TT10 App.

I 1

APPENDIX I Tactical Styles
This section outlines different tactical styles as submitted by contributors to this years
guide. There can be, of course, no exhaustive list of tactics. There are thousands of
professional clubs around the world, each of whom have had many coaches with many
different ideas in many different times. To cover them all would be impossible. However,
we encourage anyone who has read and enjoyed the guide to contribute their own ideas
and their own favourite tactical styles to us. We also welcome debate on the way we
have set out these tactics here. You can discuss, debate and contribute ideas at the
forums at SI Games and FM-Britain.co.uk or e-mail us at [email protected].

This section is split into three sections. Styles, covering modern formations and tactical
theories. Contemporary tactics, covering specific formations used by real world clubs
and managers over the past decade. And Historic covering classic tactics from the last
century and beyond.

All the tactics contained here have their very own thread at the FM-Britain forums.
Follow the links to see what other managers have to say about these tactics, and help us
develop the most in-depth and accurate folio of football styles on the web!

Modern Styles................................................................................................................. 2
3-5-2 ................................................................................................................................................................... 3
4-4-2 Box .......................................................................................................................................................... 4
4-4-2 Diamond ............................................................................................................................................... 5
Disruptive 4-5-1 ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Contemporary Managers ........................................................................................... 7
Arsenal 2009-2010 ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Barcelona 2008-2010 ................................................................................................................................. 9
CSKA Sofia 2004-2005 ............................................................................................................................ 10
Juventus 2008-2009................................................................................................................................. 11
Levski Sofia 2004-2006 .......................................................................................................................... 12
Liverpool 2008-2010 ............................................................................................................................... 13
Manchester United 2007-2009 ........................................................................................................... 14
Sunderland 2009-2010 .......................................................................................................................... 15
Historical Tactics ....................................................................................................... 16
Brazil 1970 ................................................................................................................................................... 17
Catenaccio ..................................................................................................................................................... 18
England 1966 .............................................................................................................................................. 19
Totaalvoetball ............................................................................................................................................. 20
W-M .............................................................................................................................................................. 21



2 TT10 App I

Modern Styles
Some tactical styles go beyond the manager and become part of the football cultural
framework. The 3-5-2, for example, became the mainstay of international football in the
late 80s and early 90s, and still enjoys a swansong in its spiritual home, the Balkans. The
4-4-2 Box is quintessentially Brazilian, while the 4-4-2 is that mainstay of Britain and
Scandinavia. Others are a little more specialised than this, but are certainly used by
more than just one particular team in one particular epoch.

This section is for these formations. Those systems which are reasonably common in
modern football since the start of the 21
st
century. If you would like to comment on any
of these formations or suggest your own for future editions of the appendix, visit the
forum links in the relevant chapters.
TT10 App. I 3

3-5-2
Manager: Franz Beckenbauer
Country: West Germany
Modern Notation: 3-5-2
Era: Modern, Contemporary
Honours: World Cup 1990
Forum Discussion: http://forums.fm-
britain.co.uk/index.php?topic=10197.0
Contributor: Millie; The next Diaby

The exemplar weve chosen for the 3-5-2 is the
classic West German formation which won the
1990 World Cup. The united Germany played it
six years later in winning Euro 96. A German
side played 3-5-2/5-3-2 in six out of eleven
possible finals from 1986. Of course, they lost four of them, but we wouldnt want to rub
it in.

The 3-5-2 is incredibly versatile. The wingbacks can be attacking, or they can drop back
as fullbacks to create a 5-3-2. The midfield three can accommodate defensive, game-
killing players, creative attacking types, or mixtures of the two. Coupled with a two-man
strike force, it can bang in the goals too.

The 3-5-2 has declined in popularity in nearly all countries but Brazil. The reason for
this is the rise of the 4-5-1. In standard mode, the wing backs have to mark the
opposition wide attacking midfielders, leaving them unable to push forward constantly.
The three central midfielders mark their counterparts. This leaves three central
defenders to make one striker. The opposition full backs are therefore free to bomb
forward unopposed and leave the 3-5-2s midfield overrun. Still, against a 4-4-2 it can be
remarkably effective.

Position Player (1990/1996) Role Duty
GK Bodo Illgner/Andreas Kpke Goalkeeper Defend
SW Klaus Augenthaler/Matthias Sammer Libero Support
DCl Jrgen Kohler/Thomas Helmer Centre Back Defend
DCr Guido Buchwald/Dieter Eilts Centre Back Defend
WBL Andreas Brehme/Christian Ziege Wing Back Auto
WBR Thomas Berthold/Markus Babbel Wing Back Auto
MCl Lothar Matthus/Thomas Strunz Central Midfielder Support
MCr Thomas Hler Central Midfielder Defend
AMC Pierre Littbarski/Mehmet Scholl Advanced Playmaker Attack
FCl Rudi Vller/Stefan Kuntz Deep-lying forward Support
FCr Jrgen Klinsmann Poacher Attack

Instructions
Philosophy Rigid
Passing Automatic
Creative Freedom More Disciplined
Closing Down Automatic
Tackling More Aggressive
Marking Zonal Marking
Crossing Automatic
Roaming Stick to Position

4 TT10 App I

4-4-2 Box
Manager:
Country: Brazil
Modern Notation: 4-2-2-2, 4-4-2
Era: Modern, Contemporary
Honours: -
Forum Discussion: http://forums.fm-
britain.co.uk/index.php?topic=10296.0
Contributor: Millie

The 4-4-2 Box has become more defensive in
recent years. Even Brazil, where the magic box
finds its spiritual home, pulled the MCs back to
DMC for their World Cup win in 1994. But, in one
form or another, the box midfield survives and is, arguably, the formation of choice for
the current Real Madrid side.

The system relies on the surging runs of the wing backs to provide width. These guys
support a creative box up front, consisting of two trequartistas roaming behind two
centre forwards. For this reason, the system is incredibly attacking and creates superb
movement in the final third, but can come unstuck due to its lack of width and lack of
defensive cover. There is, for all that, an amazing amount of creativity in the side, with
great movement supported by great balls from the deeper central playmakers.

In many ways, this can be seen as an evolution of the 4-2-4 which won Brazil the 1970
World Cup. The two creative forwards (Pel and Tosto) dropped deeper, while the
wing forwards became more central to fill the gap they had left. Kak and Cristiano
Ronaldo can, therefore, drop deep from Ral and Benzema to create a new magic box for
the 21
st
Century, ably supplied by Alonso and Diarra.

Position Player (Brazil, 1982 WC) Role Duty
GK Waldir Goalkeeper Defend
DL Jnior Wing Back Auto
DCl Luizinho Centre Back Defend
DCr Oscar Centre Back Defend
DR Leandro Wing Back Auto
MCl Falco Deep-lying Playmaker Support
MCr Cerezo Deep-lying Playmaker Support
AMCl Zico Trequartista Attack
AMCr Socrates Trequartista Attack
FCl Eder Advanced Forward Attack
FCr Serginho Deep-lying Forward Support

Instructions
Philosophy Very Fluid
Passing Shorter
Creative Freedom More Expressive
Closing Down Stand-off More
Tackling Default
Marking Default
Crossing Default
Roaming More Roaming

TT10 App. I 5

4-4-2 Diamond
Manager: Carlo Ancelotti
Club: AC Milan/Chelsea
Country: Italy/England
Modern Notation: 4-1-2-1-2, 4-4-2
Era: Modern, Contemporary
Honours: Champions League
Forum Discussion: http://forums.fm-
britain.co.uk/index.php?topic=10297.0
Contributor: Millie

The 4-4-2 diamond has been around for many,
many years, but it has recently gained more
attention in the higher echelons of the game via
Carlo Ancelottis Milan and Chelsea sides. It was briefly used by Sven Gran Erikson with
England and was, arguably, the formation of the 1966 World Cup winners.

The formation splits its central midfield distinctively between the defensive player and
the attacking player. Usually, this will mean the DMC acts as an anchor man while the
AMC is freed to express himself as a playmaker or an incisive forward attacking from
deep. Curiously, Ancelotti has broken this mould in recent times by allowing his DMC to
act as a deep-lying playmaker when the side needs more passing options from deep.

The 4-4-2 diamond is usually narrow, and therefore open to exploitation down the
flanks. However, it is incredibly good at bossing the centre of the park, and as such can
be a very effective, and, at times, aesthetic formation.

Position Player (AC Milan, 2005 CL Final) Role Duty
GK Dida Goalkeeper Defend
DL Paulo Maldini Full Back Auto
DCl Alessandro Nesta Centre Back Defend
DCr Jaap Stam Centre Back Defend
DR Caf Wing Back Auto
DMC Andrea Pirlo Deep-lying playmaker Support
MCl Clarence Seedorf Central Midfielder Attack
MCr Genaro Gattusso Ball-winning Midfielder Defend
AMC Kak Advanced Playmaker Attack
FCl Hernan Crespo Deep-lying forward Support
FCr Andriy Schevchenko Advanced forward Attack

Instructions
Philosophy Rigid
Passing Default
Creative Freedom More Expressive
Closing Down Default
Tackling More Aggressive
Marking Default
Crossing Default
Roaming Default

6 TT10 App I

Disruptive 4-5-1
Manager: Sam Allardyce
Club: Bolton Wanderers
Country: England
Modern Notation: 4-5-1
Era: Contemporary
Honours: League Cup Runners Up
Forum Discussion: http://forums.fm-
britain.co.uk/index.php?topic=10298.0
Contributor: Millie

Allardyces Bolton became synonymous with the
grinding 4-5-1, designed solely to negate the
opposition and gain points through physicality
and hard work. When looking to attack, Allardyces shape resembled that of Mourinhos
4-5-1-cum-4-3-3 formation, but in defence it behaved much more like the flat 4-5-1. It is
this more cynical disruptive style that we outline here

By flooding the midfield with bodies, this 4-5-1 disrupts any team looking to pass the
ball in the centre of the pitch. The use of a big target man up front gives the team the
outlet they needed for quick, physical counter attacks.

Allardyces tactics are all about denying space, so they press and tackle hard. It requires
a very physical team with good discipline to be able to pay off, but it can propel a team
with limited technical ability above the sum of their parts. The fact that Boltons players
did have some technique meant that the team were able to qualify for European
competition.

It is often a harsh simplification to call Allardyces tactics primitive or anti-football
however, this disruptive version of his 4-5-1 is certainly not going to win any prizes for
beautiful flowing moves and goals galore.

Position Player (2004 LC Final) Role Duty
GK Jussi Jskelinen Goalkeeper Defend
DL Simon Charlton Full Back Auto
DCl Emerson Thome Centre Back Cover
DCr Bruno NGotty Centre Back Stopper
DR Nicky Hunt Full Back Auto
DMC Ivan Campo Anchor Man Defend
MCl Jay-Jay Okocha Attacking Playmaker Attack
MCr Kevin Nolan Central Midfielder Support
AML Youri Djorkaeff Defensive Winger Attack
AMR Per Frandsen Defensive Winger Attack
FC Kevin Davies Target Man Support

Instructions
Philosophy Very Rigid
Passing More Direct
Creative Freedom More Disciplined
Closing Down Press More
Tackling More Aggressive
Marking Man Marking
Crossing Float Crosses
Roaming Stick to Position
TT10 App. I 7

Contemporary Managers
There are many managers and clubs that seem to have that unique style. While they may
be a variation on what has preceded them, the specific players that they had at specific
times changed the way their tactics were constructed. In doing so, they have achieved a
certain legendary status in world football.

Here are the styles from the past three or four years which have become synonymous
with their managers or their clubs. From league titles to world cups, this is where you
can try and recreate the real-world styles of your favourite teams in Football Manager
10. If you would like to comment on any of these formations or suggest your own for
future editions of the appendix, visit the forum links in the relevant chapters.

8 TT10 App I

Arsenal 2009-2010
Manager: Arsne Wenger
Club: Arsenal
Country: England
Modern Notation: 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1
Era: Contemporary
Honours: None
Forum Discussion: http://forums.fm-
britain.co.uk/index.php?topic=10299.0
Contributor: Millie

At the beginning of the 2009/10 season, Wenger
declared that he would continue to use his new
4-3-3 formation throughout the season. 4-3-3 is
an apt name, but it could also be noted as a 4-2-3-1, with the wide forwards dropping a
little deeper from the central striker.

The system utilises two more-defensive midfielders, either in the DMC or MC positions.
These can then cover the gaps left by one of the wing backs surging forward, or join the
attacks themselves by ploughing on from midfield. Song and Denilson performed these
roles well in the early season. Playing against a 4-5-1, Vermaelen is also encouraged to
come forward from the defence, as are the wing backs. The AMC acts as the central
playmaker, feeding in the three forwards, each of whom can swap positions with the
others to create problems in the oppositions defence.

The formation is prone to leaking goals, but then Arsenals squad lacks a true anchor
man in the traditional sense. This, combined with a highly creative AMC and skilful
forwards, can make this formation score for fun.

Position Player Role Duty
GK Manuel Almunia Sweeper Keeper Defend
DL Gal Clichy Wing Back Automatic
DCl William Gallas Centre Back Defend
DCr Thomas Vermaelen Ball-Playing Defender Defend
DR Bacary Sagna Wing Back Automatic
MCl Denilson/Abou Diaby Box-to-Box Midfielder Support
MCr Alexandre Song-Bilong Ball-winning Midfielder Defend
AMC Cesc Fabregas Advanced Playmaker Support
AML Andrei Arshavin Inside Forward Attack
AMR Emmanuel Ebou Winger Attack
FC Robin van Persie Advanced Forward Attack

Instructions
Philosophy Balanced
Passing Shorter
Creative Freedom More Expressive
Closing Down Press More
Tackling Default
Marking Default
Crossing Default
Roaming More Roaming

TT10 App. I 9

Barcelona 2008-2010
Manager: Josep Guardiola
Club: FC Barcelona
Country: Spain
Modern Notation: 4-3-3
Era: Contemporary
Honours: La Liga, Champions League
Forum Discussion: http://forums.fm-
britain.co.uk/index.php?topic=10300.0
Contributor: Millie

Continuing on from Rijkaards 4-3-3, Josep
Guardiola won the Champions League in his first
season as coach of Barcelona with a very
attacking tactic based around the skills of some of the most exciting and technically
gifted players on the planet.

The 4-3-3 utilises Henry and Messi as wide forwards who then come inside to cause
problems for the defence. Xavi and Iniesta use their supreme passing abilities to fashion
chances for the forwards, while the goal scoring skills of Etoo and lately Ibrahimovic
mean that the team can score almost at will. Support is also given by the attacking wing
backs, while the defensive midfielder and centre backs hold the fort should any counter-
attacks come their way.

Defensively, the formation can be found wanting, especially with squads who do not
possess excellent defenders or technically gifted players with vision in the centre of the
midfield to really make it work. But it gives so much creative licence to the front three
that the goals conceded can be more than made up by the amount of goals scored.

Position Player Role Duty
GK Victor Valdes Sweeper Keeper Defend
DL ric Abidal Wing Back Automatic
DCl Carles Puyol Centre Back Defend
DCr Gerard Piqu Centre Back Defend
DR Daniel Alves Wing Back Automatic
DMC Yaya Tour Defensive Midfielder Defend
MCl Xavi Advanced Playmaker Support
MCr Andrs Iniesta Advanced Playmaker Support
FL Thierry Henry Inside Forward Attack
FC Samuel Etoo/Zlatan Ibrahimovi Complete Forward Attack
FR Lionel Messi Inside Forward Attack

Instructions
Philosophy Fluid
Passing Shorter
Creative Freedom More Expressive
Closing Down Press More
Tackling Default
Marking Default
Crossing Default
Roaming More Roaming

10 TT10 App I

CSKA Sofia 2004-2005
Manager: Miodrag Jesic
Club: CSKA Sofia
Country: Bulgaria
Modern Notation: 4-2-3-1
Era: Contemporary
Honours: Domestic league title
Forum Discussion: http://forums.fm-
britain.co.uk/index.php?topic=10301.0
Contributor: cagiva

The Serbian coach Jesic has achieved one of the
major successes in CSKA's modern history.
During his two year spell the team played very
stable football, with good defensive records and attacking flair. His tactical approach
was built on quick counter-attacking movements, made by short, fast and focussed
passing, to stretch the opposition.

At the time CSKA had very good players which were defensive literate and with
attacking flair. The fullbacks had a supporting role, with the aim to provide the attacking
player with through balls down the wing or via deep crossing. In the centre of the park
Jakirovic was a pure destroyer, but with very good attacking anticipation and a fearsome
long shot. His partner, Hdiouad, was a classic regista and architect of the team's attacks.
On the wings the team deploy combination of pure right winger (Todorov) and a left
inside forward (Yanev). The asymmetric wingers provided variation in the teams
attacks. Upfront Jesic possessed a pure advanced playmaker in Gargorov, playing both as
a playmaker and a finishing threat from deep. The lone striker (Dimitrov), was a deep-
lying forward with the freedom of movement to express himself either latching onto
through balls or feeding in others himself for the team to score goals.

Position Player Role Duty
GK Dejan Maksic Goalkeeper Defend
DL Tiago Silva Full Back Attack
DCl Ibrahima Gueye Limited Defender Stopper
DCr Valentin Iliev Limited Defender Cover
DR Radoslab Zabavnik Full Back Attack
DMCl Sergei Jakirovic Defensive Midfielder Support
DMCr Mourad Hdiouad Deep-Lying Playmaker Support
MR Yordan Todorov Wide Midfielder Attack
AML Hristo Ianev Inside Forward Attack
AMC Emil Gargorov Advanced Playmaker Attack
FC Velizar Dimitrov Deep-Lying Forward Support

Instructions
Philosophy Fluid
Passing Shorter
Creative Freedom More Disciplined
Closing Down Default
Tackling Default
Marking Default
Crossing Drill Crosses
Roaming Default

TT10 App. I 11

Juventus 2008-2009
Manager: Claudio Ranieri
Club: Juventus
Country: Italy
Modern Notation: 4-4-2,4-2-2-2
Era: Contemporary
Honours: Title Challenge
Forum Discussion: http://forums.fm-
britain.co.uk/index.php?topic=10302.0
Contributor: cagiva

Last year Ranieri was heavily criticised for
defensive approach and lack of beautiful play.
However, in terms of football style and tactical
approach Juventus played very succesful and methodical style, with tight and solid
defence and midfield.

The Ranieri's priority was to keep tight at the middle of the park. To do that he applied
two defensive midfielders, two asymmetrical wingers (Camoranesi whose main aim
was to act as a link from midfield to attack), and Nedved (a pure winger used to create
havoc by attacking the opposition full back and centring the ball). The full backs
(Molinaro; Grygera) support the flanks with their runs from deep and crossing, with the
aim to give additional width to the team's attacks. Up front Del Piero played the
complete forward role, adding a different dimension to the team's attacks and build-up
play. His partner, Amauri was charged more with simply putting the ball in the onion
bag.

Even if the style could be described often as anti-football by its critics, it was the first
team post calciopoli to challenge for the Scuddetto.

Position Player Role Duty
GK Gianluigi Buffon Goalkeeper Defend
DL Cristian Molinaro Wing Back Automatic
DCl Giorgio Chiellini Central Defender Defend
DCr Olof Mellberg Limited Defender Defend
DR Zdenek Grygera Wing Back Automatic
DMCl Tiago Defensive Midfielder Support
DMCr Mohamed Sissoko Defensive Midfielder Defend
MR Mauro Camoranesi Winger Support
AML Pavel Nedved Winger Attack
FCl Alessandro Del Piero Complete Forward Attack
FCr Amauri Poacher Attack

Instructions
Philosophy Very Rigid
Passing Default
Creative Freedom More Disciplined
Closing Down Press More
Tackling More Aggressive
Marking Man Marking
Crossing Default
Roaming Stick to Position
12 TT10 App I

Levski Sofia 2004-2006
Manager: Stanimir Stoilov
Club: Levski Sofia
Country: Bulgaria
Modern notation: 4-2-3-1
Era: Contemporary
Honours: Bulgarian League x2; UEFA Cup QF
Forum discussion: http://forums.fm-
britain.co.uk/index.php?topic=10303.0
Contributor: cagiva

Stoilov's philosophy was based on possession
football and a beautiful passing system. In this
"golden" period of Levski's history this tactical approach was heralded as "the right
football" aesthetic style mixed with material success.

In this formation the fullbacks were more supportive than attacking, preferring to avoid
being caught on the break rather than launching their own attacks. The two defensive
midfielders were both intelligent, utilising Borimorov as more of a playmaker and
Richard as a pure destroyer. Levski ,were famous for the attacking flair and good
movement off the ball,made by the attacking quad. Yovov and Telkyiski were not classic
wingers - they were more inside forwards with the freedom to move into the channels
and create chances for themselves and others. The success was largely built on the AMC
Cedric Bardon, who played more as a trequartista than a midfielder. Able to roam
anywhere, he had the freedom to do whatever he wanted - and that was the great
benefit for the team as whole.

Up front, Bardon was paired with Domovckiisky (a complete forward, despite his age).
He not only fashioned chances for himself, but also dropped deeper and wider to create
spaces and chances for the running of Yovov and Telkyiski.

Position Player Role Duty
GK Georgi Petkov Goalkeeper Defend
DL Lucio Wagner Wing Back Support
DCl Igor Tomasi Central Defender Stopper
DCr Elin Topuzakov Central Defender Cover
DR Stanislav Angelov Wing Back Support
DMCl Daniel Borimorov Defensive Midfielder Support
DMCr Richard Defensive Midfielder Defend
AML Hristo Yovov Inside Forward Attack
AMC Cedric Bardon Trequartista Attack
AMR Dimitar Telkyiski Inside Forward Attack
FC Valeri Domovchiisky Complete Forward Support

Instructions
Philosophy Balanced
Passing Shorter
Creative Freedom Default
Closing Down Press More
Tackling Default
Marking Default
Crossing Drill Crosses
Roaming Default
TT10 App. I 13

Liverpool 2008-2010
Manager: Rafael Benitez
Club: Liverpool
Country: England
Modern Notation: 4-2-3-1
Era: Contemporary
Honours: None
Forum Discussion: http://forums.fm-
britain.co.uk/index.php?topic=10304.0
Contributor: cagiva

This formation and style within it is ostensibly a
4-2-3-1 formation but with an asymmetrical use
of players roles. Benitez heavily relies on the
Gerrard-Torres partnership, supported by a deep-lying playmaker with great vision and
passing ability (formerly Alonso). The two flanks are asymmetrical - the left deploys
Fabio Aurelio as full back and Riera as wing forward, with both contributing with
crosses as much as possible. The right exploits the work ethic of Kuyt (both in attack and
defence), utilising Arbeloa (and later Johnson) as an overlapping wing back to offer
some attacking width on this wing.

The midfield is patrolled by the defensive midfielder (Mascherano), who covers the
forward runs made by the two full backs. The DMC playmaker is therefore freed up to
make raking passes to the forwards, with Gerrard used as an AMC, roaming around
looking for space. Torres, the complete forward is given the freedom to roam as he sees
fit and link up with Gerrard behind him.

Liverpool have often been accused of lacking width in the Premier League, and this is in
part due to neither winger being encouraged to attack the corner flag. Even the full
backs are encouraged to tuck inside when surging forward, though all the wide players
are willing to put in penetrating crosses from deep.

Position Player Role Duty
GK Jos Manuel Reina Sweeper Keeper Defend
DL Fabio Aurelio Full Back Automatic
DCl Daniel Agger Centre Back Stopper
DCr Jamie Carragher Centre Back Cover
DR Alvaro Arbeloa/Glen Johnson Wing Back Automatic
DMCl Xabi Alonso Deep-lying Playmaker Support
DMCr Javier Mascherano Defensive Midfielder Defend
AML Albert Riera Inside Forward Attack
AMC Steven Gerrard Attacking Midfielder Attack
AMR Dirk Kuyt Inside Forward Attack
FC Fernando Torres Complete Forward Support

Instructions
Philosophy Fluid
Passing Shorter
Creative Freedom Default
Closing Down Default
Tackling Default
Marking Default
Crossing Drill Crosses
Roaming Default
14 TT10 App I

Manchester United 2007-2009
Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson
Club: Manchester United
Country: England
Modern Notation: 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 4-6-0
Era: Contemporary
Honours: Champions League, Premier League,
World Club Championship
Forum Discussion: http://forums.fm-
britain.co.uk/index.php?topic=10200.0
Contributor: Millie

Fergusons tactics which won him his second
European Cup were a variation on 4-3-3, 4-5-1,
4-4-2 and 4-6-0. It is uncomfortable to categorise it in the traditional notation.
Asymmetric, it attempted to exploit the skills of the supremely talented Cristiano
Ronaldo. The diagram provided shows roughly the team that lined up for the 2008
Champions League final, although the starting XI actually played Ronaldo on the left at
AML with Hargreaves on the right at MR and Carrick at DMC essentially a mirror of this
diagram.

This was not the only formation favoured by Ferguson, but it is probably the one which
exploited the talents of the front three of Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez the best. The
swap position instruction could be used across all three positions, with both Rooney
and Ronaldo able to play AML, AMR and FC in the system. Similarly, it took note of
Giggss fading pace, and allowed Evra, the wing back, the opportunity to overlap and
help the attack. Hargreaves or Carrick would play as a deeper lying midfield player and
patrol the centre of the field, using their supreme passing skills to feed the attack.

Position Player Role Duty
GK Edwin van der Sar Goalkeeper Defend
DL Patrice Evra Wing Back Auto
DCl Nemanja Vidi Centre Back Defend
DCr Rio Ferdinand Centre Back Defend
DR Wes Brown Full Back Auto
DMC Owen Hargreaves/Michael Carrick Deep-lying Playmaker Defend
MCr Paul Scholes/Darren Fletcher Central Midfielder Support
ML Ryan Giggs/Park Ji-Sung Side Midfielder Attack
AMCl Carlos Tvez/Wayne Rooney Trequartista Attack
AMR Cristiano Ronaldo Inside Forward Attack
FC Wayne Rooney/Carlos Tvez Deep-lying forward Support

Instructions
Philosophy Rigid
Passing Default
Creative Freedom More Expressive
Closing Down Default
Tackling Default
Marking Man Marking
Crossing Drill Crosses
Roaming More Roaming

TT10 App. I 15

Sunderland 2009-2010
Manager: Steve Bruce
Club: Sunderland
Country: England
Modern Notation: 4-4-2
Era: Contemporary
Honours: None
Forum Discussion: http://forums.fm-
britain.co.uk/index.php?topic=10305.0
Contributor: Millie

A rather traditional 4-4-2, the Sunderland
tactics under Bruce are notable for their
efficiency and their pedigree as the typically
English style of play. The system is all about partnerships the partnership of the
centre backs; the full backs and wingers; the strikers; and the central midfielders.

Lee Cattermole and Lorik Cana act as the rocks in the centre of the midfield, which frees
the rest of the team to get forward. In games against stronger opponents, one or both
can drop to the DMC positions; against weaker opponents, a more skilful and attack-
minded midfielder can play alongside a holding player.

When necessary, the whole team can track back and cause issues for the opposition. The
big man-quick man combination up front is also very difficult to defend against,
despite being one of the oldest tricks in the book. The season is still young but already
the team have got points from Manchester United and Liverpool.

Position Player Role Duty
GK Craig Gordon Keeper Defend
DL George McCartney Full Back Automatic
DCl Michael Turner Centre Back Cover
DCr Anton Ferdinand Limited Defender Stopper
DR Phil Bardsley Full Back Automatic
ML Andy Reid Winger Attack
MCl Lee Cattermole Ball-Winning Midfielder Defend
MCr Lorik Cana Box-to-Box Midfielder Support
MR Steed Malbranque Winger Attack
FCl Kenwyne Jones Target Man Support
FCr Darren Bent Poacher Attack

Instructions
Philosophy Very Rigid
Passing More Direct
Creative Freedom Default
Closing Down Press More
Tackling More Aggressive
Marking Default
Crossing Default
Roaming Default

16 TT10 App I

Historical Tactics
Some players of Football Manager like to look a little further back than the past nine
years. What about the 1970s? Or the 1960s? Or even the 1920s? What were those
amazing tactical innovations which stunned the world when they were invented, and
could they be recreated now? Systems such as Total Football, the Wingless Wonders, W-
M, Catenaccio alongside classic teams such as the 1970 Brazil side, or the Mighty
Magyars become the stuff of legend.

Weve begun to compile some of these immortal tactical styles in this final section of the
appendix. Our work will never be done because there are simply so many different clubs
and managers that are interesting enough to want to recreate. If you want to see
whether Brazils magical side could be reborn, or if you simply want to see just how
defensively unsound the W-M would be in the modern Premier League, then this section
is for you. If you would like to comment on any of these formations or suggest your own
for future editions of the appendix, visit the forum links in the relevant chapters.

TT10 App. I 17

Brazil 1970
Manager: Mauro Zagallo
Country: Brazil
Modern Notation: 4-2-4
Era: Early Modern
Honours: World Cup 1970
Forum Discussion: http://forums.fm-
britain.co.uk/index.php?topic=10306.
Contributor: Millie

The 1970 World Cup had arguably the greatest
England side of all time, one of the greatest West
German sides of all time and, of course, the
greatest side of all time. Brazil played an almost
nave brand of incredibly attacking and attractive football which marked the last hurrah
of the early-modern era and the beginning of the new. Oh, yeah and it scored that goal.

The side had a very simple philosophy you score two, well score five. The creative
talents of the forward players were supplemented by attacking intelligence from all over
the pitch. Carlos Alberto went on to become the template for attacking full backs; Pel
the greatest forward of all time. The team attacked from all areas of the pitch, and was
so good at holding on to the ball that the defensive frailties in the side were rarely
exposed. Here we have expressed the formation as 4-2-4, but you could also call it a 4-2-
3-1, with Tosto as the lone striker and Rivellino, Pel, and Jairzinho as attackers just
behind him.

To say there were no tactics in the 1970 side is a gross exaggeration. But there is
certainly a fluency here which excelled because the players were, by in large, just told to
do what they did best. It is difficult to see this philosophy working in the modern era,
but that hasnt stopped people trying.

Position Player (1970 World Cup Final) Role Duty
GK Flix Goalkeeper Defend
DL Everaldo Wing Back Auto
DCl Piazza Centre Back Defend
DCr Hrcules Bito Centre Back Defend
DR Carlos Alberto Wing Back Auto
MCr Grson Deep-lying Playmaker Support
MCr Clodoaldo Ball-Winning Midfielder Defend
FL Rivellino Winger Attack
FCl Pel Trequartista Support
FCr Tosto Trequartista Attack
FR Jairzinho Inside Forward Attack

Instructions
Philosophy Very Fluid
Passing Default
Creative Freedom More Expressive
Closing Down Stand-off More
Tackling Default
Marking Default
Crossing Default
Roaming More Roaming
18 TT10 App I

Catenaccio
Manager: Helenio Herrera
Club: Internazionale
Country: Italy
Modern Notation: 4-5-1
Era: Early Modern
Honours: European Cup 1965
Forum Discussion: http://forums.fm-
britain.co.uk/index.php?topic=10307.0
Contributor: Millie

Catenaccio is infamous. Hated by some
(including Bill Shankly) for its cynical, game-
killing nature, others find it one of the most
fascinating tactical evolutions for the way it grinds out the necessary results. Often
thought of as the default setting for Italian sides, in reality true catenaccio differs from
the modern Italian 5-4-1 in that it is asymmetrical.

The left wing back is encouraged to run from deep to give width on the left when
attacking. The right winger, on the other hand, is encouraged to track back and cover the
right hand side when defending. The sweeper or libero acts as a catenaccio or bolt
deep in the centre of the field, while his two centre backs patrol the defensive line. The
midfield acts as a shield for the defence, with one of the midfielders winning the ball and
the other playing penetrating passes from deep. Finally, the left-most attacking
midfielder uses his vision to pick out passes for the two forwards; one a deeper lying
inside forward surging from midfield, and the other a lone striker.

The example used here is the team that lost the European Cup final to Celtic in 1967.
Other versions of catenaccio may vary from this model, including the Inter side which
won the European Cup in 1965. One of the MCs is often dragged back to DMC.

Position Player (vs Celtic, 1967 EC Final) Role Duty
GK Giuliano Sarti Goalkeeper Defend
SW Armando Picchi Sweeper Defend
DL Giacinto Facchetti Wing Back Automatic
DCl Aristide Guarneri Centre Back Defend
DCr Tarcisio Burgnich Centre Back Defend
MCl Giancarlo Bedin Ball-Winning Midfielder Support
MCr Mauro Bicicli Deep-lying Playmaker Support
MR Angelo Domenghini Defensive Winger Automatic
AMCl Mario Corso Advanced Playmaker Attack
AMCr Sandro Mazzola Inside Forward Attack
FC Renato Cappellini Advanced Forward Attack

Instructions
Philosophy Very Rigid
Passing Default
Creative Freedom More Disciplined
Closing Down Press More
Tackling Default
Marking Man
Crossing Default
Roaming Default
TT10 App. I 19

England 1966
Manager: Alf Ramsey
Country: England
Modern Notation: 4-3-3, 4-1-3-2
Era: Early Modern
Honours: World Cup 1966
Forum Discussion: http://forums.fm-
britain.co.uk/index.php?topic=10198.0
Contributor: Millie

The wingless wonders of 1966 brought
England their only international success. They
were a development of Ramseys 4-2-4 which
had brought him success at Ipswich Town. The
wingers were push inside and star player Bobby Charlton was asked to play deeper than
the front line and create a link between attack and the midfield. Crucially, Nobby Stiles
was pulled back and acted as the hard defensive midfielder, as willing to kick his
opponents as the ball.

The creativity of Alan Ball, as well as the defensive skills of Bobby Moore helped the side
retain its defensive shape and create space despite the lack of wide players. The other
DC, Jack Charlton, was not the most talented defender in the country, but his height and
ability to clear the ball were complementary to Moores unsurpassed ability to read a
pass and remain cool under pressure.

Some may argue for the MCs to be pushed up to AMCl/r alongside Charlton to create
more of a 4-1-3-2, which is how Stiles described the formation in his autobiography.
However, it is clear that Charlton played in a more advanced role than the two central
midfielders, though not quite as a forward in his own right.

Position Player (1966 World Cup Final) Role Duty
GK Gordon Banks Goalkeeper Defend
DL Ray Wilson Full Back Automatic
DCl Jack Charlton Centre Back Stopper
DCr Bobby Moore Centre Back Cover
DR George Cohen Full Back Automatic
DMC Nobby Stiles Ball winning midfielder Defend
MCl Alan Ball Advanced Playmaker Support
MCr Martin Peters Central Midfielder Support
AMC Bobby Charlton Trequartista Attack
FCl Roger Hunt Complete Forward Attack
FCr Geoff Hurst Poacher Attack

Instructions
Philosophy Rigid
Passing More Direct
Creative Freedom Default
Closing Down Stand-off More
Tackling More Aggressive
Marking Man Marking
Crossing Default
Roaming Default

20 TT10 App I

Totaalvoetball
Manager: Rinus Michels
Country: Netherlands
Modern Notation: 4-3-3
Era: Early Modern
Honours: European Cup x3, World Cup Final
Forum Discussion: http://forums.fm-
britain.co.uk/index.php?topic=10308.0
Contributor: Millie

Total Football is the Holy Grail for a lot of
Football Manager players. I guarantee you that
this will cause a lot of debate. So, as disclaimer, I
am not saying that this is the way to re-create
the Ajax/Netherlands style of the early 1970s. But it is one way, taken mainly from
Brilliant Orange by David Winner.

Total Football used a lot of player swapping and overlapping, especially in the columns
up and down the pitch. So, the wingers and full backs would swap, the central midfield
and the forwards, and so on. It was not a free-for-all, however, with a good structural
framework marshalled by the enigmatic captain Johan Cruijff.

The system requires very well rounded and exceptionally gifted technical players, but it
also requires stamina the Dutch system introduced modern pressing to Western
Europe, and relied on squeezing the opposition heavily when on the defence and
exploding wide and deep once the ball was regained.

For this reason, it is difficult to equate the role and duty system with Totaalvoetball.
But it is possible for all the interchanging and swapping there was a definite system in
place with the Dutch over this period. Much like the real thing, however, I doubt there is
one right answer as to how to go about it.

Position Player (Ned., 1974 World Cup Final) Role Duty
GK Jan Jongbloed Goalkeeper Defend
SW Arie Haan Libero Attack
DL Ruud Krol Wing Back Automatic
DC Wim Rijsbergen Ball-Playing Defender Stopper
DR Wim Suurbier Wing Back Automatic
MCl Willem van Hanegem Advanced Playmaker Support
MCc Johan Neeskens Box-to-Box Midfeilder Support
MCr Wim Jansen Advanced Playmaker Support
FL Rob Rensenbrink Winger Attack
FC Johan Cruijff Complete Forward Support
FR Johnny Rep Winger Attack

Instructions
Philosophy Very Fluid
Passing Shorter
Creative Freedom More Expressive
Closing Down Press More
Tackling More Aggressive
Marking Default
Crossing Default
Roaming More Roaming
TT10 App. I 21

W-M
Manager: Herbert Chapman
Club: Arsenal
Country: England
Modern Notation: 3-4-3, 3-2-2-3, 3-2-5
Era: Pre-War
Honours: Football League, FA Cup
Forum Discussion: http://forums.fm-
britain.co.uk/index.php?topic=10309.0
Contributor: Millie

In response to the new offside law in the 1920s,
Herbert Chapman dropped one of his centre
halves into the defence and the modern centre
back was born. To add more coverage in the midfield, the inside forwards were told to
drop into the hole left by the centre half. This created a W at the back and an M up front.

This formation would probably come unstuck quite quickly in modern football, but
given that many teams now only play with one forward it may give opportunities for one
of the centre backs in the 4-3-3 to push into the midfield when attacking this would
create a similar shape to this, though it is probably better to designate a centre back as a
ball playing defender to achieve this effect than permanently excluding him from the
defensive line.

Chapman was the first, and remains only one of three men to win the English title with
more than one club. The W-M formed the basis of what would become the 4-4-2 in
England, as another centre-half was sacrificed to the defence and the wingers were
pulled back from their ultra-attacking positions.
Position Player (Arsenal, 1930 FA Cup Final) Role Duty
GK Charlie Preedy Goalkeeper Defend
DL Eddie Hapgood Full Back Defend
DC Bill Seddon Centre Back Cover
DR Tom Parker Full Back Defend
DMCl Bob John Defensive Midfielder Automatic
DMCr Alf Baker Defensive Midfielder Automatic
AMCl Alex James Inside Forward Support
AMCr David Jack Inside Forward Support
FL Cliff Bastin Winger Attack
FC Jack Lambert Poacher Attack
FR Joe Hulme Winger Attack

Instructions
Philosophy Rigid
Passing More Direct
Creative Freedom Default
Closing Down Stand-off More
Tackling More Aggressive
Marking Man Marking
Crossing Default
Roaming Stick to Position