ATHLETIC BILBAO DURING THE ATTACKING
PHASE
ATHLETIC BILBAO DURING THE ATTACKING PHASE
INTRODUCTION
Marcelo Bielsa was appointed as A. Bilbao’s manager in summer 2011.
Despite finishing at the tenth place of thePrimera Division’s table in
season 2011-12, Bilbao reached the Europa League cup final after
eliminating
from
the
competition
teams
like
Manchester
United Schalke and Sporting Lisbon. Bilbao also reached the Copa del
Rey final.
Bielsa managed to build an attractive side made up of home grown players who played attacking football based on high tempo, fluidity and a lot of off the ball movement, in order to create and exploit the free space. These elements are some of Bielsa’s trademarks and they can be clearly observed both in the national team of Argentina as well as in that of Chile’s, two of Bielsa’s previous teams. His innovative coaching ideas both during attacking and defending are admired by many other coaches such as Guardiola and it is broadly said thatBielsa is one of the best coaches in the world.Key Diagram
BASIC FORMATION
A. Bilbao used the 4-3-3 formation (diagram 1.0). Bielsa chose players who could carry out the playing style of his preference. So all the players, except for the youngster Muniain (a short but very fast and talented player) were very athletic and capable in winning duels. The attacking midfielder Herrera was placed lower in the field than De Marcos.
THE TARGET AREAS
On diagram 3.0 are presented the target areas during Bilbao’s build-up play. The team sought to move the ball either outside the box (A area) in order to make the final pass (assist) or a shot on goal, or near the flanks (B area) mainly by using diagonal runs behind the opposition’s fullbacks. These runs ended with a high or a low cross into the box or a pass just outside of it. A. Bilbao used to attack against the opposition with six players (only the defensive midfielder and the two central defenders stayed back). In some cases all six took up positions into the opposition’s box.
RETAINING THE BALANCE IN MIDFIELD
A. Bilbao was a very fluid team. Its players moved a lot in order to created and exploit the free space. In the diagrams below there are several diagrams which indicate the players’ movements according to the position of the ball and how these movements helped the team to retain its balance. It must be mentioned that Bielsa is an attacking minded coach. So there were times that both the attacking midfielders were placed above the line of the ball and between the two lines (defensive and midfield line) of the opposition. This positioning helped them to attack the free space which was created by the wingers on the flanks or to exploit the space created by the centre forward in the central zone. Furthermore in many cases the attacking midfielders’ positioning behind the opposition’s midfielders enabled them to receive the ball unmarked and to turn towards the opposition’s goal.
On diagram 3.0 Iturraspe moves forward to provide a passing option to Iraola. Herrera drops back into a defensive midfielder’s position to keep the team balanced.
On diagram 3.0 Herrera moves forward while Muniain drops back a few meters in order to provide balance.
On diagram 4.0 Susaeta and de Marcos switch positions.
On diagram 4.1 Susaeta drops into a deep position while Iraola takes advantage of the free space on the flank. Iraolacan move in an advanced position as Susaeta provides cover to him.
On diagram 5.0 Llorente moves towards the side line to exploit the space Muniain created by dropping back. Herrera attacks the space Llorente created.
On diagram 7.0 Aurtenetxe takes advantage of the free space Muniain created and moves forward. Muniain’spositioning provides cover to him.
Iturraspe drops back towards the left to form a defensive line of three men. Muniain drops in a deep position andAuretenetxe moves forward towards the created space.
On diagram 10.0 Iturraspe this time drops back towards the right. Susaeta moves towards the centre while Iraolaexploits the free space on the right.
Iturraspe is placed in the centre of the field. As De Marcos makes a movement towards the side line to provide a passing option, Susaeta moves towards the centre to receive a potential pass as well.
On diagram 11.1 as de Marcos is in an advanced position, Susaeta drops back. Both of them take up positions which enable them to receive a potential pass from the man in possession.
RETAINING THE BALANCE AT THE BACK
In order to make things clear, it must be mentioned that Bielsa sought to have always one spare man at the back. So if the opposition used a formation with two forwards such as 4-4-2, the defensive midfielder Iturraspedropped back and took over the marking of the one forward (diagram 12.0). By this action one of the two Bilbao’scentral defenders was free and could provide cover whenever was necessary. If the opposing team used a formation with one forward (e.g. 4-2-3-1) Iturraspe took over the marking of the opposition’s attacking midfielder as there was already a 2v1 situation in favour of Bilbao at the back (diagram 12.1).
During the negative transition, Bielsa wanted also to have superiority in numbers at the back. So he always kept three players at the back (the defensive midfielder together with the two central defenders) to defend against two opposition’s forwards or one forward and the attacking midfielder. At the same time the two fullbacks sought to retain balanced positions against the opposition’s wingers in order to maintain the numerical superiority.
In case the central defender J. Martinez (who was more comfortable with the ball than Amorebieta) moved forward,Iturraspe dropped back in order to provide cover (diagram 13.0).
As it was mentioned previously there were times that both the attacking midfielders were in advanced positions above the line of the ball and between the opposition’s two lines (defensive and midfield line). So the only players below the line of the ball were the defensive midfielder together with the two central defenders. This positioning is very attacking minded and risky in case the two fullbacks don’t maintain balanced positions against the opposition’s wingers. On diagram 13.1 Both Iraola and Aurtenetxe retain balanced positions against their direct opponents.
As soon as the possession is lost both fullbacks get back quickly into defensive positions and prevent the opposition from creating a numbers up situation. By this quick response the team retains its balance and maintains the numerical advantage at the back.
However there were times that the fullbacks could move further up front. This situation took place either when the winger (on 13.3 diagram’s situation it is Susaeta) or the attacking midfielder (on 13.3 diagram’s situation it is Herrera) dropped or were already in covering positions.
Diagram 13.4 shows how diagram’s 13.3 situation progresses and how Bilbao reacted after the loss of possession in midfield in order to retain its balance and to maintain the numerical advantage at the back.
BUILDING UP FROM THE BACK
A. Bilbao was a team that sought to build up from the back. The team used a mixed way of building up by using either short passes or long balls. Having a target player like Llorente who was very capable in winning aerial duels, the long balls which were directed to him were more than fifty-fifty balls. Llorente could win most of them and pass the ball back or forward to his teammates. So in cases that the team was under the opposition’s pressure and a short pass would be a risky pass, Bilbao’s defenders didn’t hesitate to use long balls.
On diagram 14.0 the two central defenders take up wide positions near the side lines. This positioning pushed the fullbacks higher up the field. Furthermore the wingers dropped back towards the inside in order to create space for them (fullbacks) as well as to provide a passing option for the central defender in possession.
Specifically on diagram 14.1, as Amorebieta receives the ball, Muniain and Iturraspe provide passing options. If the opposition’s No.2 doesn’t follow Muniain and stays in his zone of responsibility to defend the space, Muniain can receive and turn towards the opposition’s goal. Iturraspe makes also sure that he is placed towards a passing lane, between No.10 and No.9.
On diagram 15.0, Amorebieta receives the ball and both Muniain and Aurtenetxe are tightly marked as No.2 followsMuniain and No.7 drops back to deny the space to Aurtenetxe.
As a result of this situation Amorebieta makes a long ball towards the centre forward Llorente. Both Herrera andMuniain move to provide passing options to him.
In a similar to the previous situation, No.7 doesn’t move back to track Aurtenetxe’s forward run. So the last one attacks the created space and receives the ball on the flank (diagram 15.2).
In cases that the ball was directed on the right, Martinez was more capable in moving forward with the ball thanAmorebieta. Susaeta drops back to provide a passing option and Iraola attacks the created space.
On diagram 16.2 is presented another option for Martinez who makes the long ball for De Marcos towards the created space behind No.3’s back.
In cases that the ball was on Iraizoz’s possession and there was an available passing lane towards the centre,Iturraspe moved towards it in order to receive and turn, if he was left without marking.
As soon as Bilbao’s defensive midfielder turned his face towards the opposition’s goal the players in front of him tried to move towards the available passing options. Furthermore the fullbacks attacked the created space on the flanks. In this situation both Bilbao’s wingers drop back to provide passing options while the attacking midfielders stay up the filed behind the opposition’s midfielders.
On diagram 18.0 Iturraspe receives again and turns towards the opposition’s goal. This time it is the attacking midfielders that drop back towards the available passing lanes, while
the wingres move towards the inside of the field. As there is still available space on the flanks, the fullbacks move forward.
Iturraspe has two available options, a pass towards De Marcos and a pass
towards Llorente. Susaeta and Muniainseek to move towards the centre to take up positions in potential passing lanes as well as to create more space for the fullbacks.
On diagram 19.0 after Iturraspe receives and turns there is one winger and one attacking midfielder who drop back towards the available passing lanes.
As the pressure to Iturraspe is being put by the right defensive midfielder, Iturraspe can pass either to Susaeta or to De Marcos. Iraola attacks the free space.
On diagram 20.0 the pressure is being put directly to the goalkeeper by No.9. This action leaves Martinez without marking. Iturraspe moves towards the passing lane either to receive and
turn, if he is free of marking, or to direct the ball to the free man Martinez. As Iturraspe is being under No.8’s pressure when receiving, he directs the ball to the free man Martinez. By this way Bilbao manages to deal successfully with the opposition’s pressing.
On diagram 20.1 as No.9 puts pressure on the goalkeeper, No.8 marks tightly Iturraspe and prevents him from receiving. So Iraizoz makes a long ball towards Bilbao’s left fullback who moves in an advanced position as Herrera is already in a covering position.
Another one option for Iraizoz is the long ball towards Llorente. Both De Marcos and Muniain move to provide passing options to Bilbao’s centre forward (diagram 20.2).
On diagram 20.3, in a similar to the previous situation, No.9 puts pressure on Iraizoz and Itturraspe is being closely marked by No.6. So De Marcos drops back into a deep position to be the link player who will direct the ball to the free player Martinez.
The same can happen after Susaeta’s moving into a deeper position in the field instead of De Marcos (diagram 20.4).
In case both midfielders are under the opponents’ close marking the goalkeeper targets Llorente with a long ball (diagram 20.5). In most cases the wingers (Susaeta and Muniain) moved towards the centre in order to provide passing options to Llorente.
A similar to the previous situation is presented on diagram 20.6. This time Herrera is the attacking midfielder who drops back together with Iturraspe. However both of them are tightly marked and Iraizoz is forced to make a long ball towards Llorente. Muniain moves towards the centre and so does De Marcos to provide support to Bilbao’s centre forward.
Finally on diagram 20.7 Iturraspe moves towards the side line forms a line of three defenders and creates a numbers up situation on the right. Susaeta drops back to provide a passing option and at the same time he creates space forIraola. The last one moves forward to take advantage of the created space. Herrera drops also back in order to provide a passing option for a potential switch of play towards the left.
BILBAO DURING THE BUILD-UP ON THE RIGHT
The width is created by the fullback
When Martinez was the man in possession on the right, a rhombus shape was created by Iturraspe and Iraola on the sides, Susaeta on the top and the man in possession at the base (diagram 21.0). This shape provided to the ball carrier three available passing options. Furthermore Herrera and De Marcos could move near to the ball zone to create a numbers up situation. Iraola is the player who provides width.
On diagram 21.01 as Martinez moves forward with the ball, Susaeta drops back on the top of the rhombus to provide a passing option. This movement creates space on the flank. As soon as Martinez passes the ball to Iraola De Marcos moves to take advantage of it and receives the ball from Bilbao’s fullback.
On diagram 21.1 is presented how Bilbao utilized the previous combination in a match situation. Susaeta drops back and as No.3 follows his movement, in order not to let him to receive and turn, space is created on the flank. As soonsas Martinez passes to Iraola, De Marcos makes a movement towards the created space.
Iraola passes to De Marcos who moves forward with the ball and gets either a cross into the box or a pass just outside the penalty area for Susaeta.
On diagram 22.0 Susaeta again drops back to provide a passing option for Martinez. However the last one passes toIraola. As De Marcos is far from taking advantage the created space on the flank, Susaeta makes a sudden change in direction, in order to attack the space which has been created by him. So he moves forward and receives the pass fromIraola.
On diagram 22.1 is presented how Susaeta attacks the free space created by him. Martinez moves forward with the ball. Susaeta drops back to provide a passing option while No.3 follows him. However the man in possession passes to Iraola. As No.3 marks Susaeta aggressively from the outside to intercept a potential pass directed to his feet,Bilbao’s winger moves suddenly behind No.3’s back towards the created space.
Iraola makes a pass and the new man in possession moves forward and gets either a cross into the box targetingLlorente and Muniain or a pass towards the penalty spot for De Marcos.
On diagram 23.0 the similar combination takes place on the right. The only difference is that Susaeta makes a change in direction in front of his marker.
Specifically in diagram 23.1 No.3 marks Susaeta from the inside. So due to the fact that De Marcos is still far from attacking the created space on the flank, Susaeta makes a sudden move in front of No.3 towards the flank in order to receive.
Susaeta receives, moves forward with the ball and gets either a cross or a pass towards the penalty spot.
On diagram 24.0 Susaeta and De Marcos switch positions. The ball ends up
on Susaeta’s possession.
As Martinez moves forward, Susaeta moves towards the available space. This time No.3 doesn’t follow his move in order not to leave space for De Marcos. In this situation a direct pass
towards Susaeta who is paced behind the opposition’s midfielders would be the best choice. However No.11 and No.8 move to restrict the available passing lane. So the pass is made towards Iraola.
The new man in possession takes advantage of the available time and space, due to No.11’s positioning towards the inside of the field, and moves forward before the opposition’s winger manages to close him down. Susaeta receives the pass and he has three available passing options, a pass towards de Marcos on the right, a diagonal pass towardsMuniain, who enters the box and a one – two combination with Llorente.
The same situation could progress in another way. This time No.3 shifts towards the inside to protect the central zone.Susaeta passes on the right to De Marcos who moves forward and gets a cross into the box.
On diagram 25.0 De Marcos receives the pass from Iraola on the right flank and Susaeta makes another one movement towards the flank to outnumber the opposition.
On diagram 25.1 Susaeta drops back as Martinez moves forward with the ball. No.3 follows him but not very deep in the field. De Marcos shifts towards the side line. Due to the fact that the passing lane is narrow and it is likely that a pass towards Susaeta will be intercepted, the man in possession passes to Iraola.
Iraola passes to De Marcos who has little space available. However Susaeta makes a movement towards the available space behind No.3’s back, receives the ball and gets a cross for Llorente and Muniain or makes a pass to De Marcos just outside the box.
On diagram 26.0 all three Bilbao players create and exploit the space on the right. Llorente moves towards the strong side and creates space for Susaeta. The last one receives the ball from Iraola.
Specifically on diagram 26.1, Susaeta drops back, while at the same time De Marcos moves towards the side line andLlorente drops back into De Marcos’ starting position.
Iraola has enough time on the ball before No.11 manages to close him down. As No.4 follows Llorente’s move deep in the field, space is created behind his back. Susaeta attacks this space and receives the pass from Bilbao’s right fullback.
Diagram 26.3 presents another way that the previous situation can progress. This time the pass is directed to Llorentewho used to be Bilbao’s target player. Llorente touches the ball in order to change its direction. Susaeta receives towards the created space.
On diagram 27.0 Susaeta drops in a deeper position in order to receive and help the team overcome the opposition’s pressure near the side line. The man in possession can either pass to Susaeta or to Iraola who moves in an advanced position.
On diagram 27.1 Susaeta observes the narrow passing lane and drops in a deeper position to receive and help the team move the ball towards the centre.
The previous situation can progress also by another way. As Susaeta moves into a deep position
which provides cover to Iraola, Bilbao’s right fullback can move higher up the
field. Martinez makes a pass towards him.
As No.3 moves to close Iraola down space is created behind his back. De Marcos takes advantage of it and receives the ball. He finally gets a cross into the box targeting Llorente and Muniain.
On diagram 28.0 Susaeta drops back, receives and drives the ball towards the inside. Llorente and De Marcos move to provide passing options.
Susaeta drops back, receives free of marking (No.3 doesn’t follow his move) and drives the ball towards the inside of the field.
De Marcos and Llorente provide passing options. Susaeta passes to Bilbao’s target man and the last one makes a pass either to Muniain or to De Marcos (third man’s run).
On diagram 29.0 Martinez passes directly to De Marcos who exploits the free space behind Susaeta’s back.
As Martinez moves forward with the ball, Susaeta drops back to receive at his feet. No.3 follows his movement. De Marcos attacks the free space created on the right flank and receives the long ball from Martinez.
The new man in possession, after moving forward with the ball, gets a cross for Llorente and Muniain or makes a pass outside the box for Susaeta.
On diagram 30.0 De Marcos is far away from the right side. So Llorente shifts towards the right side to provide one more passing option. After receiving the long ball from Martinez he has three available passing options.
Specifically in diagram 30.1 No.3 follows Susaeta’s movement deep in the field. Llorente moves towards the created space behind No.3 and receives the long ball from Martinez. At the same De Marcos moves to exploit the spaceLlorente created and Iraola attacks the space Susaeta created on the flank. Llorente has three available passing options.
On diagram 31.0 Martinez passes to Iturraspe towards the centre of the field. The new ball carrier has three available passing options.
Iturraspe takes up a position towards a passing lane between No.9 and No.10 and receives the ball from Martinez.
Muniain and De Marcos seek to take up positions towards the available passing lanes, while the fullbacks Aurtenetxeand Iraola take advantage of the free space on the flanks and move forward. Herrera remains in a covering forAurtenetxe position, but at the same time provides another one passing option for the man in possession.
The width is created both by the fullback and the winger
In cases that both the fullback Iraola and the side forward Susaeta took up positions near the side line, De Marcos moved on the top of the rhombus shape (diagram 32.0).
On diagram 32.01 de Marcos attacks the available space on the flank and receives the pass from Susaeta.
On diagram 32.1 Martinez passes the ball to Iraola.
As No.3 is away from Susaeta, Bilbao’s winger stays near the side line and receives the ball from Iraola. As soon as No.3 moves to close Susaeta down, De Marcos attacks the available
space behind No.3’s back. He receives, moves forward with the ball and gets a cross into the box or makes a pass just outside of it.
On diagram 33.0 Iraola receives the pass from Martinez. Susaeta drops back and receives the ball.
On diagram 33.1 Iraola receives the ball from Martinez. As No.3 marks Susaeta from close distance, Bilbao’s winger drops back to get free of marking or to create space for his team mates.
As No.3 chooses to defend the space instead of following Bilbao’s winger away from his zone of responsibility,Susaeta receives the ball unmarked into a deep position and switches the play towards the left.
Martinez passes to Iraola on the right. Susaeta is again marked tightly by No.3. So he chooses to drop back again. This time No.3 follows him. De Marcos moves to exploit the created space.
Iraola passes towards the created space on the right. De Marcos receives, moves forward and gets a cross into the box.
On diagram 35.0 Iraola once again receives the pass from Martinez. Iturraspe moves forward to provide a passing option and Herrera drops back to maintain the team’s balance. Iturraspe receives the ball.
Iraola receives and has enough time on the ball before No.11 closes him
down. Iturraspe observes the available space between the opposition’s two lines and moves towards it. The pass from Iraola is directed to him.
Iturraspe has four available passing options.
De Marcos drops back and receives the vertical pass from Martinez. As No.4 doesn’t follow him, he has enough time to turn towards the opposition’s goal.
On diagram’s 37.0 situation, both the attacking midfielders have moved towards the strong side in order to create a numbers up situation. Muniain drops deeper to maintain the balance in midfield. De Marcos receives and turns with the ball. Herrera attacks the available space.
On diagram 37.1 De Marcos moves in front of Llorente on top of the rhombus shape to receive the ball. This situation enables Bilbao’s No.10 to receive unmarked and turn, due to the fact that No.4 marks already Llorente and cannot move forward to put pressure on De Marcos.
De Marcos takes advantage of this situation receives and turns. Herrera attacks the space behind No.4 receives the vertical pass and has two available passing options into the box.
On diagram 38.0 Martinez moves higher up the field and Iturraspe moves back in a covering position. De Marcos drops back again and Herrera exploits the created space by De Marcos. Muniain moves a few meters back.
On diagram 38.1 Martinez moves forward with the ball. De Marcos drops back to receive between the two lines. As No.4 follows his movement, space is created behind him. Herrera attacks this space, receives the long ball and gets a low cross into the box.
On diagram 39.0 Martinez moves forward with the ball. Iturraspe moves back to provide cover and retain the team’s balance at the back. De Marcos drops back receives the ball and passes to Herrera who attacks the available space.
De Marcos drops back and receives the pass from Martinez. At the same time Herrera moves towards the strong side to take advantage of the available space behind the opposition’s midfielders. He finally receives the pass from De Marcos.
The new man in possession has enough time on the ball to make a successful final pass or even a shot on goal.
On diagram 40.0 Martinez again moves forward in an advanced position and Iturraspe drops back to retain the balance at the back. Herrera shifts once again towards the strong side to create a numbers up situation and to attack the free space De Marcos created. He finally receives the pass from Susaeta.
De Marcos makes a movement behind No.3’s back. No.4 follows him and space is created in the centre of the field. Herrera attacks the created space, receives the pass from Susaeta and makes a shot on goal.
On diagram 41.0 Llorente is placed on the strong side and drops back to receive. De Marcos seeks to exploit the created space behind Bilbao’s centre forward.
Llorente drops back in order to receive. No.4 follows his movement and space is created behind him. De Marcos attacks this space receives the long ball and gets a cross for Muniain.
On diagram 42.0 Herrera shifts towards the strong side to outnumber the opposition near the ball zone and to provide an extra passing option for the man in possession.
On diagram 42.1 Martinez passes to Iraola. Iturraspe takes up a position towards an available passing lane between No.9 and No.10 and Herrera shifts towards an available passing lane between No.8 and No.10.
The midfielders’ positioning provides to Iraola two available passing options. These passing options can easily lead to a switch of play towards the opposition’s weak side, in case the passing options towards the front players (Susaetaand De Marcos are restricted).
On diagram 43.0 De Marcos shifts towards the right on the top of the rhombus shape in front of Llorente. As it was mentioned on diagram 37.1, whenever De Marcos took up a position behind the opposition’s midfielders and in front ofLlorente, in most of the cases he had enough time to receive and turn with the ball.
De Marcos moves behind the opposition’s midfielders and in front of Llorente. As No.4 has already a player to mark, De Marcos receives unmarked and turns with the ball.
The new man in possession has four available passing options.
He has again four available passing options.
BILBAO DURING THE BUILD-UP ON THE LEFT
The width is created by the fullback
When Bilbao sought to build-up on the left, the rhombus shape was created
by Aurtenetxe and Iturraspe on the sides,Muniain on the top and Amorebieta (the man in possession) at the base (diagram 44.0).
On diagram 44.01 Amorebieta moves forward with the ball. Muniain drops back on the top of the rhombus shape to provide a passing option. However the man in possession passes to Aurtenetxe on the left and the last one passes to Herrera who attacks the created space on the flank.
Specifically on diagram 44.1 No.2 follows Muniain’s movement deep in the field to provide a passing option to the man in possession. Amorebieta passes the ball to Aurtenetxe and the last one passes to Herrera who moves towards the created space on the flank.
The new ball carrier moves forward and gets a cross into the box for De Marcos, Llorente and Susaeta or makes a pass just outside of it for Muniain.
On diagram 45.0 Llorente is the player who attacks the created space on the left flank, while Herrera seeks to exploit the space created by Bilbao’s centre forward.
On diagram 45.1 Muniain again drops back and No.2 (the opposition’s right fullback) follows him. This time it’sLlorente the player who is closer to the left flank where the free space is created. So he moves to take advantage of it.
However Llorente’s movement towards the side line creates space in the central zone too. Herrera tries to exploit this space. Bilbao’s attacking midfielder finally receives the pass from Llorente and makes the final pass towards De Marcos and Muniain into the opposition’s box.
Diagram 45.3 presents another way that the previous situation can progress. Particularly when Llorente receives the pass from Aurtenetxe near the side line, No.5 prevents him from turning towards the white team’s goal. HoweverMuniain makes a forward run towards the
available space and receives the back pass from Bilbao’s centre forward.Muniain drives the ball towards the inside and can either pass to De Marcos and Susaeta or try a shot on goal.
On diagram 46.0 Muniain after dropping back receives the ball and moves towards the inside. He has two available passing options.
On diagram 46.1 Muniain drops back and receives the pass from Amorebieta, completely free of marking, as No.2 chose to defend the space instead of following him deeper into the field. Muniain drives the ball towards the available space behind the opposition’s midfielders.
After driving the ball a few meters, Bilbao’s winger has four available passing options outside the opposition’s box.
Diagram 46.3 shows another way that the previous situation can progress. Muniain passes to Llorente who makes a wall pass to him. Muniain gets a low cross for De Marcos and Susaeta.
On diagram 47.0 Muniain drops back, receives and passes to Llorente who acts as a target player. Both De Marcos and Herrera make forward runs to receive towards the available space (third man’s run).
On diagram 47.1 Muniain drops back, receives and moves towards the inside, despite No.2’s marking. Herrera attacks the free space on the left.
The man in possession passes to Llorente who using one touch directs the ball towards Herrera on the left. Bilbao’s attacking midfielder moves forward and gets the cross for De Marcos and Susaeta.
Diagram 47.3 presents another way that the previous situation can progress. Muniain this time can pass the ball to De Marcos through Llorente or make a direct pass towards the first one. He can also pass to Susaeta.
On diagram 48.0 Amorebieta makes a long pass towards the target player Llorente. The last one can pass either to Herrera or Muniain who move to provide passing options.
On diagram 48.1 Muniain drops back to provide a passing option to Amorebieta and at the same time Herrera exploits the created space on the left flank. No.7 and No.6 move to restrict the available passing lane towards Muniain.
Amorebieta makes a long ball to Llorente. The last one passes to Herrera on the left. Herrera moves forward and gets a cross for De Marcos and Susaeta.
On diagram 48.3 in a similar to the previous situation, Llorente passes back to Muniain who provides immediately a passing option to Bilbao’s centre forward. Muniain moves forward and has three available options.
On diagram 49.0 Amorebieta again makes the long pass to Llorente. Muniain and Herrera move to provide passing options.
Specifically on diagram 49.1 Muniain drops back and creates space on the left flank. As Herrera
is far from attacking the space Muniain created, as soon as Amorebieta passes
to Llorente, Bilbao’s left forward makes a sudden change in direction towards the left flank. Herrera moves to provide support to Llorente.
On diagram 49.2 the pass from Llorente is directed to Muniain who makes a forward run with the ball and gets a cross into the box.
On diagram 49.3 Llorente’s pass is directed to Herrera who moves forward and makes a shot on goal or a pass towards De Marcos.
Both the fullback and the winger provide width
When both Aurtenetxe and Muniain were placed near the side line, the rhombus shape was created by Iturraspe andAurtenetxe on the sides, Herrera on the top and Amorebieta at the base (diagram 50.0).
On diagram 50.01 Muniain drops back to provide a passing option towards the inside while at the same time creates space on the flank. Herrera moves to take advantage of it.
On diagram 50.1 as Aurtenetxe moves forward with the ball, Muniain is being closely marked by No.2. So he drops back to get free of his marker and receive the ball.
As No.2 follows Muniain’s movement, space is created down the flank. Herrera makes a move to exploit it and receivesAurtenetxe’s pass. He moves forward with the ball and gets a cross into the box.
On diagram 51.0 Llorente makes a move towards the created space on the left flank. According to the situation rising on the field he can either pass forward to Herrera or make a back pass to Muniain.
On diagram 51.1 it is Llorente the player who attacks the created space on the left.
Llorente receives the pass from Aurtenetxe. No.5 puts pressure on Llorente and prevents him from turning and passing to Herrera. The last one moves towards the space, behind No.5’s back. However Muniain provides support by moving towards the available space.
Muniain receives the pass and has three available options.
On diagram 51.4 Llorente manages to turn and pass to Herrera. The last one gets a low cross into the box.
On diagram 52.0 Muniain receives the ball from Aurtenetxe in a deep position. He passes to Llorente while Herrera and De Marcos move to receive towards the available spaces (third man’s run).
Particularly on diagram 52.1 Muniain drops back and receives completely free of marking. He then drives the ball towards the inside.
The man in possession passes to Llorente who using one touch directs the ball either to Herrera or to De Marcos.
On diagram 53.1 Muniain drops back and receives the pass from Aurtenetxe.
Muniain passes immediately to Herrera who moves behind the opposition’s midfielders. After reaching outside the penalty area he has four available options.
On diagrams 54.0 there is a passing combination between Aurtenetxe, Muniain, Herrera and Llorente. Muniain drops back and receives, while Herrera moves towards the side line. Bilbao’s left forward after driving the ball towards the inside has two passing options. He can make a direct pass to Herrera or a pass towards Llorente. At the same timeAurtenetxe moves in an advanced position and provides a passing option to Llorente (third man’s run).
On diagram 54.1 Aurtenetxe passes to Muniain and moves forward to outnumber the opposition, while at the same time Herrera makes a movement towards the side line.
Muniain passes to Llorente who using one touch directs the ball to Bilbao’s left fullback (third man’s run). The last one enters the opposition’s box and gets a low cross.
On diagram 54.3 the same situation progresses in another way. Specifically as soon as Aurtenetxe makes the forward run, the opposition’s No.2 shifts towards the centre to prevent him from receiving. However this creates more space available for Herrera on the flank, who receives, drives the ball and gets a cross into the box.
On diagram 55.0 Herrera moves towards the left, receives and drives the ball towards the side line. Muniain makes the first move and creates space on the flank. Llorente moves to take advantage of it. At the same time he creates space for Muniain. The man in possession has two available passing options.
On diagram 55.1 Herrera receives the pass from Aurtenetxe and moves towards the available space. Muniainconverges and creates space on the flank. At the same time Llorente moves towards the side line to take advantage of it.
Finally Herrera passes to Muniain who moves towards the space created by Llorente.
On diagram 55.3, No.5 observes Muniain’s movement and stays close to the centre to prevent him from receiving. This time Herrera passes to Llorente on the left who has more available space to move forward and to get a cross into the box.
On diagram 56.0 the pass is directed on Herrera again. Muniain converges towards the inside and Aurtenetxe attacks the created space on the left.
Aurtenetxe passes to Herrera. The last one drives the ball towards the available space. At the same time Muniainmoves towards the centre and as No.2 follows him, space is created on the left.
Herrera passes to Aurtenetxe who took advantage of the created space. He moves forward and gets a cross into the box.
On diagram 57.0, Herrera moves forward to provide a passing option in front of the man in possession (Aurtenetxe). This movement creates space for Iturraspe who takes advantage of it and receives the pass. The new ball carrier passes to Llorente who has two available passing options (third man’s run).
Specifically on diagram 57.1, Itarraspe moves towards the space Herrera created and receives the pass.
As both the attacking midfielders move forward, Bilbao manages to outnumber the opposition near the ball zone.Iturraspe passes to Llorente who has two available passing options. A pass towards Herrera and a pass towards De Marcos (third man’s run).
On diagram 58.0 Aurtenetxe passes to Muniain and the last one passes to Herrera who moves in an advanced position.
On diagram’s 58.1 situation, Aurtenetxe moves forward with the ball. Herrera makes a forward run and takes up a position between the two lines of the opposition.
As no one of the opposition’s midfielders tracks Herrera’s run, Bilbao’s attacking midfielder receives the ball unmarked and moves forward. Finally he gets a cross into the box.
On diagram 59.0 both De Marcos and Llorente take up a position towards the left side in order to create a numbers up situation. As Muniain drops back to receive, space is created on the flank and De Marcos moves to take advantage of it.Amorebieta makes a long ball towards him.
On diagram 59.1 Muniain creates the space and De Marcos moves to exploit it. Susaeta moves towards the centre to keep the team balanced and Iraola makes a forward run towards the free space on the right.
On diagram 60.0 the ball is in Aurtenetxe’s possession. Muniain again drops back and De Marcos attacks the created space on the left.
On diagram 60.1 De Marcos takes up a position towards the left. His positioning creates a numbers up situation forBilbao near the ball zone. De Marcos attacks the free space on the left.
Aurtenetxe passes the ball towards the created space and De Marcos gets a cross into the box or makes a pass just outside of it.
The width is created by the winger
In cases that the left fullback was the player in possession and took up a position towards the inside of the field, the rhombus shape was created by Aurtenetxe and Iturraspe on the sides, Herrera on the top and Aurtenetxe at the base (diagram 61.0).
On diagram 61.01 after two consecutive passes the ball ends up on Herrera’s possession down the flank.
Aurtenetxe passes to Muniain who has enough time on the ball as No.2 is away from him.
When No.2 moves to close Muniain down, space is created behind him. Herrera moves to take advantage of it. He receives the ball from Bilbao’s left forward and gets a cross into the box.
On diagram 62.0 Aurtenetxe after passing the ball to Muniain, makes an overlapping run. After the combination between him and Muniain the ball ends up on Herrera’s possession, who has moved in an advanced position.
Both No.7 and No.2 move towards the ball zone in order to avoid a 2v1 situation in favour of A. Bilbao. However as soon as the two white players approach Muniain and Aurtenetxe, Herrera attacks the available space behind No.2 and receives the pass from Aurtenetxe. Finally he gets a cross into the box.
On diagram 62.0 Aurtenetxe after passing the ball to Muniain, makes an
overlapping run. After the combination between him and Muniain the ball
ends up on Herrera’s possession, who has moved in an advanced
position.
On
diagram
62.1 Aurtenetxe passes
to Muniain and
makes
an
overlapping run.
Both No.7 and No.2 move towards the ball zone in order to avoid a 2v1
situation in favour of A. Bilbao. However as soon as the two white
players approach Muniain and Aurtenetxe, Herrera attacks the available
space behind No.2 and receives the pass from Aurtenetxe. Finally he
gets a cross into the box.
On
diagram
63.0 Aurtenetxe makes
a
long
pass
towards Llorente. Muniain makes a run towards the inside in order to
provide support. Llorente can either pass to Muniain or to De Marcos
who makes a supporting run too.
On diagram 63.1 Llorente receives the long ball from Aurtenetxe and
passes immediately to De Marcos, who moves towards the created
space between the two central defenders.
On diagram 63.2 Llorente passes this time to Muniain. The last one
moves forward with the ball and has three available passing options.
Bilbao during attacking through the centre
When Iturraspe was the player in possession and took up a position in
the centre of the field, the rhombus shape which provided several
passing options to the ball carrier was created by Herrera
and Susaeta on the sides, Muniainon the top and Iturraspe at the base
(diagram 64.0).
On diagram 64.01 Muniain converges, receives the ball and drives it
towards the inside. De Marcos makes a diagonal movement and
receives the pass from Bilbao’s left forward.
On diagram 64.1 Iturraspe receives the pass from Martinez and moves
forward with the ball. Muniain drops back in order to take up a position
towards an available passing lane. Susaeta does the same, while
Herrera moves towards the side line and adjusts his body shape to
receive a potential pass. Aurtenetxe moves in an advanced position to
exploit the free space, as Herrera is in a covering position.
Muniain drives the ball and makes a pass towards De Marcos who
moves diagonally behind No.4.
If the pass towards De Marcos is not possible due to the fact that the
opposition’s defenders have shielded the central zone, Muniain directs
the ball towards the side line where Iraola has made a forward run. The
last one gets a cross into the box.
On diagram 64.4 No.6 blocks the potential pass to Muniain,
so Iturraspe makes a pass to Susaeta. Susaeta passes to De Marcos
who drops deep and as Bilbao creates a numbers up situation on the
right side of the field (3v2), No.3 doesn’t make a move to close De
Marcos down as he is already between two opposition’s players. <![if
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De Marcos passes to Iraola on the right and the last one gets a cross into
the box.
On diagram 65.0 Llorente is the player who moves on the top of the
rhombus shape and receives the ball fromIturraspe. De Marcos
and Muniain move to provide passing options.
Martinez passes to Iturraspe towards the centre. Bilbao’s defensive
midfielder
moves
forward
with
the
ball,
whileSusaeta, Muniain and Llorente seek to take up positions towards
the available passing options.
As the pass towards Muniain is blocked, Llorente receives the pass
from Iturraspe and passes back to Muniain.
Muniain drives the ball towards the inside and has three available
passing options.
As
soon
as Iturraspe receives
and
moves
forward
with
the
ball, Llorente drops back to receive. De Marcos attacks the free space
behind him and receives the long ball.
On diagram 66.1 Iturraspe receives and moves forward. The players in
front of the man in possession seek to take up positions towards the
available passing lanes.
Due to the fact that the pass towards Muniain is blocked by
No.6, Llorente drops back to provide a passing option. No.4 follows his
move and space is created behind him. De Marcos attacks this space
and receives the long ball fromBilbao’s defensive midfielder.
On diagram 67.0 the rhombus shape is created this time by Susaeta on
the top.
On diagram 67.01 Iturraspe passes to Susaeta. Bilbao’s right forward
drives the ball towards the inside and has two available passing options.
Martinez passes to Iturraspe. Susaeta moves towards the available
passing option in front of the man in possession. Herrera and De Marcos
move towards the side lines retaining at the same time the correct body
shape in order to provide passing options. As both the wingers are
placed in advanced positions the attacking midfielder’s positioning
enables the team to maintain its balanced.
Susaeta drives the ball towards the inside and has three available
passing options.
On diagram 67.3 Iturraspe directs the ball to Herrera and Bilbao’s
while Aurtenetxe takes advantage of the free space on the left. This
players’ positioning enables Bilbao to outnumber the opposition on the
left as there is a 3v2 situation.
As No.2 cannot move forward to contest Muniain, the youngster turns
and passes to Aurtenetxe on the flank. The last one gets a cross into the
box.
On diagram 67.5 No.2 decides to follow Muniain’s movement deep in the
field. This action creates space on the flank for Aurtenetxe who receives,
moves forward and gets a cross.
On diagram 68.0 Llorente drops back and Muniain takes advantage of
the space created in the central zone.
On diagram 68.1 as soon as Iturraspe receives the pass from Martinez,
both Susaeta and Llorente move towards the available passing lanes.
Due to the fact that No.5 follows Llorente’s movement, space is created
behind him. Muniain exploits this space and receives the long pass
from Iturraspe.
On diagram 68.3, in a similar to the previous situation, No.2 shifts
towards
the
centre
to
restrict
the
available
space
forMuniain. Iturraspe chooses to direct the ball towards Aurtenetxe on
the left. Aurtenetxe receives and moves forward with the ball.
He finally gets a cross into the box targeting Muniain Susaeta and Iraola.
Susaeta receives the ball and drives the ball towards the centre. He has
three available passing options.
On diagram 69.1 Iturraspe receives from Martinez. The players in front of
the man in possession move towards the available passing options.
Iturraspe passes to Susaeta and the last one drives the ball towards the
inside.
On diagram 69.3 Susaeta after moving forward with the ball has three
available passing options.
On diagram 70.0 is presented a combination that usually took place
when Iturraspe dropped back towards the side line and formed a three
man defence. In these cases if Bilbao’s defensive midfielder couldn’t
pass the ball to the players in front of him, there was usually a switch of
play towards the opposition’s weak side. In this specific situation the long
ball is directed to Martinez who moves in an advanced position.
On diagram 70.1 the white team tries to defend successfully on their right
side. Iturraspe decides to pass the ball towards Martinez on the right.
Martinez moves forward and passes to Iraola who is placed near the side
line. De Marcos together with Iraola andSusaeta seek to outnumber the
opposition on the right. The ball ends up on De Marcos’ possession. The
new man in possession gets the cross into the box.
On diagram 70.3 it is De Marcos this time who drops back and
receives Iturraspe’s pass.
De Marcos passes to Herrera who passes to Susaeta and moves to
exploit the available space behind No.3. Susaetahas two available
passing options.
On diagram 70.5 Susaeta drops back and receives the pass, while at the
same time De Marcos makes a movement towards the side line.
De Marcos receives the pass and passes to Iraola who has already
made an overlapping run. Iraola moves forward and gets a cross into the
box.
On diagram 71.0 Iturraspe drops back towards the right. In situations
similar to this one, due to the fact that Amorebietawasn’t equally
comfortable with the ball to Martinez, Herrera was usually the player who
dropped back to receive the pass from Iturraspe.
On diagram 71.1 Herrera drops back and receives the pass
from Iturraspe.
Herrera passes to Muniain who converges towards the centre and
receives unmarked as No.2 doesn’t follow him. He has two available
passing options.
On diagram 71.3, in a similar to the previous situation, No.2
follows Muniain. The pass is directed to Aurtenetxe who takes advantage
of the free space on the left. Bilbao’s left fullback moves forward and gets
a cross into the box.
ATHLETIC BILBAO ATTACKING PHASE DRILLS
ATHLETIC BILBAOATTACKING PHASE DRILLS
Measurement: 40 X 50m
Players: 12 + GK
Description: The drill starts with the goalkeeper in possession. The coach calls
the name of the player of the white team who is going to put pressure on the
goalkeeper (on diagrams 1 and 2 he calls ‘B’). As a result of this movement one
of the central defenders (No.5 or No.24) is left without marking. As the central
passing lane is free the ball is directed towards the defensive midfielder No.8,
who after getting free of marking, he passes towards the free man No.24. The
winger No.14 drops back either to get free of marking and receive, or to create
space for the fullback down the flank. No.24 directs the ball towards No.14
(diagram 1) or towards No.15 (diagram 2) and after a combination between the
players the ball ends up on one of the neutral players’ possession. The last one
makes a long pass towards the goalkeeper and the drill starts again. On
diagrams 3 and 4 the goalkeeper after being under the opponent’s pressure he
passes the ball towards the sides, as the central passing lane is blocked. On
diagram 3 the pass from No.24 is directed towards No.14 while in diagram 4 it is
directed towards the centre forward. No.24 can also choose to direct the ball to
No.15 as it is shown in diagram 2. After the passing combination the neutral
player makes a long ball to the goalkeeper.
The players can either stay in the same positions in order to work more
specifically or they can move one position forward in order to work more
generally.
Objectives:
Synchronized movements
Coaching points:
Quality passing
Timing runs
ATTACKING FROM THE BACK 2
Measurement: Half of the field
Players: 13 + GK
Description: 7 + GK v 6. The SSG starts with the goalkeeper in possession.
The black team tries to move the ball beyond the half way line by starting the
build-up from the goalkeeper. The white team tries to defend successfully, win
the ball and score a goal against the black team.
Objectives:
Attacking from the back
Synchronized movements
Coaching points:
Quality passing
Timing runs
Measurement: 2/3 of the field
Players: 20 + 2 GK
Description: 11 v 11 in the 2/3 of the field. The only restriction is that the black
team always starts to build-up from the goalkeeper. The black team tries to use
the movements that were used in the previous drill (attacking from the back 1)
in order to create and exploit space as well as to create numbers up situations
in certain areas of the field. As soon as the white players win possession, they
try to score.
Objectives:
Attacking from the back
Synchronized movements
Coaching points:
Quality passing
Timing runs
Of the ball movement
Quick and accurate finishing
Measurement: About the 2/3 of the field with two yellow and two blue marked
areas)
Players: 9 + GK. As the drill progresses three white players are added.
Description: There are 9 players in positions indicated by the red cones. The
coach directs the ball to one of the four defenders. The new ball carrier moves
forward with the ball, while the winger of the strong side moves from the yellow
marked area to the blue one in order to create space in the yellow area. The
created space is exploited by one of the attacking midfielders (diagrams 1, 2, 4
and 5) or the centre forward (diagram 3). There is only one target man in the
box (usually No.9 except for diagram’s 3 situation) in order for the crosses to be
accurate.
The players can either stay in the same positions in order to work more
specifically or they can move one position forward in order to work more
generally.
Progression:
The wingers as well as the centre forward are being marked by defenders (diagram 6). The defenders
mark their direct opponents in a passive way in order to create a more realistic situation.
Objectives:
To create and exploit the free space
Synchronized movements
Quality passing
Timing runs
Accurate crossing
Quick and accurate finishing
Measurement: About the 2/3 of the field with two yellow areas on the flanks
and one blue area lower on the field)
Players: 13 + GK
Description: 5 + 4 v 4 + GK. There are 1 v 1 situations on the flanks and a 3 v
2 situation in the central zone (diagram 1). The four defenders pass the ball to
each other. When one of them decides to move forward with the ball the winger
makes a movement to create space (diagram 2 and 4), or to get free of marking
(diagram 3) receive and turn. In the second case (diagram 3) a 4 v 3 situation is
created on the field.
The fullbacks are told to react in a different way (to follow the winger or to
defend the space) in order for the attackers and the midfielders to learn to adapt
in the situation rising on the field.
Restrictions:
The weak side’s players (fullback and winger) don’t take part in the attacking maneuver.
The central defenders of the opposition cannot move into the yellow areas.
The fullbacks can move in all three areas, however if they decide to follow the winger deeper into the
blue area, they cannot get back into the yellow or the central one.
During the crosses only No.9, No.10 and No.21 can move into the box against the two opposition’s
central defenders.
Objectives:
To create and exploit the free space on the flanks
Synchronized movements
Coaching points:
Quality passing
Timing runs
Accurate crossing
Quick and accurate finishing
