Three teams that have used defensive formations

To be successful in football, a squad must implement a certain philosophy and this post will look at 3 sides that did just that.


There are many ways to play football, in a defensive style frequently being favoured by a few teams, and this article will evaluate 3 of them. The main benefit of using a defensive football strategy is of course that you will concede much less goals. While this may be obvious, it is a lot more difficult to carry out successfully than one may first think. By setting up to defend, you tempt the opposition to pin you back and you have very modest possession. Fundamentally in football, the less you have the ball, the more likely you are to concede, and less likely you are to score. The model has been used successfully in the past however, with Italian teams being the most notable for it. The new AC Milan owner may consider returning back to the famed side’s style that saw them win every prize there is right back in the 90’s. This style was grounded in using a secure defence, some outstanding creative players in midfield and then a lightning fast and ruthless striker. The features of defensive football formations meant the strikers have very limited opportunities, so any that are created should be capitalised on.

Modern English football is characterised by super fast paced, physical and attacking performance. However, a Portuguese manager has had triumph reverting to defensive formations. The change to defensive football may not be the most eye-catching method, but it did have the support of the Chelsea owner who provided him a huge transfer funds for a few years. Some fans may demand a specific style of play when they go enjoy a match, but many would pursue awards over style any time. The most successful years for the team were under the Portuguese coach and that is mainly down to the precise nature of his formations. The plan associated with his formations was to use the competitors attacks against them by counter attacking whenever the opposition players moved forward.

About the most effective teams currently that plays in a defending way is the red and white club from the Spanish capital. The two Atletico Madrid owners have enjoyed the benefits from their team using a style that is solid at the back, with among the most formidable defences in Europe. The club is dominated by defensive football players, and a goalkeeper with one of the finest clean sheet records in Europe. This form has seen them win the league, prosper in cup competitions and likewise remain competitive in the best European tournament, the Champions League. Some people feel like this way of playing football is practically anti-football, but the teams successes implies the opposite, and they have been praised by ex-professionals and pundits for the durability of the club and its work ethic.

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