Thread by @Barca_Buzz

A thread on Xavi's tactics from his Al Sadd days based on his interview with @CoachesVoice.

The analysis is done by our Analytics and Vizzes Expert: @__ElJdP.

Xavi says: "I've suffered as a footballer without the ball, and now even more so from the bench."

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@CoachesVoice @__ElJdP Ideal set-up:
• Wide wingers (stretch the pitch & distract).
• Advanced CM's in the "squares" (occupy)
• Central occupation (runs)
• Defensive midfielders (recycle possession)

As you'd expect from Xavi. The notion of squares: In the opponent's 4-4-2, find the holes & occupy.

@CoachesVoice @__ElJdP Set-up generating superiority:

From the beginning, Xavi points out that two forwards will get outnumbered by three, three forwards will get outnumbered by four.

Further up, players in the previously mentioned squares trap the opposition midfield: Superiority.

@CoachesVoice @__ElJdP Xavi 🗣 "In the end, all I want is to create numerical superiority, have the ball and create more chances than the opponent."

Xavi summarizes himself, much like Pep. His goal is to create 3v2 situations or any numerical superiority anywhere on the pitch. It doesn't matter where.

@CoachesVoice @__ElJdP Build-up phase:

Assuming this is a high-line (Question to ask: What if they counter-press? – Answer coming), Xavi wants to position wingers high enough to pin the opposition. With that said, the two remaining "free" defenders have to deal with three men (CMs + F9).

@CoachesVoice @__ElJdP Question: What happens in the first phase if there are no options? Would Xavi go long?

No, he wouldn't. Centre-backs dropping deep isn't a revolution, but one of the pivots would drop deep in the wings – let's count why.

Xavi's team is 8 v 6 in this case: Numerical Superiority.

@CoachesVoice @__ElJdP But what happens when they press high but will not fully commit?

Much like Europe has seen, you have a free man. Xavi beautifully shows a free lane that will force the opposition to make a choice: higher or deeper. Either way, Xavi will have 2 free men – find them!

@CoachesVoice @__ElJdP Xavi 🗣 "This is if they press high. However, against Al-Sadd, they normally tend to defend deep."

Perhaps one of the stylistic weak spots against Xavi: Yet he has mentioned his ideas earlier how he would break out w/ high press: Find the free man!

@CoachesVoice @__ElJdP What Xavi has encountered, however, are low-blocks. Heard of them in La Liga? No doubt.

Xavi 🗣 "We face them 90-95% of the time."

Often do opponents line-up in a 5 at the back, often are passing lanes stuck: But 1v1, or even shooting are options for advanced CMs.

@CoachesVoice @__ElJdP Question: What does Xavi want out of possession?

High press! Explaining the #9 would fix the centre-back, the other one would be covered by the advanced CM, should he manage to get out. The defensive midfielders immediately react and follow, so does everyone. Key: Attentiveness!

@CoachesVoice @__ElJdP The risk of his press: 1v1's. What Xavi wants is to deny any numerical superiority and relies in his players to win duels – that said, he assumes that the players will be able to do that.

He admits it is a risk "we take". It might be flawed but it outweighs the negatives.

@CoachesVoice @__ElJdP Should they play long, we drop deep but in *front* of our marker, Xavi explains. By doing so, you deny passing lanes and allow favorable transitions that even allow counter-pressing situations.

"The second ball is so important."
Not too much distance to win second balls safely.

@CoachesVoice @__ElJdP Xavi 🗣 "We had to change our philosophy a bit. I showed the players that the ball isn't a bomb, but a treasure. They should not feel responsibility when having the ball, but enjoy having the ball."

A new vision for most players.

@CoachesVoice @__ElJdP "We brought players like Guilherme and Cazorla, because they like having the ball and like those responsibilities."

Of course, having "better" players is always better – it explains why Xavi's Al-Sadd had improved.