent has
made the run the attacker
can play the ball into the
space behind. If our player
is slow to run into the space
then we might use an up,
back and through to open the space up with a similar combination.
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Timing is another key factor in performing the third man run movement. It
must have a level of awareness of all three players in a seamless fashion. For
example, the runner will likely have to start their run from the moment the rst
pass is played. Timing is also a key component for the player releasing the
second pass, this is because they must play the pass with a few key thoughts
it mind.
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In this example here, we can see the mid eld player has played a horizontal
pass across the mid eld from the central mid eld player to the wide player.
Importantly, the wide player is in the inside channel leaving the outside
channel free. As the ball is played wide into the number 11, the 11 needs to
attract the pressure of the opponent defender to create space in behind.
Once the six has pulled their foot back to play the pass, the number two
should overlap and attack the space behind. The 11 then holds the ball and
threads the ball inside for the overlapping player to attack.
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Here is another example of a way the third man run can be used to attack the
opponent. Here we can see the six play the same pass but this time the pass
has gone into the outside channel and has naturally invited the pressure of
the defender. This now means there is space for the full-back to attack by
performing an under-lap rather than an over-lap. It is important that the
number two makes a run off the shoulder of the blue and attacks the most
central space that is available. For example, if the centre-back leaves a space
to run into we must encourage our players to attack this most central space.
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This is a 3v3 practice where we look
to develop the third man run with
limited pressure from an opponent
player. For example, here we look for
the rst player to play into the central
player and then look to pass into the
overlapping player on the outside.
The ball then goes to the opposite
end by the overlapping player scoring
and the yellows complete the same
practice going the other way.
Importantly, as the practice develops,
the players need to make a decision if
to play a up, back and through or try
to nd a third man runner in the space
behind.
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Here we are attacking the mannequins through the right hand side of the
setup and going to practice some rotations around the mannequins. Here
we see the ball played by the red six into the wide area, where the 11
receives possession on the touchline. And then opens their body up to
receive the ball across their body and then plays the pass into the space
behind the full-back and centre-back for the two to run on to.
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Here the number two plays the rst vertical pass through the opponent
lines, the 11 then plays a horizontal pass into the feet of the 10. At this point
the two should already be running in behind and attacking the space on the
outside of the 11. Once the 10 receives possession, the two should be
travelling at pace but behind the ball. The 10 then threads the ball into the
space behind for the two to attack.
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This is another tactical change from the previous two practices. This time
the width in the practice comes from the inside channel and is the number
11. The 10 plays the rst forward pass, then the nine needs to create a
margin of space and play a pass into the space for the 11 to attack the
opponents goal.
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The nishing phase of the game is ultimately the make or break area for the
results element of the game. Performance levels can change throughout
the season, dependent on 1000’s of things. But ultimately, results are based
upon our ability to be successful in both goals.
As you would expect, Bielsa’s nishing practices seem to be guided
by his incredible quantity of research and analysis. His practices that we
are aware of are not meaningless nishing practices in front of the goal.
They are structured practices where cross and passes come from the most
common cross and pass locations in games. The players then nish from
the areas they are most likely to score in during games.
We have previously spoke about this method during the book ‘Transitional
Finishing Practices’ which speaks about using Xg as a method to guide
practice design. If over 85% of goals are scored from within the box, should
over 85% of our nishing moment need to occur from this moment? |
The same is correct for Xa, if the expected assist data suggests that we are
more likely to assist from speci c locations, should we as coaches use this
data to build our most repetitive and meaningful practice. Of course this
does not mean just train these moments, but it must in our opinion be the
bulk.
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Here we have a very simple nishing practice, looking to create assists from
the highest xA area and nishing within the highest xG area. For example,
here we are looking for the player in the inside channel to thread the ball
towards the touchline. Then the player on the outside channel run on to the
ball and play a cross low and hard across the box and a striker run on to it
and score. The same is then repeated from the opposite side, the player in
the inside channel then goes to the inside and the opposite for the inside.
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The nishing practice remains the same but the movement inside the box is
now very different. We are looking for our striker to make a double movement,
one beyond the defender, and the next deeper to receive the ball around the
12 yard mark and nish. Importantly, this nish must be struck hard and the
cross must be with good detail, for example, if the ball is bobbling from a
poorly struck pass, then the nish will be more dif cult and our chance in
scoring will diminish.
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The third variation of this practice sees the crosser, cross the ball much
earlier. Here the player is crossing early because either they have to or they
can see an opportunity to play the cross earlier. As this happens, we are
looking for the furthest centre-forward to make the movement across the
mannequin and look to strike the ball rst time. This will require a rm strike
into the bottom right corner. This will be using the weight of the cutback to re
the ball in.
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The inside player plays the pass behind the rst cone to the wide player.
The wider player then takes a touch between the black coned gate, and
then threads a pass between the three central mannequins.
Once the ball has gone through the gate can our striker make a
movement and receive in the central space and nish. This will need to be
a quick nish of one or two touches. This will give the attacker the best
opportunity to be successful in front of goal.
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Here we are looking to create different rotations to exploit the space behind
the opposition’s line (or in this case the mannequins) we are looking for the
deepest mid eld player to move into the higher grid to receive possession
of the ball. As the player makes this movement, the second player makes a
run deeper and then around the mannequin. The ball is then threaded into
the outside channel and into the space for the wide player to run on to. The
two central players then penetrate the box.
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Here we see the rst central mid eld player move into the right centre part
of the grid. The wide player then moves into the left centre grid. Then the
nine spins beyond the defensive line and receives possession in behind.
Then the three attacking players make movements to attack the box and
look to score. Again, make sure that the three players attacking the box,
look to attack on three different lines. So that we are able to attack three
different types of pass or cross.
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Here we see quite a bit of rotation occur. Firstly, the nine comes down to
receive possession and the eight spins wide into the space behind. We
also see the wide player come inside. The ball then goes across the
mid eld and into the overlapping wide player to put a cross into the box.
Once the ball has been played wide, then the three other players must look
to penetrate the box looking too attacking with pace and power.
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The bottom of the diamond, plays the pass into the top of the diamond.
This player then plays the ball to the left hand side, where the blue then
presses the outside player and try to block the cross. The opposite wide
player then makes an out to win run into the box and attack the cross.
Once this has ended, each red player runs to the next cone in the diamond
and perform the next action. For example, the wide right player becomes
the player who starts the practice.
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Here the coach passes the ball into the wide player, who then plays the ball
back into the mid eld player. From here, the deepest mid eld player, plays
the ball over the defensive line into the opposite wide player. Once the ball
has gone wide, can the wide player nish rst time. If they cannot nish rst
time, can they take a touch and nish. Or they could potentially play a pass
across the goal to the opposite wide player.
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Firstly, the ball is bounced from the bottom of the practice to the player on
the outside of the diamond. This player then plays a reverse pass into the
pace for one of the strikers to attack. Then the second attacker runs in
behind to nish the cutback or threaded pass. We require a realistic weight
of pass during every moment to ensure the practice retains the realism we
require.
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The rst pass goes wide into the central mid eld player, the ball is then
passed into the striker who holds the ball up before threading the ball wide
to an overlapping player. Both strikers then need to make an attempt to
break into the box and score. The opposite striker then needs to make a
movement across the box attacking from the back space to the front space.
Making sure they are arriving at pace when the ball comes across the box.
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Here we are looking to create a slightly different rotation. The rst pass is a
vertical pass, something that we know is important within the Bielsa
philosophy. The ball is then bounced wider into the inside channel, the pass
is then played in behind into the striker to run on to. Once the ball has gone
wide, we are then looking for the left sided striker to run in behind and look
to nish from a cross or cutback.
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Here we are looking to create a slightly different rotation. The rst pass is a
vertical pass, something that we know is important within the Bielsa
philosophy. The ball is then bounced wider into the inside channel, the pass
is then played in behind into the striker to run on to. Once the ball has gone
wide, we are then looking for the left sided striker to run in behind and look
to nish from a cross or cutback.
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The ball starts with the striker who plays into the wide player who then sets
the ball back into the inside mid eld player. That player then slides the ball
over the mannequins for the attack to run on to and score. This is realistic
nishing practice for a side who use all ve lanes. The attacker must then
look to nish quickly under pressure with one or two touches limited.
An easy progression for this practice, is for the wide player to apply
pressure to the striker and make the practice slightly more realistic and
challenging for the attacking player.
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This practice is not about upgrading the shooting opportunity but about
being more effective at nishing from these wide areas. The practice
involves three attacking players and they follow a simple passenger routine
to score. The ball starts with the deepest player, who bounces the ball off
the player on the mannequin and then the ball is threaded between the
inside channel. The winger then makes a run off the outside mannequin
who then runs into the box and nishes from a tighter angle. The angle is
intentionally quite tight and this is to train the wide nishing moments.
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Here the practice is quite simple, we have six players in a 3x2 grid. The
players then pass the ball amongst themselves with no pressure. The
practice at this point will seem quite aimless and slow. The coach then
blows a whistle and the players around the player in possession, make
movements to apply pressure.
For example, in the image here the central players is on the left side
of the grid and is not marked. So the nearest wide player comes to apply
pressure and the opposite wide player also closes. But the defensive line do
not step out, they allow it to become a 1v1 and a +1 behind. This is a slow
and easily coached moment.
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This is a slightly different tactical moment to coach. Here the central player
has possession on the coaches whistle, and this time they are ahead of the
two wide players and more central. This means that the recovering wide
players would have little to no opportunity to recover and apply pressure.
This would be the situation where a deeper player applies pressure.
In this moment, the outside centre back has applied pressure to go
1v1, not leaving any central space free. Whilst this occurs the mid eld
player has recovered into the space behind to cover the defensive line. This
mean the Partial Libero has been successful in covering 1v1 around the
pitch and maintaining the principle of +1 on the defensive line.
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This situation is slightly different from the rst. The opponent is now still the
central player, but we are able to instantly apply 1v1 pressure from the use
of the player in the bottom right grid. We then must make sure that the other
players do not all apply pressure and leave their marker and cause more
chaos.
The player in the bottom left grid must come across and protect the
central space. But the other players must just make small adjustments and
become slightly more narrow to prevent the opponent playing in the space.
For example, the left sided centre-back has just moved into a slightly more
narrow position to protect the +1 defensive principle.
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Here we see a similar, but tactically different situation than earlier. When the
whistle has stopped the player in the central bottom grid is ahead of any
recovering defender, and has a 1v1 opportunity with our +1 player on the
defensive line. In this situation, we must allow this, and expect that our
central player applies passive pressure and looks to defend 1v1.
Though as this happens, we should see both outside centre backs
cover the space beside the defender to ensure that the shape is compact
and narrow. This does not remove our two higher players from the practice,
they are still expected to recover and apply pressure. This is because the
defensive principle of delaying the opponent, could bring them into the
game.
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This is a classic Bielsa practice, used to train a very unique and speci c
moment of the game. It is the rst in the phase of defending, and has a
slightly more complex beginning.
The red in possession plays a
bounce pass with the opposition
player, (blue) before the red then
plays a pass into the space behind
for his or her team mate in red to
run on to.
Once this pass is played, the
blue then needs to recover and
apply pressure to the on running
red as they attack goal. In this
practice it is a goal to nish the
practice, but depending on the
physical returns, a coach might
switch the goal for an end zone to
encourage more 1v1 defending and
more opportunity for the defender
to recovery and in uence the
practice and game.
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Here we can see the coach or player passes the ball into the red in a small
wide area, where the red and the blue look to go 1v1. The red has two
objectives to either cross the ball, or beat the blue 1v1 and enter the box.
The blue must look to keep play inside the yellow box and prevent the
opponent crossing.
- Ensure that defender looks to engage the opponent 1v1 and keep them
out of the box.
- Get a side on body to ensure the defender can go back and forward or left
or right depending on the movement of the attacker.
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Here is a simple practice where the attacker works down the line of the box
and the defender works 1 yard inside that. Importantly, the defender can not
tackle, they are only able to block the cross and prevent the opponent
crossing the ball. It is important that the defender takes up an athletic side
on position and keeps their head up to take visual queues from the ball,
knee and shoulder off the attacker.
- The defender must not over commit and throw their body at the ball
- If the attacker has a weaker foot the defender might show them on to that
foot.
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Here we have a simple practice used to develop defensive players who are
comfortable defending the edge of the box. Like the practice before, the
attacker and defender play on a line just 1 yard apart and the defender
cannot tackle. The attacker must move up and down the line looking to
create enough space to have a shot on goal. The job of the defender is very
simple, move effectively up and down the line, and prevent the opponent
creating the extra yard of space they need to take a shot on goal. It is
important to keep the attackers head down, and prevent them having
enough time to take their leg back and nish.
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This practice is a
progression from
the previous
session. The rst
red throws the ball
in the air over a
mannequin. The red
then attacks the ball
and heads it away.
Then the player in
possession looks to
re the ball into one
of the two goals.
The practice has
two phases of
defending, the rst is the header and then is the emergency defending
situation in the second phase. The second phase involves blocking the ball
from entering the mini-goal with any means. Of course where possible, the
player should look to block the goal and maintain possession. But this is a
best case scenario, it might be that the red just blocks the shot and cannot
do more than this.
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BUILD-UP PLAY
BUILD-UP PLAY
BUILD-UP PLAY
This is a simple rondo practice, taking place in a much larger area than a
usual rondo. This will challenge the players physically and tactically. It is
essentially a 5v5+2, where each of the inside players are able to play freely
within a 3v3 in the centre, whilst the outside players play on diagonal lines
to each other. This will create the feeling of an unbalanced shape, and force
our players to create passing options on different vertical and horizontal
lines.
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BUILD-UP PLAY
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BUILD-UP PLAY
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BUILD-UP PLAY
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BUILD-UP PLAY
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BUILD-UP PLAY
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POSSESSION
PRACTICES
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This 7v4 Rondo focuses on using positional play to move the ball and nd
the spare player to progress the ball forwards. The reds need to make three
passes in the rst half, before playing into the central player who can switch
the ball out to the opposite side. Once the ball has progressed two more
players transfer to the opposite side of the practice where the same 4v3
occurs within the opposite side of the practice.
The only difference on this side is the two wide players are within the
practice not on the outside. This means there is more exibility in their
movement but also more opportunity for them to make positive and
negative decisions.
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POSSESSION PRACTICES
This 5v5+2 practice provides an opportunity for players to play through the
vertical lines of the opponent with the ball, whilst trying to control as much
space as possible. The players are able to move freely within the practice in
a 3v3 whilst, to begin with, four players are locked to the outside of the
shape (+ the two end players). The players then look to use the outside
players who are on different vertical lines, to create combinations and play
from green to green. If there is a transition within the practice, the play
simply moves from team to team, with the addition of the outside players for
overloads. It is important that players recognise where and when to play
rst time to increase the ball speed and purpose of the possession.
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POSSESSION PRACTICES
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POSSESSION PRACTICES
POSSESSION PRACTICES
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MURDER
BALL
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MURDER BALL
The Famous Large Sided Game Used by Marcelo Bielsa
Over the last decade Marcelo Bielsa has been famous for one practice
more than any other, a form of 11v11 that players have disribed as the most
intense training session they have ever participated in at any club or with
any coach.
Players have spoke about how the practice is more intense, and
more competitve than any moment during the week. This means that when
the players are challenging physically on the weekend they have already
become used to competing at higher intensities than the game asks of
them.
Local news outlets around Leeds have said that ‘Murderball’ has
become the hallmark of his legacy in Yorkshire, and that the players enjoy
this moment more than any in their training week. Even with his intense
double training session demands, it is Murderball that is set apart.
Session Design
The practice is essentially an 11v11 on a full size pitch. The players nd
coaches with balls on the outside of the pitch ready to throw the ball back in as
soon as it leaves. The coaches are screaming and demanding the players work
harder and harder.
At times there are cones on the pitch, and the players must sprint back
to their cone as soon as the ball goes out of play. However, there will be no
recovery time as the ball will often start from the goalkeeper, who has 2
seconds to play before the players are expected to sprint again pressing the
side in possession.
It is our understanding that the practice holds little rules and no stop-start
coaching. The players must work as hard as physically possible for the time
period. Although the timings change, players have spoken at working in ve
minute blocks for 20-25 minutes.
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MURDER BALL
MURDER BALL
The Famous Large Sided Game Used by Marcelo Bielsa
“It’s basically playing 11 v 11 “At the end, the game is so open, it’s just
with no stops,”
like basketball"
Mateusz Klich. Ben White.
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Thank You For Reading!
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