Thread by @CarefreeTactics, THREAD: How Chelsea presses & counter-attacks as a unit. (+ Why Christensen/Rudiger [...]

THREAD: How Chelsea presses & counter-attacks as a unit.

(+ Why Christensen/Rudiger at RCB/LCB is pivotal to its success)

...A detailed tactical analysis...

Recently, Chelsea has been implementing a 3-5-2 (without the ball), as it allows an easy transition into the “pressing shape” seen below:

• Image 1 is our pressing shape on the RHS

&

• Image 2 is our pressing shape on the LHS

I know the above diagrams are confusing at 1st, but the aim of this thread is to explain each section of our “pressing shape”, step by step.

However, before we move onto that, we must first emphasize why we start with a 3-5-2 as such:

We set up in a 3-5-2, as it allows our 3 CMs & 2 Forwards (in the red circle) to move up the pitch as a unit, and press aggressively as they see fit.

Acting as a sort of barrier between the opposition’s CBs & CMs, making it impossible to build play through the middle, as such:

As a result, this forces the opposition to build play through either wing, where:

1) they would first play the ball to their wingback

while

2) our wingback is then given the license to get forward and close down/get tight to the opposition’s wingback, in order to win the ball

From here, our whole team moves simultaneously to create our “pressing shape” shown in the image below (that we mentioned in the first couple of tweets in this thread).

The following simultaneous movements are as follows...:

1) As Azpi (our RWB) moves forward to close down the opposition:

• Christensen (our RCB) takes up a RB position

while

• Chilwell (our LWB) drops back into a LB position

This is in order to form a back 4 (in red), which closes any gaps the opposition can exploit

2) Furthermore, we see Jorginho adopt a deep-lying CDM position, as he guards our back 4, and removes the following opposition players (in black), out of the game.

This is done by J5’s “horizontal defending” which cuts opposition passing lanes, and isolates opposition players.

3) Now, having a flat back 4 and sitting CDM (J5), allows us to form a compact pressing diamond (in yellow), made up of four players.

Four players who all have the freedom to aggressively press and close down the opposition to win the ball in the following area (red circle)

Upon winning back the ball in such dangerous areas (the red circle)

We have 2 options:

OPTION 1:

Immediately play long balls in behind the opposition’s back line where:

• Our 2 pacy forwards would outnumber the opposition’s CBs to get in behind

While

• Our 2 vertical CMs (Mason & Kante) would get forward to counter press/join our attack

OPTION 2:

Pass it to our press-resistant, vertical CMs (Mount & Kante), who both possess the ability to:

a) dribble pass players under pressure,

&

b) lay the ball off to a front 3 of our 2 STs, together with Chilwell who quickly overlaps as a wide passing option.

Note that: in both option 1 & 2, I drew a blue triangle between our CAM and two STs.

That’s because, these 3 players constantly interchange and alternate among each other throughout the game; making them even more difficult to mark and close down.

Now, for this game plan to work, our runs in behind, together with our passes in behind, has to be QUICK AND DIRECT.

This is something we saw vs Real Madrid (twice)

The quickness of our counter attacks is vital, as it is the only way we can outnumber and overwhelm the opposition’s CBs.

In other words, we need to get passes and players in behind QUICKLY, before the opposition’s wingbacks and midfielders can get back to form a low block.

All in all, these movements form our pressing shape, which is the same on both the RHS, and LHS as such

(Which I highlighted at the beginning of this thread)

However, THE FOUNDATION that makes this whole shape possible, is Christensen & Rudiger. And credit is due.

Credit is due, because both Christensen and Rudiger are natural CBs who can also adopt full back positions if needed.

This is what allows us to have such a dynamic back line that can switch from a back 3 to a back 4 then eventually to a back 5.

Keeping us always compact.

In other words, if Azpi started as RCB, (& RJ started as RWB) then we couldn’t form a back 4 when Chilwell roamed forward to press.

That is because, Azpi would have to act as a natural CB in a back 4 (see image below) where he would be vulnerable at best.

Therefore, if Azpi started as RCB, our back line would’ve shaped up as such (when pressing on the LHS)

Thus leaving gaps for Madrid players to run in behind!

Credit to Tuchel for recognizing this, and then adding/implementing another piece to our puzzle. Giving no space for any opposition player to get in behind (by playing Christensen as RCB)

Another example of how greatly flexible playing with a 3-ATB system can be!

It’s a breath of fresh air to see how, week by week, Tuchel is adding pieces upon pieces to make our team much deadlier in attack, while simultaneously being more compact defensively

If you have read my weekly threads since February, you would have seen this evolution!

Once again everyone, thanks for reading another one of my threads!

Be sure to RT & Like so I can reach out to more #CFC fans & also, be sure to follow for more bi-weekly threads like this! Cheers

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