Ronald Koeman's general tactics at Barca (A thread)

I have largely considered the tactics which he tried to implement in the initial days as Ansu Fati had a big role. As that's the time when it looked the best and most clear (in my opinion). Koeman must be hoping for his speedy recovery!

You can call it a 4231 False 9 where Messi usually drops and make a two with Coutinho who now played at #10.

The False 9 Messi, as we remember, used to have a huge role in good old days. Here he drops off and the Coutinho Messi duo lives in between the lines, trying to pull of the CBs and Ansu Fati with his pace and skills, looked to exploit that space.

If Dembele's available at RW, it's supposed to be even more effective considering the pace and his exploitable crossing skills to meet the cross runners and late runners. He is a Right Footed player with a world class weak foot.

Role of Frenkie De Jong(besides double Pvt):

Majority team defends with two upfront. For making a numerical advantage, FDJ drops to the left side to create a 3v2 in his team's favour. Usually you would expect this role to be played by Bosquets, but we know he is becoming slower.

And slow reflexes means he is bound to lose ball if he is pressed high. And also leads to be a lower hand in defensive works. FDJ behind him gives him the freedom to express his creativity, even if he loses the possession, he will be assured of the defense.

That's a good call!

Frenkie De Jong has a great ability to call pressure on him and beat it. The pressure on him frees up the

Three at the back eventually means the Full Backs will push higher. High offensive Full backs will do better, and getting Dest was a good call imo.

Sometimes, either of Coutinho or Messi drops even deeper to help out the creativity alongside Busquets.

Oh. FDJ also looked to carry the ball further which might free up Busquets or Messi/Coutinho/Griezman(whoever one from the front two). He has a great ability to attract pressure and he is good at beating it.

You can say he is one of the most key elements in this setup.

Further role of Ansu Fati:

When the opponents' wide players don't look to press and rather look to stay at positions, Fati created a new lane by slightly dropping from between the lines. From where he can exploit his individual skills.

Why and how their Left Flank is more lively: Take this is a cont. one of last one

Coutinho(CAM) often goes to half spaces, and with Jordi Alba (LB) pushing higher and with the presence of Ansu Fati, they make a 3v2 or 3v1 in the left flank.

From where Ansu Fati is allowed to dribble or attack the space. On the other flank, the RW and RB look stay wider for a potential switch move.

That same pattern wasn't seen much in from the right flank, maybe because the RB (Roberto) isn't offensively good.

Or maybe because the left sided players are better in his vision.

Jordi Alba's overlapping runs are also a common feature here. Looking for the potential cut backs and crosses.

Constant switch between attackers:

Alongwith the left flank, this is the most special feature of his general tactics. The constant switch between them makes it difficult for the Defensive players to track them. Which makes it relatively easier for the mids to break the line.

Talking about Messi, he seems to have more freedom nowadays compared to initial days. Sometimes he is in between the lines, half spaces and wings. You can even sometimes see him at DM position trying to create

You can say that his general tactics were very much depended on the pace and skills of his wingers. However, Ousmane Dembele has done a great job and I think he haven't made people miss Fati much. But I still would want him to play with Fati after his supposed return before April

Moreover, this spell of Dembele has been considered as his best in a Barca shirt by many. And he is doing much more than only running imo. He is doing stuffs like creating and all.

From what I have got to see, he is nowadays using more of 433 using Griezman or Messi as False 9.

With two of his most important elements, Fati and Coutinho out, he is doing quite decent job. What do you think? Should Koeman primarily stick with the 433 or return back to 4231 after the returns of his keys?

A proper #9 is definitely a wild need for him. As potentially, it will not last long if you don't play with typical #9. "You will be providing, but for whom?" is a wild question if you play with such tactics.

If Braithwaite/Griezman are able to do so, then it will be great!

Tried to include what I had and for sure, I might have missed some happenings from December where he had used somewhat like 352 or 3412 or 532 (heard so) in some games.

Tables isn't on Barca's favour, 3 points behind RMA and 10 behind ATM. And recently lost to Bilbao in CDR F.

Ending with a personal take, Koeman should focus a bit more on his right flank, i.e, Dest. I mean he sometimes gets isolated. However, it's a transition phase for the club and best of luck to the fans for it.

Thanks for the read! Likes RT appreciated.