Gegenpress 4-2-3-1 Wide (Positive) Tactic
4-2-3-1 Wide
Creating overloads in wide areas to exploit space. The team effectively pressures opponents to recover the ball quickly.
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Formation and style
Custom Gegenpress
Positive
4-2-3-1 Wide
Rigid
In possession
Play Out of Defence
Be More Expressive
Work Ball into Box
In transition
Counter-Press
Counter
Out of possession
Higher Line of Engagement
Much Higher Defensive Line
Prevent Short GK Distribution
Player roles
GK
Traditional Goalkeeper
Defend
RB
Wing-Back
Support
CB
Centre-Back
Defend
CB
Centre-Back
Defend
LB
Wing-Back
Support
CM
Box-to-Box Midfielder
Support
CM
Central Midfielder
Attack
AM
Advanced Playmaker
Support
RW
Inside Forward
Attack
LW
Winger
Support
ST
Advanced Forward
Attack
Phase description
Focuses on quick transitions and maintaining high pressure on the opponent.
Key emphasis on recovering possession immediately after losing the ball.
Creating overloads in wide areas to exploit space.
Team shape defence
High Line
Pushing the defensive line high to press opponents early.
Higher Line of Engagement & Much Higher Defensive Line in out_of_possession.
Team shape attack
Fluid 4-2-3-1
Involves quick ball movement and exploiting spaces through inside runs.
Play Out of Defence and Be More Expressive instructions.
Key strengths
Aggressive Pressing
The team effectively pressures opponents to recover the ball quickly.
Counter-Press instruction.
Wide Attacking Options
Utilizes wing play to stretch the opposition defence.
Inside Forward and Winger roles on the flanks.
Conflicting tactics
Defensive Vulnerability
High defensive line may leave space behind, exposing to counter-attacks.
Much Higher Defensive Line with quick transitions leading to potential defensive breaks.
Midfield Overrun
With only two central midfielders, they may be outnumbered against teams with three or more in midfield.
2 midfielders (BBM at [4,3] and CM at [4,4]) against a potential 3-man midfield.
Risk exposures
Risk Exposures
Items
Defensive Line
Exposed to quick counter-attacks due to high line.
Much Higher Defensive Line setting.
Midfield Control
Risk of being outnumbered in midfield battles.
Only two central midfielders deployed.
Role synergies
Role Synergies
Items
BBM + CM
Provides a dynamic midfield partnership that aids both defensive and attacking phases.
BBM at [4,3] supports alongside CM at [4,4].
Inside Forward + Winger
Creates mixed threats, challenging defenders on both sides.
IF role at [5,2] and Winger at [5,4].
Suggested questions
What teams should we focus on against for specific strategy adjustments?
How can we better utilize set-pieces given our current setup?
What player roles could enhance our midfield stability in challenging games?
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More Custom Gegenpress tactics
Guides for this tactic
The tactical theory behind the 4-2-3-1 Wide: roles, instructions, and the trade-offs that decide whether the system holds up.
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
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
Foundations
Defensive Transitions
The five seconds after losing the ball decide most matches. Counter-press, drop-and-recover, and how to know which one you should be doing.
Read guide