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Thomas Tuchel Tactics Megathread Part 1: Defence
- Defensive structure in and out of possession (3 atb/4atb)
- New roles/Positions
- Structural strengths
- Defensive flaws
Disclaimer: All footage used is for educational purposes only. Copyrights belong to the Bundesliga.
- Defensive structure in and out of possession (3 atb/4atb)
- New roles/Positions
- Structural strengths
- Defensive flaws
Disclaimer: All footage used is for educational purposes only. Copyrights belong to the Bundesliga.
Welcome to a multi-part megathread about Thomas Tuchel and his tactics. With stern restrictions on usage of CL footage and a huge gulf in player quality with most Ligue 1 opponents, I chose to focus on Dortmund instead of PSG. I analyzed 12 Dortmund games between 2015 and 2017.
Sir Alex Ferguson famously said: Attacks win you games, defences win you titles. The hallmark of any strong European side is a strong defensive foundation, one that doesn't just eliminate danger, but anticipates it as well. So how do Tuchel's sides set up at the back?
Famously versatile, Tuchel used six formations at Dortmund. 4-3-3, 4-1-4-1, 4-2-3-1 (4 atb), 3-4-2-1, 3-2-4-1 and 3-4-3 (3 atb.) This allowed him to set up defensively for specific threats; for instance he went 3 atb vs Bayern's triple threat of Lewandowski, Muller, Ribery.
Structure - 3 atb:
In 3-1-4-2 and 3-4-3, Tuchel likes his CBs to excel at one or more of 3 essential roles, offering a more balanced way of negating threats. At Dortmund, he had 3 very good CBs that excelled at one or more of these "roles." So what does he look for in his CBs?
In 3-1-4-2 and 3-4-3, Tuchel likes his CBs to excel at one or more of 3 essential roles, offering a more balanced way of negating threats. At Dortmund, he had 3 very good CBs that excelled at one or more of these "roles." So what does he look for in his CBs?
Sokratis (Stopper): The most proactive and aggressive of Tuchel's defenders. With two CBs to cover, Sokratis moves higher than the defensive line to stay tight to the opposition CF or to prevent players finding space in the #10 zone. Here, he steps up to block the pass to Müller.
This is in the same game. Watch what happens when Ribery breaks free and tries to dribble past the midfield line and into the dangerous red zone. Sokratis comes steaming out and gets a clean challenge. Danger averted. Silva plays this role for us.
Hummels/Bartra (Ball-playing defender): Tuchel prefers at least one of his three CBs to be comfortable on the ball, to carry it past the first wave of pressure or to play long balls from deep. Here's Bartra stepping up to split the opposition line with a through ball.
Durm/Ginter (CB/FB hybrid): This is slightly complex to explain, so I'll use examples. Wendt (17/LM) is wide, and is pressed by Piszczek (RWB.) The closest option is Raffael (11/LW) who is pressed by Ginter (RCB.) This kills space and pressurizes the ball carrier in the def. 3rd.
Vs Wolves, Azpi was RCB. As Callum goes RW from RWB, Azpi moves up from RCB to RB (next to Kova and Jorgi) to make it 2-3-5. When we lose the ball, Azpi presses high (like Ginter at RCB, above.) Azpi's proficiency at RB/CB allows him to perform both roles.
A combination of both factors – being able to move higher as a third CB and to provide support as a RB is what brought his goal vs Burnley. Look at Azpi's starting position. As Callum comes narrow into the box, he pins Burnley's LB. Azpi is able to sprint past unchecked to score.
What about WBs? Tuchel sees WBs as a flexible role. At Dortmund, he used Piszczek, Durm, Ginter, Schmelzer (FBs) for added defensive steel and Kagawa, Pulisic, Dembele, Schurrle as attacking variants. His WBs are key to attacking output in the 3 atb formations he employs.
Tuchel's brief for his FBs in a back 4 is the same as his WBs – positioning over dribbling, and a strong emphasis on performing offensive actions inside the opposition box. This allows the WB/FB to deliver a more accurate pass and less time for defenders to react.
