Talking about gegenpressing, some people might associate it with the figure of Jurgen Klopp or German football in the modern era. That’s natural, because pressing has become a key element of the typical German football tactical trend, which has recently become a global football tactical trend.
In the Premier League alone, apart from Klopp, there are also Thomas Tuchel (Chelsea) and Ralf Ragnick (Manchester United) who have a similar strategy, with their respective styles, and both come from Germany. Ragnick himself is known as the inventor of the gegenpressing system in Germany. Arguably, he is the European version of Marcelo Bielsa, having inspired coaches in Germany, including Klopp and Tuchel.
That still doesn’t include Ralph Hassenhuttl (Southampton), a coach from Austria who is also a former student of Ralf Ragnick. Or, Antonio Conte (Tottenham Hotspur) who is known to have the Italian version of gegenpressing, and Marcelo Bielsa with Latino style at Leeds United. Under ideal conditions, gegenpressing is a fairly pleasing strategy, as there are fast transitions and constant pressure, which makes for an exciting match. There’s no reason to be sleepy because you’re bored with the game.
The problem is, if this strategy runs in non-ideal conditions, the game scheme will fall apart. The actual example is present, when Wolverhampton Wanderers overthrew Manchester United 0-1 at Old Trafford.In this match, the Red Devils were caught in a less than ideal situation, because Wolves had a powerful counter strategy, namely by allowing the opponent to gain possession of the ball.
This strategy usually makes team play with a gegenpressing strategy less developed. They are actually able to develop when they lose possession of the ball, because they can play more effectively. There is a slight gap, attack immediately. This tactic is less than ideal for a team that excels in possession of the ball. Unless, if the team has the best playmaker, or has fast players.
At Old Trafford, Ralf Ragnick was really confused, because it was Wolverhampton who were able to implement the gegenpressing strategy well. Appearing in a formation of three centre-backs, Bruno Lange’s side were able to press constantly from start to finish, and kept United’s back line busy. On the other hand, the attacks of Cristiano Ronaldo et al actually seemed sluggish, because their game did not develop.
As a result, Ragnick’s gegenpressing strategy turned into depressing, because his team was under a lot of pressure. The situation looks even worse, because Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani this time look passive, because the aggressiveness of Conor Coady et al has successfully limited their space. Cleverly, when United began to look tired, Bruno Lange then entered the fast Adama Traore in the middle of the second half. What can I do, the Manchester Red team’s defense is in disarray.
From the action of this stocky player, the winning goal began. His bait could indeed be anticipated by the Red Devils’ defense, but Joao Moutinho’s wild ball was successfully dropped into a goal. This goal changed the score to 0-1 and lasted until the long whistle sounded by the referee. This result marked the German coach’s first defeat as United’s interim coach.
Obviously, there is still a lot that the former RB Leipzig boss needs to work on, so that this season can feel even better at the Dream Theater. Previously a warning had appeared when United drew 1-1 versus Newcastle United. Now, the warning is getting clearer. On the other hand, Wolves’ first win in 4 decades at Old Trafford showed that the change of coach, from Nuno Espirito Santo to Bruno Lange, showed a general improvement in quality.
Although it is rather rare to score many goals in one game this season, the Portuguese coach has succeeded in making the Wolves a formidable opponent for a strong team in the English League. Evidently, so far Adama Traore et al have only lost 0-1 to Liverpool and Manchester City, and were able to hold Chelsea to a goalless draw.
Here, their disciplined defense is able to combine with an effective counter-attack strategy. This alloy is capable of being a difficult opponent, capable of turning gegenpressing into depressing, in just half a season. As technology advances, a trending tactic is easier to learn, but counter-strategies are also emerging more quickly. This is one reason why modern football is so dynamic.
ASL
