Uploaded Tactic
Formation & Style
Tactical Style:Custom Gegenpress
Mentality:Positive
Formation:4-2-3-1 Wide
Team Fluidity:Flexible
In Possession
Shorter Passing
Pass Into Space
Play Out Of Defence
Low Crosses
Run At Defence
Focus Play Down The Left
Focus Play Down The Right
Higher Tempo
Fairly Narrow
In Transition
Roll it Out
Distribute To Centre-Backs
Distribute To Full-Backs
Counter
Counter-Press
Out of Possession
Higher Defensive Line
High Press
More Often
Drop Off More
Team Shape Without Ball
Shape:4-2
Description:A structured shape defensively, allowing for immediate transitions into attack.
Evidence:BWM-D at [3,3] and DLP-S at [4,3] provide cover and retain possession.
Team Shape With Ball
Shape:4-3
Description:Dynamic attacking formation focusing on width and quick interchange of passes.
Evidence:Two Wingers (W-A) at [6,1] and [6,5] wide, and an Advanced Forward (AF-A) at [6,3] to occupy defensive lines.
Phase Description
Attacking Play
Utilizes wide players to stretch the defence while aiming for quick transitions and low crosses into the box.
Defensive Transition
Focus on immediate pressing after losing possession to regain the ball quickly.
Main Focus
Creating overloads in wide areas and exploiting space with quick movement.
Key Strengths
Wide Play Presence
The deployment of wingers (Mané and the right winger) stretches the opposition's defence, providing space for the central players.
Counter-Pressing Ability
Strong focus on winning back possession quickly after losing it, suited to the Gegenpress style.
Ball-Playing Defenders
Utilises BPDs which facilitate ball retention and aid in offensive build-up.
Conflicting Directions
Defensive High Line
The high defensive line may be vulnerable if caught on counter-attacks, especially against teams with fast forwards.
Narrow Shape
A fairly narrow tactical approach may limit wide play options, particularly if the full-backs are pinned back.
High Match Tempo
The high tempo can lead to fatigue, especially in pressing phases, if not managed correctly.
Tactical Suggestions
Consider Wider Play
Encourage more focus on wide play to better utilize the full-backs and wingers and stretch the opposition.
Adjust Defensive Line
Consider lowering the defensive line to mitigate risks against counter-attacks from quick opposition forwards.
Use of Rotation in Midfield
Implementing more rotation among midfielders could create confusion for opposition and open up passing lanes.
Ask Questions About Your Lineup
Related Tactics
Guides for this formation
The tactical theory behind the 4-2-3-1 Wide: 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