TacticsPlayersGuides
    About UsContact UsPrivacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsDisclaimer

    Built by someone who had too much extra time on their hands after FM 25 was cancelled

    A product by2nd Foundry2nd Foundry
    1. Home
    3. Tactics
    5. Gegenpress 4-2-3-1 (Positive) Tactic

    Gegenpress 4-2-3-1 (Positive) Tactic

    Uploaded Tactic

    4-2-3-1 tactic screenshot

    Formation & Style

    Tactical Style:Gegenpress
    Mentality:Positive
    Formation:4-2-3-1
    Team Fluidity:Fluid

    In Possession

    Play out of defence
    Pass into space
    Shorter passing

    In Transition

    Counter-press
    Counter-attack

    Out of Possession

    Higher defensive line
    Higher line of engagement
    Prevent short GK distribution

    Team Shape Without Ball

    Shape:Compact
    Description:Defensive structure is compact, making it difficult for opponents to penetrate.
    Evidence:Flat 4 defensive line at [2,1], [2,2], [2,4], [2,5] with Balancing roles.

    Team Shape With Ball

    Shape:Fluid
    Description:Flexible attacking shape that allows players to interchange positions and create confusion.
    Evidence:Advanced Playmaker (AP-A) at [4,3] and Mezzala (MZ-AT) at [4,2] promoting forward movement.

    Phase Description

    Attacking Play

    Quick passing and movement with an emphasis on using wide players to stretch the opposition.

    Defensive Transition

    Immediate press to regain possession, focusing on closing down the ball quickly.

    Main Focus

    Utilizing width in attack while maintaining defensive solidity.

    Key Strengths

    Dynamic Attack

    The attacking quartet provides diverse options, enhancing unpredictability.

    Defensive Stability

    A balanced defensive approach with a combination of offensive and defensive duties.

    Effective Pressing

    The gegenpressing style supports quick turnovers and high possession.

    Conflicting Directions

    Overreliance on Wingers

    Heavy emphasis on wide play could lead to a narrow central attack.

    Vulnerability to Counterattacks

    A higher line increases risk of being exposed on counter-attacks.

    Fixed Roles in Midfield

    Stability in midfield can become predictable against more dynamic opposition.

    Tactical Suggestions

    Consider a Holding Midfielder

    Adding a BWM could solidity defensive cover during transitions.

    Broaden the Central Play

    Introduce more central options to support the attack.

    Adjust Defensive Line

    Consider lowering the defensive line to mitigate counter threats.

    Ask Questions About Your Lineup

    04:09 AM

    Related Tactics

    4-2-3-1 tactic

    Balanced 4-2-3-1

    Balanced

    4-2-3-1 tactic

    Possession 4-2-3-1

    Possession

    4-2-3-1 tactic

    4-2-3-1 Formation

    4-2-3-1 tactic

    Wing Play 4-2-3-1

    Wing Play

    4-2-3-1 tactic

    Daredevil 4-2-3-1

    Custom Daredevil

    4-2-3-1 tactic

    4-2-3-1 Formation

    Atonement Dominant

    4-2-3-1 tactic

    4-2-3-1 Formation

    Dominant

    4-2-3-1 tactic

    Control 4-2-3-1

    Control

    See all 4-2-3-1 tactics

    More Gegenpress tactics

    3-2-2-3 tactic

    Gegenpress 3-2-2-3

    Gegenpress

    4-2-3-1 Wide tactic

    Gegenpress 4-2-3-1 Wide

    Gegenpress

    4-2-4 tactic

    Gegenpress 4-2-4

    Gegenpress

    4-3-3 DM Wide tactic

    Gegenpress 4-3-3 DM Wide

    Gegenpress

    Guides for this formation

    The tactical theory behind the 4-2-3-1: roles, instructions, and the trade-offs that decide whether the system holds up.

    Player pairings

    Midfield Pairs in 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2

    Double pivots and flat pairs in 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2: when each pairing works, when it collapses, and the AMC unicorn that rescues both.

    Read guide
    Playing styles

    Gegenpressing: A Full Guide

    Klopp-style gegenpressing in FM, including squad profile, line-and-press pairing, sustainable workload, and the antipatterns to avoid.

    Read guide