The Transition From Attack TO Defence: Diego Simeone'S Defending Tactics

THE TRANSITION
FROM
ATTACK
TO
DEFENCE
227
©SOCCERTUTOR.COM DIEGO SIMEONE'S DEFENDING TACTICS
The Transition from Attack to Defence
THE TRANSITION FROM ATTACK TO

DEFENCE (NEGATIVE TRANSITION)
DEFINITION
The transition from attack to defence (or negative transition) is the phase which starts as soon
as possession is lost and ends when the defending team manages to achieve good defensive
organisation. After this moment, the defensive phase starts.
ATLÉTICO MADRID'S DEFENSIVE PHASE

Atlético Madrid’s success under Diego Simeone is mainly based on their tactics in the defensive phase
and the transition from defence to attack.
The basic elements of Atlético Madrid's defensive phase are fully described on Page 18.
ATLÉTICO MADRID'S TRANSITION FROM ATTACK TO DEFENCE

There are also many more details about Atlético’s defensive play in the transition from attack to defence.
These are fully analysed and presented in this section of the book with 4 different tactical situations:
1. Retaining a Numerical Advantage at the Back During Build-up Play
2. Negative Transition After Losing Possession from a Long Pass
3. Negative Transition After Losing Possession During a Switch of Play
4. Counter-Pressing After Losing Possession During Combination Play
228
TACTICAL
SITUATION 4
Counter-Pressing After Losing

Possession During Combination Play
The content in this section is from analysis of Diego Simeone's Atlético Madrid teams
during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 seasons.
The analysis is based on recurring patterns of play observed within the Atlético Madrid team. Once
the same phase of play occurred several times (at least 10), the tactics would be seen as a pattern. The
analysis on the following pages are examples of the team’s tactics being used effectively.
Each action, pass, individual movement with or without the ball, and the positioning of each player
on the pitch including their body shape, are presented.
The analysis is then used to create a practice to coach this specific tactical situation.
257
Tactical Situation 4 - Counter-Pressing After Losing Possession During Combination Play
COUNTER-PRESSING AFTER LOSING POSSESSION

DURING COMBINATION PLAY IN THE CENTRE
a. Creating Triangle Shapes and Maintaining Short Distances
Between Players During the Attacking Phase
For Atlético Madrid to use short combination In this example, the forward D. Costa (9) drops
play, specific elements must first exist. The back to receive or create space and the white
distances between the players need to be short centre back No.5 follows him, thus creating
and there should be triangle shapes set up. If space for Saúl (8) to exploit in behind via a pass
an opponent wins the ball, they can then be from Koke (6).
immediately pressed.
However, the pass towards Koke (6) is
When Atlético use combination play in tight intercepted by the white central midfielder No.6
spaces, the distance between the players is short. and the Atlético players have to react in the
If there are also triangle shapes, there are good appropriate way for the transition from attack to
conditions for Simeone’s team to use counter- defence to be successful. The description of this
pressing to win the ball back immediately. situation continues on the next page...
258
b. Applying Counter-Pressing Immediately After Losing the Ball to

Win it Back as Quickly as Possible
The reaction of the players is immediate, and the Most of the white players are eliminated as
new ball carrier is pressed by 3 Atlético players passing options because the passing lanes
from different directions, who create a pressing towards them are blocked.
triangle.
In addition, potential receivers white No.8 and
The aim for Rodri (14), who is at the base of the No.10 are marked by the central midfielder
triangle, is to apply pressure immediately and Thomas (5) and centre back Giménez (24)
prevent the ball carrier from having any time and respectively.
space on the ball.
At the same time, there is safety with a 3v2
The other 2 players in the triangle are the left numerical advantage at the back. Atlético have
midfielder Koke (6) and the forward D. Costa their two centre backs Godín (2) and Giménez
(19). They move to press from behind and win (24), and right back Juanfran (20) against the
the ball if white No.6 hesitates or tries to change two white forwards No.9 and No.10.
direction.
259
PRACTICE FOR
"COUNTER-PRESSING
AFTER LOSING
POSSESSION DURING
COMBINATION PLAY"
262
PRACTICE FOR THIS TACTICAL SITUATION

Counter-Pressing After Losing Possession During Short
Combination Play in a Conditioned Game
Description y If the reds lose the ball, they should have

y The 2 teams play an 11v11 game in 2/3 of a players close enough to the ball to apply
full pitch and there is a 30 yard low zone for counter-pressing immediately.
the red's build up play y Please see the analysis pages in this section
y The practice starts with the red team's GK and for the correct defensive reactions.
the reds attack by using passes no longer than
10-15 yards. If this is difficult to apply, you can Coaching Points
divide the pitch into small areas as shown. 1. Good off the ball movement is essential to
create triangle shapes.
y The red players are only allowed to pass to
team-mates in neighbouring areas. They try to 2. Synchronisation is needed for the players
create triangle shapes and score using short movements and good communication.
combination play. The white players try to win
the ball and then score with a counter attack.
263
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THE TRANSITION

THE TRANSITION FROM ATTACK TO

ATLÉTICO MADRID'S DEFENSIVE PHASE

ATLÉTICO MADRID'S TRANSITION FROM ATTACK TO DEFENCE

1. Retaining a Numerical Advantage at the Back During Build-up Play

2. Negative Transition After Losing Possession from a Long Pass

3. Negative Transition After Losing Possession During a Switch of Play

4. Counter-Pressing After Losing Possession During Combination Play

Counter-Pressing After Losing

COUNTER-PRESSING AFTER LOSING POSSESSION

b. Applying Counter-Pressing Immediately After Losing the Ball to

PRACTICE FOR THIS TACTICAL SITUATION

Description y If the reds lose the ball, they should have

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