Thread by @thewittyjack

quick reflections on @ReneMaric article addressing the (at the time) unconventional usage of Rafinha by Pep Guardiola.

specifically in "libero" or "inverted FB" situations in Bayern vs Koln in 2015.

Rene already addressed some key in-possession advantages to the inversion of Rafinha from a traditional FB position into central areas such as:

- confusion regarding marking responsibilities on Koln's left side
- extra middle passes
- central RD protection

the earliest Koln counterattack (10th minute) highlighted structural sub-optimalities in Bayern's possession / rest-defense occupations.

- Rafinha's traditional FB position (widest in a 3+1 RD base against Koln's 1 CF) created empty central space for Koln to transition into,

as Schweini steps up to counterpress at moment of possession loss, the redundancy of Rafinha's position allows Koln accessing central space.

- a subtle effect of Rafinha's positioning is that Koln's LM does not have to worry about marking Rafinha until Rafinha progresses into Koln's half.

-- this allows Koln's LM to have space to attack both centrally and towards Rafinha as a function of Rafinha's deep position.

we see Rafinha receiving instructions from the sideline (assumed to be Pep)

- Rafinha begins to invert into what @ReneMaric described as a "libero" role.

- RD staggering is a point of emphasis, not enough to have #s, must be staggered appropriately.

- emphasis on Rest-Defense staggering is that "lines" or "lanes" both horizontally and vertically are occupied, even (+1) suggest ample Rest-Defense support, ineffective if not staggered well.

- imagine a Rest-Defense entirely on the same vertical / horizontal line for effect.

- here we see the positioning of Rafinha creating difficultly for Koln LM to attack space in potential transitions, as he has to compact / narrow to follow Rafinha.

- if Koln's LM chooses not to step out, Rafinha can receive freely / break the press.

- the adjustment of Rafinha's position is beneficial in the build-up, also allowed Bayern to effectively control Koln's transitional threat.

- an understated element of Rest-Defense is horizontal / vertical coverage, numbers are not enough if not allocated to multiple zones.

- Rafinha's positioning creates confusion on who's responsible for stepping out to meet Rafinha within Koln's block

- confusion leads to HS reception for Bayern as Koln's CM steps out to Rafinha (LM confused as to tuck in or block pass into Robben)

https://t.co/d5lDb5umr1 twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

- subsequently, when Koln's LM steps out to pressure Rafinha, a potential 2nd man involvement of Schweini (#31) would capitalize on the abandoned space of Koln's LM

--a constant coverage dilemma, both for possession options and transitional possibilities for Koln's LM.

--- Robben completely available to receive into 1v1 situation, where he would capitalize on his Qualitative Superiority.

- (secret benefit), the amount of distance Koln's LM would have to recover to double-up on Robben is a direct consequence of Rafinha's positioning.

- we can see what Rene mentioned as a 2-3-4-1 forming, the modulation of Bayern's Rest-Defense, impacting all phases

- note the asymmetrical nature of the 2-3, space allocation / staggering equally as important as +1s

- coverage of all horizontal / vertical lanes, perfect.

- what is extremely impressive is how quickly Pep adapted to a particularity in this match, adjusting his structure within FIVE minutes to correct sub-optimalities that emerged out of ONE Koln transition.

-/ Rafinha's positioning is a little Stones-ian, isn't it?

thanks to @ReneMaric for educating all of us.

end of thread.