Bielsa Book Completed
Bielsa Book Completed
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MARCELO BIELSA
UNDERSTANDING THE ENGLISH
FOOTBALL REVOLUTION
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The use of Marcelo Bielsa is to share the work and the methodology
Of one of the worlds best coaches with coaches through out the
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!3 Marcelo Bielsa
MARCELO BIELSA
UNDERSTANDING THE ENGLISH
FOOTBALL REVOLUTION
Contents
!4 Marcelo Bielsa
Marcelo
Bielsa THEFOOTBALLCOACH.NET
Who Is
Marcelo
BIELSA?
Marcelo Bielsa
Marcelo Bielsa
Who Is Marcelo Bielsa
Individual Roles
Marcelo Alberto Bielsa Caldera,
nicknamed Loco Bielsa. Which is Spanish
for Madman Bielsa, was born in Rosario,
Argentina. He played as a central defender
and sometimes as a wide defender at
Newells Old Boyds as well as other
Argentinian clubs, before retiring after just
under 4 years and 65 games.
1992–1994 Atlas
1995–1996 América Bielsa next move was to Chile, his style of
1997–1998 Vélez Sarsfield football was seen on the worlds stage at
this point as he gained qualification for
1998 Espanyol Chile’s first world cup in a decade, his
1998–2004 Argentina football became clear to see for those in
2007–2011 Chile northern Europe and his intense
philosophy gained more and more
2011–2013 Athletic Bilbao respect.
2014–2015 Marseille
Following a period in international football
2016 Lazio
Bielsa returned to club football in Europe,
2017 Lille starting with Athletic Bilbao
2018– Leeds United
Marcelo Bielsa
Marcelo Bielsa
Who is Bielsa?
Personal History
His time in Marseille began positively with the side finishing in the Europa league places during
his first season, they started well but faded as more finically backed clubs made strives later in
the season. However during Bielsa’s second season, political tensions and conflict occurred
and after losing the first game of the season, Bielsa walked away from Marseille. Political
issues are a theme through out Bielsa’s coaching career, his next role with Lazio, only lasted
two days, after disagreeing on failed promises with players, Bielsa decided to walk away, with
the shortest tenure in top class football.
Since this role Bielsa has worked at both Lille and Leeds United, both of these tenures have
also been filled with controversy, involving a suspension at Lille and a spy scandal and Leeds
United, however at both clubs his high intensity beliefs and possession dominant beliefs have
been evident for everyone to see.
The
Philosophy
The Man
Marcelo Bielsa
Understanding Marcelo
Develop Principles through Games
The Person
“El Loco” the man has been idolized for his unique and inquisitive
approach to tactical situations and the set up of his teams, whilst
further respected for his ability to coach these specific and demanding
tactical structures with his players at both club and international level.
Although Bielsa may not have had the success he desired in Europe,
his influence has still stretched far and wide,
Guardiola. Pochettino and Siminoe have all
spoke of their admiration and even Guardiola
has described him as the worlds greatest
coach
“If the Opponent attacks with 2, then why I need to defend with 4
instead of 3….. the extra player we will miss elsewhere on the
pitch” - Marcelo Bielsa
The Principles
1.) Work Rate - Bielsa’s team’s are renowned for their work rate and
consistency in high levels of physical performance, often achieving
high levels of high speed running
Marcelo Bielsa
Creating a 1-3-3-1-3
Formations and Animations of Play
The Formation
“El Loco” has often been associated with his famous 1-3-3-1-3, however
this is not commonly a formation you will see at set up, this is more
commonly the shape that the team will adapt through Bielsa’s rotation.
Commonly Bielsa’s teams with start in some kind of 1-4-3-3 formation.
Becoming 1-3-3-1-3
between the
opposition and the front 3 stay high.
The Press
In his most recent coaching role with Leeds united, Bielsa’s pressing system
that he has been revered for through his career, has played a huge role in his
teams success.
intense and immediate pressure, the opponent risks losing the ball due
to the lack of structure in their attack and the lack of time in possession
of the ball.
If the supporting press, is not quick enough, or fails to block the passing
lanes, the opponent will play through the press, if the opponent is able to
play through the press, the space left behind will be an overload for the
opponent and thus leaving them the opportunity to attack Bielsa’s teams
goal.
The Rotation
Bielsa’s rotations play a key part in his philosophy, the rotations are key
in causing chaos in the opponents structure. El Loco states their are two
reasons for the consistent rotations,
This then dictates the way in which Bielsa plays in the strong and week
side are created, the team will likely build up using short passes and
quick passing combinations, if the structure isn’t created and the
counter attack is available the ball will likely be hit direct.
Marcelo Bielsa
Rotation Continued
Rotation confuses the opponent and creates space
The Rotation
Rotation is also key within the playing system, in order to create the
overload +1 rule that Bielsa so commonly relies on, midfield player have
to be comfortable dropping in to different lines to create this overload,
this is also asked of the ’10’ within the 1-3-3-1-3, how can he drop in to
the 3 to create a 4, and also how can the wide players rotate with the full
backs to create overloads against the opponent (Explained further in to
the book)
Marcelo Bielsa
Freedom within Framework
Develop Principles through Games
Bielsa has made many comments about how he believes his system is
unbeatable but the it's the human element of performance that limits the
performance level, famously he once said “If football was played by
robots, I’d win everything”.
However this statement doesn’t do just to who and what Barcelo Bielsa
is his information and level of detail may provide an almost robotic
approach, however this can have quite the opposite influence, Maricio
Pochettino once said that Bielsa inspires a lifelong love and interest for
the game, and this relates to his level of detail.
The information overload and the detail that Bielsa provides players on
their opponent, both technically, emotionally and tactically helps fire a
life long drive to want to learn and to be inspired to understand more
about the opponent.
BIELSA:
Individual
Roles
Marcelo Bielsa
Marcelo Bielsa
Personal Profile
Individual Roles
Goalkeeper
The Goalkeeper requires
fundamental technical ability,
they must be able to play
passes under pressure and
receive the ball and able to
play out both ways. Decision
making is a fundamental part
of the Goalkeepers
Centrebacks
Centre-backs are the target
players within Bielsa philosophy,
these players must be confident
receiving and playing of both
feet, they must also be able to
make decisions under pressure
and recognize where to play
passes can they find the area of
numerical domination
Full Backs
Full-backs are often the spare
players within the philosophy,
and find themselves in open
space. These players must be
able to make decisions as to
what space to occupy and
when to play forward, having
positive full backs will be key
to the development of
individual players
Attacking Midfielders Forward
These players play a key The forward will often
Central Midfield
role in linking play shift across he
The Central midfielder looks to
between the attacking attacking line during
stay close to possession during
defensive area of the the attacking phase,
build up play and support the
field. These players must as possession
build up from the center backs
be confident receiving materialized the
to the attacking players, they
between lines, so require attacker will shift
must be confident playing
good receiving skills and across to create a
between lines as well as be able
the ability to play numerical overload on
to stay on the ball under
confidently in compact the strong side of the
pressure.
areas.
pitch
Marcelo Bielsa
Marcelo Bielsa
Player Individual Roles
11 7
9
8 10
3 6 2
5 4
1
Marcelo Bielsa
Marcelo Bielsa
During Build Up Play
11 10 7
3 8 2
5 6 4
1
Marcelo Bielsa
Goalkeepers Role
"Understand the recruitment requirements for each position”
Goalkeeper
Marcelo Bielsa’s goalkeepers play a key role in the Bielsaball system, The
goalkeeper’s role extends far beyond just the ability to keep the ball out of the net,
the goalkeeper is expected to be able to play under pressure, receiving the ball under
pressure from centre forwards and still able to make good passing decisions. The
goalkeeper is also challenged within Bielsa’s system to be able to play passes over a
long distance as BIelsa’s teams can be very direct and look to play over teams when
required. With this in mind it is still important that the goalkeepers range of passing is
vast as the spare player within the philosophy can be in a variety of places.
Summary
Must be able to play passes under pressure when being pressed by the opponent
Marcelo Bielsa
Full-Back Role
"Understand the recruitment requirements for each position”
Full-Back
The full back role is a challenging role within Marcelo Bielsa’s system, Marcelo is
renowned for playing more attacking players in these roles, he likes to play players
who are comfortable playing forward and understand the importance of playing
forward under pressure, however as expected Bielsa is highly demanding of the full-
back and these full-backs can have a variety of roles including playing inside infant of
the defensive unit with the 1-3-3-1-3. And sometimes will play much higher and wider
and create the width within the system. This requires a player with a vast tactical
understanding of the game as well as a strong technical ability.
Summary
Marcelo Bielsa
Centre Back Role
"Understand the recruitment requirements for each position”
Centre Back
The centre back within Marcelo Bielsa system does require a degree more flexibility
than a centre back in a standard 11, Marcelo Bielsa has famously played midfield
players in the position asking them to become playmakers from deep and requiring
them to try and play through the opponent from the first line of defense, this means
that the player must be technically competent and have a range of passing that
allows him to play through multiple lines and dominate the opponent, whilst having
the tactical understanding required to understand how to manipulate the out of
possession formation to create the 1-3-3-1-3 that Bielsa so requires to create
overloads in all areas of the opponents shape
Summary
Marcelo Bielsa
“10” or “Trequartista”
"Understand the recruitment requirements for each position”
Number 10
The 10 has a key role in and out possession In Bielsa system, often seen as the
player with the most importance in the attacking part of the game, the Trequartista
plays between the attacking 3 and the midfield 3, he is challenged to play between
lines and look to play forward when receiving, the player needs to be very
comfortable receiving on the half turn and must be competent in most technical
qualities, in fact it is essential that this player is extremely technical competent. Out of
possession it is often said the the “10” has the least defensive responsibility, this was
more true in Bielsa’s time in south America however in his European roles the 10 has
been key in the Gegenpress as the 10 commonly plays in central areas, the 10 also
plays a key role in switching with the 9 to prevent the opponent playing out from the
back
Summary
Shows an understanding of the transition and can influence the counter press
Understand the roles in build up play as well as roles during opposition build up play
Marcelo
Bielsa
THEFOOTBALLCOACH.NET
Sessions:
Developing
Build-Up
Play
Marcelo Bielsa
Putting Value To The Type Of Pass
The importance of Technical passing detail
Passing
example 1 Creating Better Passes
Pass example 1 shows
a passing that moves
the point of attack but
doesn’t break any
passing lines, although
this maybe the correct
pass try to reward
players who attempt to
play through lines and
look to break the
opponents defensive
lines
Passing
Example 2 3
Passing example 2
shows the attacking 2
player breaking the first
attacking line, this pass
might not allow the
receiving player to turn
and play forward but
does allow him to 1
receive between the
opponents front line
and this pass is more
valuable because of the
danger it posses, once Passing Example 3
a player receive Passing example 3 demonstrates a pass that breaks multiple
between the lines they defensive lines, this means the attacking players has played through
are able to combine at least two lines, this pass is the most dangerous pass for the
with other attacking defensive team, simply because it allows the opponent to play inside
players and create over their defensive shape, it also means the overload the Reds hav e will
loads agains the be deeper in to the defensive shape of the blues. Reds should be
opponent, who has praised for the effort when they try to break multiple lines, the more
players who can not lines the offensive team can break, the closer to the opponents Goal
effect the game the reds are able to attack
Marcelo Bielsa
5 v 3 Boxed Rondo
Rondo to develop the receiving skills of players between the opposition
defensive lines
• Can individuals play first time when under • Limit outside players touches
• Can the players out of possession make • Add two boxes together to provide a more difficult
and more advanced practice
play predictable and keep the ball outside
8 15x15 0
90 30 10 20 Mins
Marcelo Bielsa
5 v 3 Boxed Rondo
Rondo to develop the receiving skills of players between the opposition
defensive lines
Bielsa Specific
This session is fantastically simple with clear opportunities to practice some of
the key principles to Bielsa’s system and beliefs, with two fixed wide players
and a central player, this naturally builds a 3, working within a 3 is naturally
important in a philosophy that only wants to create situation where it is the
opposition number +1, as this will allow for greater numbers ahead of the ball,
the practice also replicates the importance of the technical elements of
performance, can players demonstrate efficient passing techniques, playing on
one touch or multiple touches. Can players receive ahead of the opponent. Can
players receive and retain when under pressure.
Marcelo Bielsa
8 v 6 Bielsa Rondo
Rondo to develop the receiving skills of players between the opposition
defensive lines
14 20x30 0
180 60 5 20 Mins
Marcelo Bielsa
8 v 6 Bielsa Rondo
Rondo to develop the receiving skills of players between the opposition
defensive lines
Bielsa Specific
This session is fantastically simple with clear opportunities to practice some of
the key principles to Bielsa’s system and beliefs, with two fixed wide players
and a central player, this naturally builds a 3, working within a 3 is naturally
important in a philosophy that only wants to create situation where it is the
opposition number +1, as this will allow for greater numbers ahead of the ball,
the practice also replicates the importance of the technical elements of
performance, can players demonstrate efficient passing techniques, playing on
one touch or multiple touches. Can players receive ahead of the opponent. Can
players receive and retain when under pressure.
Marcelo Bielsa
5v5+4 SSG
Using Wide players to play forward and finish
enough to create chaos in-between the opposition - Removing the half way line is another way to manipulate this
lines
practice however when the half way line is removed the practice
- Encourage players to recognize the damage they can can quickly remove its depth and make it false and difficult for the
cause to there opponents structure by receiving team in possession to be able to play through the opponent
between lines
16 40x40 2
360 60 5 35 Mins
Marcelo Bielsa
5v5+4 SSG
Using Wide players to play forward and finish
Bielsa Specific
The session is very demanding physically and trains the clear principles Bielsa
lays out in his requirements from his players, tactically the players are set up
with two units of 3, which is the same as his philosophy, even when playing a
4-2-3-1 the players create units of 3 for the majority of the time. Within this
session players will be bale to create natural overloads through the system
allowing 2v3 and 2v3 in the attacking half. The central player will allow a greater
overload of required, this central player will also represent the playmaker that is
so important in Argentinian football, this player will be challenged with linking
the two halves and the two areas of the game.
Marcelo Bielsa
Playing Through Principles
Use Mannequins to create the pictures players may see during the
Build Up Phase
of 3-4-3 in mannequins, the players then • Ensure the players ahead of the ball are patient and
pass around that in a pattern that understand the philosophy and what is happening and why it
is happening before them in he build up process
on two touches
- Instead of players 1 and 2 performing a bounce pass, 2 can look
- Can the outside players make movements in to the to turn on his first touch and play to the wide player to add an
space left wide, as the central player narrows the increased intensity and increase the attacking intent
opponent
12 40x40 0
120 30 6 15 Mins
Marcelo Bielsa
Playing Through Principles
Use Mannequins to create the pictures players may see during the
Build Up Phase
Bielsa Specific
The session shown below is a generic Bielsa session that trains the units ability to
play between position lines using Bielsa most common formation involving 3 units of
3 (3-3-3). This session trains the belief that players must be confident receiving
between lines, in order to play forward, this demonstrates that the wide players can
receive reverse passes from the central players and that movement of the shoulder
and back of the opponent is key when building up. One principle of Bielsa’s work is
that you must have the same number of players as the opponent when playing out
+1, so this means build up must be 3v2 or 4v3, this practice can be manipulated to
ensure that this principle is always trained within this session.
2
Marcelo Bielsa
5v5+4 SSG
Using Wide players to play forward and finish
enough to create chaos in-between the opposition - Removing the half way line is another way to manipulate this
lines
practice however when the half way line is removed the practice
- Encourage players to recognize the damage they can can quickly remove its depth and make it false and difficult for the
cause to there opponents structure by receiving team in possession to be able to play through the opponent
between lines
16 40x40 2
360 60 5 35 Mins
Marcelo Bielsa
5v5+4 SSG
Using Wide players to play forward and finish
Bielsa Specific
The session is very demanding physically and trains the clear principles Bielsa
lays out in his requirements from his players, tactically the players are set up
with two units of 3, which is the same as his philosophy, even when playing a
4-2-3-1 the players create units of 3 for the majority of the time. Within this
session players will be bale to create natural overloads through the system
allowing 2v3 and 2v3 in the attacking half. The central player will allow a greater
overload of required, this central player will also represent the playmaker that is
so important in Argentinian football, this player will be challenged with linking
the two halves and the two areas of the game.
Marcelo Bielsa
Overloading the Full-Back Area.
Develop an understanding of how to overload the wide area.
individuals
12 One Half 3
240 60 6 30 Mins
Marcelo Bielsa
Overloading the Full-Back Area.
Develop an understanding of how to overload the wide area.
Bielsa Specific
This session demonstrates some of the key principles within Bielsa’s
philosophy, the reds look to play in to one of the wide areas where they create a
3v2, again this creates the overload of +1 Bielsa is always looking to create in
order to dominate the pitch and the game. This also trains the players to learn to
deal with the transition from the build-up phase structure where the team is very
open, to protecting against a counter attack, as the blue’s will look to transition
when they regain possession from the reds, looking to attack the Goal at the top
of the practice.
Marcelo Bielsa
Create Space Through Timing
The timing of the run can be chaotic in the opponents system
individuals
• Decrease width in pitch to make the practice more
• Can players recognize the timing of their difficult
12 One Half 3
240 60 6 30 Mins
Marcelo Bielsa
Create Space Through Timing
The timing of the run can be chaotic in the opponents system
Bielsa Specific
The session provides a guideline and framework for players to demonstrate their
understanding of the philosophy when playing out from the back. The lines are a
guideline for players to allow them to have a reference point when playing out
but not a requirement, players must work from a 4-3-3 set up to a 3-3-1 shape
where the first two lines are 3’s, this demonstrates an understanding on how
players understand the Bielsa system, the end goals are set narrow to challenge
the attacking players to combine, whilst the lack of numbers forces the players
to move forward and support the player in possession and create another line of
3 to keep in structure with Bielsa’s system.
Marcelo Bielsa
Playing forward through Overloads
Numerical advantages can create territorial advantages
movement of their team mate, realize • Allow players to overload the attacking half to create
when space is open and the occupy that 2v1
space in order to disrupt the opponent. • Limit touches of players in a specific zone
15 40x30 §
240 60 6 30 Mins
Marcelo Bielsa
Playing forward through Overloads
Numerical advantages can create territorial advantages
Bielsa Specific
This practice creates the Bielsa system within a semi structured environment.
The first part of the practice requires the build up play to take place in a 3v2 this
can be manipulated to create a 3v3 this can be manipulated tactically to match
the demands that the opponent may demand from your team, Bielsa tends to
work to the previously mentioned overload of +1, to create this a midfield player
maybe required to drop in to create a 4v3 this overload will allow build-up play
to occur successfully in the defensive third, if in the middle third the 3v3
becomes difficult the defensive third can push a player in to create a 4v3 and
give numerical dominance
THEFOOTBALLCOACH.NET
Marcelo Bielsa
Tactical Case
Study:
Marcelo Bielsa
11v11 Grid Game
Develop Principles through Games
20 3/4 pitch 3
360 60 7 42 Mins
Marcelo Bielsa
11v11 Grid Game
Develop Principles through Games
Bielsa Specific
This Session Demonstrates the way in which Bielsa tends to play his teams, can
the reds manipulate the space through movement to penetrate the opposition,
this example shows the widest player making a fainted run towards goals and
then backwards his own goal, as this occurs the central players runs in to the
space left, the Blues are not forced to stay in an area and can defend as
required, though the principles of +1 must be applied during build up play, so if
the blues drop a third attacker in to the first zone, the reds must drop in to
create a 4v3 and maintain consistency to the principle of Overload +1
Marcelo Bielsa
11v11 Grid Game
Develop Principles through Games
Bielsa Rotation
The Picture above shows one of
the most common tactical
rotations used within Bielsa system
and how this can be used,
Bielsa Rotation
The Picture above shows one of
the most common tactical
rotations used within Bielsa system
and how this can be used,
Marcelo Bielsa
Tactical Case
Study 2:
Marcelo Bielsa
11v11 Grid Game
Develop Principles through Games
20 3/4 pitch 3
360 60 7 42 Mins
Marcelo Bielsa
11v11 Grid Game
Develop Principles through Games
Bielsa Specific
This Session Demonstrates the way in which Bielsa tends to play his teams, can
the reds manipulate the space through movement to penetrate the opposition,
this example shows the widest player making a fainted run towards goals and
then backwards his own goal, as this occurs the central players runs in to the
space left, the Blues are not forced to stay in an area and can defend as
required, though the principles of +1 must be applied during build up play, so if
the blues drop a third attacker in to the first zone, the reds must drop in to
create a 4v3 and maintain consistency to the principle of Overload +1
Marcelo Bielsa
11v11 Grid Game
Develop Principles through Games
Bielsa Rotation
The Picture above shows one of
the most common tactical
rotations used within Bielsa system
and how this can be used,
Bielsa Rotation
The Picture above shows one of
the most common tactical
rotations used within Bielsa system
and how this can be used,
Marcelo Bielsa
Tactical Case
Study 3:
Marcelo Bielsa
Pressing a 1-4-3-3
Develop understanding of the methodology and mentality needed
12 Half Pitch 3
300 30 8 44 Mins
Marcelo Bielsa
Pressing a 1-4-3-3
Develop understanding of the methodology and mentality needed
Bielsa Specific
This practice shows the pressing pattern used by Marcelo Bielsa. The blues set
up replicating the shape commonly seen in professional football creating a
4-3-3 shape, Bielsa’s striker forces the blues to play in to one half of pitch as
shown by the red area closing of half the pitch, the 9 then forces the full back
wide whilst the red wide player jumps as high as possible and forces the centre
back towards his own goal, the only open pass at this point is to the 4 ( As the
two unmarked attacking players can’t be found until another blue player has
touched the ball, Gk doesn’t count) This is key for Bielsa and the player
behaviors are even more key, the players must communicate and look to create
chaos within the defensive shape of the opponent, the next page will cover the
situations where the opponent manages to switch the ball out to the other full
back.
Marcelo Bielsa
Pressing a 1-4-3-3
Develop understanding of the methodology and mentality needed
Bielsa Specific
The most dangerous thing for the offensive team to do is to allow the opponent
to switch the ball over to the other side this is because it is playing towards
Bielsa’s teams ‘Weak-Side’ as they have overloaded the opposite side of the
pitch. However because of Bielsa’s attention to detail, there has to be a plan to
prevent the opponent progressing if they are successful in breaking the press,
this plan is very simple, if the switch occurs the 10 leaves the midfield player
and presses the centre back covering the passing lane as he follows this
journey, as this happens the wide players switch roles with the opposite wide
player pressing aggressively to force the centre back towards his own goal,
whilst this happens the 9 who allows the centre back to switch the ball is now
required to drop back and stop the midfield player from receiving the ball,
getting across the opponent to ensure there is no passing lane open for the
centre back to play too
Marcelo Bielsa
Pressing a 1-4-3-3
Develop understanding of the methodology and mentality needed
Bielsa Specific
In order to progress the session the rest of the opponents midfield can be
added. This means that the blue players now have the complete units of
defensive and midfield, now the reds in the midfield are expected to man mark
their opponent but, within Bielsa’s Zonal-Man marking system they still have
another role, if the ball makes its way to the full back, the midfield player is
expected to race out and press the full back denying the space inside, whilst
the higher midfield player should recover inside towards to player preventing a
pass inside
Marcelo Bielsa
Pressing a 1-4-3-3
Develop understanding of the methodology and mentality needed
Bielsa Rotation
The photo above and diagram
below shows the structure to
Bielsa’s pressing, can we dictate
the way the opponent is playing,
the answer is Yes, once they play
in to the trap the press can win
possession back by forcing the
opponent to play risky passes or
stay on the ball for too long whilst
they are in this moment, the
behavior must be instinctive and
must look to apply as much
pressure to the man in possession
and ensure that every passing lane
is blocked and there is no
opportunity to play forward. The
diagram shows Bielsa using this
successfully as Barcelona with his
side and putting the players under
pressure whilst keeping zonal
making
Marcelo Bielsa
Pressing a 1-4-3-3
Develop understanding of the methodology and mentality needed
Bielsa Rotation
This diagram shows the
use of Gegenpressing or
counter pressing as it is
called, this shows a
mixture of high intensity
pressing of the man in
possession, and man to
man marking in the other
areas, as you can see
here a 2v1 is created
around the player in
possession to ensure
there is a high
opportunity to win
possession back, whilst Bielsa Team in Blue here
the opponent is unable to
play forward and is
delayed, Bielsa’s team
quickly become
organized and ensure
that the man to man
marking is completed
with the spare man on
the strong side to ensure
that they’re able to
defend without the risk of
losing in the wide area as
the cover is behind ( This
is explained further in the
pressing chapter back
earlier in the book).
THEFOOTBALLCOACH.NET
Marcelo Bielsa
Tactical Case
Study 4:
Marcelo Bielsa
5v5 Bielsa Load
Understand when to overload the opponent
• Out of possession can individual apply an • Start the Blue team in possession to make the
practice more realistic.
intensity and get touch tight preventing
the opponent from turning in possession
12 30 x30 Yards 0
240 60 6 30 Mins
Marcelo Bielsa
5v5 Bielsa Load
Understand when to overload the opponent
Bielsa Specific
This practice is a fantastic way to practice playing out under pressure with an
overload of just, the blues look to keep the ball using the space + the blue area,
they have a 3v2+GK in the first area and then a 2v3 in the middle area. This
continues until the Reds win possession, when the reds win possession they
instantly look to break in to the other half where they play with a 3v2 and a 2v3
in the next half, reversing the practice, they must transition quickly and can use
their GK (Outside Player) to play forward quickly, this is practicing another one
of Bielsa’s Key Principles
Marcelo Bielsa
5v5 Bielsa Load
Understand when to overload the opponent
Bielsa Specific
This represents the
second part of the session
and shows the importance
of this practice,
demonstrated by Leeds
Bielsa’s current team,
imploring a high defensive
line with an overload of
players in the opponents
build up play, cutting
passing lanes and
preventing the opponent
playing through the thirds.
This is linked to the first
practice.
THEFOOTBALLCOACH.NET
Marcelo Bielsa
Tactical Case
Study 5:
Counter-pressing
Marcelo Bielsa
The TransitionalCircle
Develop an understanding of the transition through this practice
demonstrates some of the traits required • Change size of shape to make transition moments
to be successful
more difficult
• During the offensive transition can players • Split natural players in to both teams to make it
quickly find moments to play forward in to more realistic and more difficult to maintain
one of the four goals, demonstrating the possession.
calmness to play under pressure
12 20 Yard 4
360 60 7 42 Mins
Marcelo Bielsa
The TransitionalCircle
Develop an understanding of the transition through this practice
Bielsa Specific
When you think of Marcelo Bielsa you instantly think of pressing and intensity,
this practice provides the opportunity to demonstrate the key principles of
pressing, quick reaction, intense pressure and overloads in high numbers. The
coach has the opportunity within this practice to stay close to the practice and
drive the behaviors that are mandatory, and critiquing the individuals who don’t
consistently demonstrate them, in games it will be the moments where the
behavior is not consistently demonstrated where the opponent is able to take
advantage and play through the team and cause damage because of the local
of unity.
Marcelo Bielsa
The TransitionalCircle
Develop an understanding of the transition through this practice
Bielsa Specific
The below diagram shows what moment of the game is training in this practice
and easily explains the impact the session can have on the players involved, as
the diagram clearly demonstrates Bielsa’s compact central areas within his
1-3-3-1-3 allow counter pressing to occur at a very early point to ensure that the
best chance to win possession is maximized.
BIELSA:
Possession
Based
Practices
Marcelo Bielsa
Traditional 6 v 2 Rondo
The most traditional of Rondo’s 6 v 2 develops players to find the pass
between the opponents lines
Setup:
- The traditional 6 v 2 rondo takes
place over a 20 yard diameter circle
with quite simply the 6 players on
the outside and the 2 on the middle,
the ball is moved quickly around the
outside of the practice, the inside
players are challenged to apply
pressure and try to win the ball with
out the opponent playing between
them. The players in possession are
challenged to play passes between
the opponent lines.
Team Detail:
- Ensure players out of possession
press high and force play in to a
wide player and try to block the
forward pass
Coaching Detail:
- Can players value possession and - Can players disguise passes and
try to prevent the blue team find split passes between the
getting touches on the ball
opposition lines
11 40x40 4
240 60 6 30 Minutes
Marcelo Bielsa
Modified 6 v 2 to 7 v 3
This is a slightly manipulated version of the traditional 6v2
Setup:
The session is set up in a 40x40 area
divided by a line splitting the
practice in half, with a centre area
including 3 players, the other half
contains a 3v0 with possession of
the ball, and a 3v2 in the attacking
half, the greens play out from the
bottom side, before the reds press,
the greens then look to play forward
in to the attacking half where they
have a 3v2 attacking overload
Team Detail:
- Ensure players out of possession
press high and force play in to a
wide player and try to block the
forward pass
11 40x40 0
240 60 6 30 Minutes
Marcelo Bielsa
4 v 6 + 2 Long Pass Rondo
Develop combination play when overloaded
Setup:
The session is set up in a 40x40 area
divided by a line splitting the
practice in half, with a centre area
including 3 players, the other half
contains a 3v0 with possession of
the ball, and a 3v2 in the attacking
half, the greens play out from the
bottom side, before the reds press,
the greens then look to play forward
in to the attacking half where they
have a 3v2 attacking overload
Team Detail:
- Ensure players out of possession
press high and force play in to a
wide player and try to block the
forward pass
11 40x30 0
240 60 6 30 Minutes
Marcelo Bielsa
4 Man Rondo
A Rondo for low physical exposure and
Setup:
This an easy set-up rondo, 3 on the
outside of a square or triangle with 1
central man, the ball is then moved
quickly until the central player
touches the ball, once the ball is
touched the players rotate, this
creates a high intensity practice.
Team Detail:
- Can players move the ball away
from the opponent when there is
not the opportunity to play
between the lines
off two paces to
- Limit outside players touches
4 8x8 0
90 30 10 20 Minutes
Marcelo Bielsa
4 v 4 +1 Rondo
Rondo to develop the receiving skills of players between the opposition
defensive lines
Setup:
The template for this is very simple a
40x20 area the two halves should
20x18 allowing for a 4 yard central
area. The idea of the practice is to
play through a team using full backs
in wide areas and wide players
inside. Once the ball is transferred
from one half to the other the
opposite wide players go to the
outside and the other wide players
go inside
Team Detail:
- Ensure the players keep the
intensity on the inside and
outside to make the practice
realistic and competitive
perform it
12 4x20 0
180 60 10 40 Minutes