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MAIN DEFENSIVE PROBLEM: SHIT 3-5-2 DEFENSIVE COVERING
Every time I get ticked off and make a mistake (or my team) I always try to see what went wrong.
I've always mentioned how we also fail to cover defense. Just got to watching game, and only needed 20-30 minutes to find the problem.
This is why
-> With back 4, you have 4 players covering 4 other players
-> With back 3/5, you have 3 players covering 5 other players
The Problem
Fig 1: This space in front of defence is being BADLY covered
Fig 2: For outside mid to cover a wingback, the gap in the middle between mids is HUGE (This job should be done by a winger not central midfielder)
Fig 3: Eintracht takes advantage of horizontal gap between midfielders to easily penetrate
Verdict: Space in front of defence is being badly covered/managed.
The Goals
Fig 5: First goal. Obi, outside mid, goes to cover 1/LWB. This time three central midfielders stick tight to each other instead of spreading out. In turn, gap between mid and wingback is MASSIVE and causes goal.
Gif 1
Fig 6: Second goal. Same problem as first goal. Outside mids, instead of sticking to each other, cover the wingbacks. MASSIVE space in the middle leads to goal.
Gif 2
Verdict: If central midfielders stick together, they leave gaps out wide. If they go out wide, they leave space in the middle.
It is very difficult to cover 5 defenders man per man with 3 midfielders.
Back 4
Fig 7: With back 4 the problem becomes about VERTICAL gaps (gaps between lines), rather than HORIZONTAL gaps (central gaps)
Verdict: You can still have this problem with back 4. However, the HORIZONTAL gaps in midfield are not as emphasised anymore. It is harder to PENETRATE.
Back 4 is narrower in defence. However, it is better to leave the flanks free, and concentrate your forces centrally, rather than try to mark the wide areas and leave central gaps, which are more fatal.
Appendix
Fig A: Small German girl unable to contain her excitement at Mazzari's attacking football
Fig B: Visualization of the problem. The flat 5 man back line covers a lot of HORIZONTAL distance. It is difficult to cover 5 people with 3 midfielders, and in turn it leaves huge gaps. The space in front of def needs to be managed better.
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