Author and Presenter: Athanasios Terzis
Director and Producer: Peter Schreiner
Language: English
Length: 73 min.
 

Defending with the 4-4-2 formation (A Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid case study)

Diego Simeone’s side during the last three seasons (2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16) managed to win La Liga (2013-14) and reached the champions League final twice (2013-14 and 2015-16). Additionally in all three seasons they finished La Liga with the best defensive record. Specifically during season 2013-14 Atletico finished by conceding 26 goals and by keeping 20 clean sheets. During season 2014-15 they conceded 29 goals and kept 19 clean sheets while during season 2015-16 Atletico conceded 18 goals in 38 matches and kept 24 clean sheets. This presentation tries to provide an analysis of why Atletico Madrid defends successfully by using the 4-4-2 formation. What are the aims during the defensive phase and how these aims are achieved. The presentation will be supported by video analysis and animation as well as animated drills.

Diagram. 4-4-2 vs the 4-4-2. The defenders are focused on man marking the players within their zone of responsibility while the midfielders retain cohesion and mark the space

Diagram. 4-4-2 vs the 4-3-3. The defenders are focused on retaining a 2 v 1 in the center vs the center forward. The midfielders are close to each other and defend the space.