Gegenpress 3-4-3 (Attacking) Tactic
3-4-3
Utilizing width while pressing high to create goal-scoring opportunities. The inclusion of higher pressing tactics allows the team to recover the ball…
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Formation and style
Custom Gegenpress
Attacking
3-4-3
Very Fluid
In possession
Work Ball Into Box
Play Out of Defence
Shorter Passing
In transition
Counter-Press
Counter
Out of possession
Higher Line of Engagement
Higher Defensive Line
Trigger Press More Often
Player roles
Goalkeeper
Goalkeeper
Support
Defence
Ball-Playing Defender
Support
Defence
Ball-Playing Defender
Attack
Defence
Ball-Playing Defender
Support
Midfield
Box-to-Box Midfielder
Support
Midfield
Central Midfielder
Support
Midfield
Advanced Playmaker
Support
Midfield
Advanced Playmaker
Attack
Attack
Inside Forward
Attack
Attack
Advanced Forward
Attack
Attack
Inside Forward
Support
Phase description
Focus on quick transitions and maintaining possession through intricate passing.
Immediate pressing to regain possession and disrupt opposition's build-up.
Utilizing width while pressing high to create goal-scoring opportunities.
Team shape defence
3-4-3
Defensive shape maintains three central defenders supported by wide midfielders pressing high.
The presence of 3 defenders and aggressive pressing indicates a compact shape.
Team shape attack
3-4-3
Attacking shape utilizes width from wingers and overlaps from wing-backs.
The presence of inside forwards and a lone striker indicates a focus on wide play.
Key strengths
Dynamic Pressing
The inclusion of higher pressing tactics allows the team to recover the ball quickly.
Triggered Press More Often and Counter-Press instructions.
Ball Retention
The combination of Ball-Playing Defenders and a focus on playing out from defense improves possession.
Use of Work Ball Into Box and Play Out of Defence.
Conflicting tactics
High Defensive Line with Slow Build-up
Using a high defensive line might leave space behind if slow build-up is deployed.
Higher Defensive Line and Shorter Passing.
Gegenpress with Lower Block
Gegenpressing relies on high pressing, conflicting with a lower defensive block.
The presence of higher pressing tactics contradicts a low block approach.
Risk exposures
Risk Exposures
Items
Defensive Transitions
Quick transitions by the opposition can exploit high defensive line.
Higher Line of Engagement could expose defense if attackers remain upfield.
Player Fatigue
A high-pressing system can lead to rapid fatigue among players.
Pressing more often increases physical demands.
Role synergies
Role Synergies
Items
Advanced Playmaker and Inside Forwards
The Advanced Playmaker creates opportunities for Inside Forwards to exploit.
Roles linked around the attacking axis with [5,4] and [6,2].
Ball-Playing Defenders and Midfielders
Ball-Playing Defenders facilitate quicker transitions to midfield control.
BP Defenders at [2,2], [2,3], and [2,4] support midfield buildup.
Suggested questions
How can I adjust my formation to counter specific opponents?
What are the best substitutions to maintain intensity during matches?
How do I refine my pressing strategy based on player stamina?
Related Tactics
More Custom Gegenpress tactics
Guides for this tactic
The tactical theory behind the 3-4-3: roles, instructions, and the trade-offs that decide whether the system holds up.
Playing styles
Direct, Vertical Football
Long-ball football done well in FM. When direct, vertical play is the right choice, and what the Direct Passing TI actually changes.
Read guide
Playing styles
Possession-Based Tactics in Football Manager
Build the patient, control-the-tempo style without watching your opponents counter through the gaps you leave behind.
Read guide
Foundations
Wing Play vs Central Play
Build through the wide areas or through the middle? A working framework for picking the right one for your squad.
Read guide