Tactx Thanks a lot. I think you show these different options in Playing out - around - technical practice 3. Patterns 1 to 5 with the full-backs on the outside, patterns 6 to 10 with the full-backs on the inside, depending on the position of the opposition wingers. 

Tactx Thanks a lot Mikey, it's all very clear. Bonus question: against a 4-3-3, would you make the same point? I assume it depends if they actually defend in 4-3-3 with an agressive front 3 (in that case I might make sense to create a 4v3 in the center of the pitch), but if they defend in 4-1-4-1, the point you're making might be even more valid with an even more congested centre of the pitch. Thanks again!

Hi,

Quick question about one specific thing Michael said (and not for the first time), about him not liking fullbacks inverting against a midfield 4. I remember him being quite critical of Man City with Lewis inverting as a right 10 vs Man Utd playing a 4-4-2 last season.

My understanding of this is that narrowing the midfield 4 allows for a direct pass to the winger to play 1v1 against the fullback, potentially joined by the right or left 10 to play a 2v1. It makes sense to me on paper. So could you just elaborate on why playing a 3-box-3 or 3-diamond-3 against a midfield 4 is not such a good idea?

Thanks!

Tactx That's great thanks a lot. I love the phrase "arrive at the same time as the ball", very simple and certainly effective, I'm definitely going to use it! Reminds me of this great Bielsa drill for timing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73O39qUiKH0Thanks again. 

In scenario 2, there is usually a quick few meter sprint from the link player. In my experience, the link player tends to show much too early (and occasionally too late). Do you have a specific trigger for the link player, or is it more about building experience through trial and error? I usually tell my players that they shouldn’t move before the CB had got his head up to scan after controlling the ball. I emphasize what I think I heard from Bielsa which is "show late (not too late of course) and quick rather than early and slow"

Hi, the video says it’s unavailable for my subscription.

Tactx It is, thanks!

Thanks! There seem to be an issue the video availability though. 

Tactx Thanks a lot! It makes sense.

Hi, how do you deal with a white player that would tend to prioritize dribbling the orange players instead of passing here? Would you limit touches? Or would you just let him be free and trust him to gradually understand what the game requires?