This book provides a full tactical analysis of Diego Simeone's 4-4-2 Defending Tactics (123 Tactical Situations) for you the coach to learn from one of the best defensive coaches in the world.

Learn to how to Defend "from one of the best coaches in the world" with 47 Practices & Variations based on 123 Tactical Situations from Atlético Madrid's 4-4-2

Athanasios Terzis is a UEFA 'A' Licence Coach and has used this analysis of Atlético Madrid's tactics to produce 47 Practices and Variations. You can use these ready-made sessions to practice Diego Simeone's defending tactics and implement them into your training sessions.

Tactical organisation is the key to Atlético Madrid's success during Diego Simeone's reign. He has built a winning culture of commitment, passion, aggressiveness and commitment, and a winning game plan based on excellent defensive organisation.

They are extremely difficult to break down, even by the top attacking sides, like Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool, and have consistently been one of the toughest teams to play against in the whole of Europe.

Diego Simeone's Atlético Madrid have used these defending tactics to achieve great success when competing against teams with far greater resources. These are some examples of their incredible success against all odds:

• La Liga Winners (2014)
• UEFA Champions League Runners-up (2014 + 2016)
• UEFA Europa League Winners (2012 + 2014)
• UEFA Super Cup Winners (2012 + 2018)
• Copa Del Rey (2013)
• Fewest Goals Conceded in La Liga
  (2012-2013, 2013-2014, 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019)
• Most Clean Sheets in La Liga
  (2012-2013, 2013-2014, 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019)

Tactical Analysis and Session/Practice Topic Examples:

• How the Centre Backs Defend the Forwards' Movements
• Rear Block's Positioning and Movements to Control Wide Areas
• Pressing High Up the Pitch (from the Goalkeeper)
• Positioning of the Forwards to Prepare for Counter Attacks
• Counter-Pressing After Losing Possession During Combination Play

Practice Examples:

• Defensive Line Controlling Gaps Between Centre Backs and Full Backs
• Rear Block's Defensive Reactions After Wide Players Receive
• Controlling Wide Areas with the Rear Block in a Functional Practice
• Compact Midfield Line Blocking Through Passes in a Functional Game
• Negative Transition After Losing Possession in a Conditioned Game