Spurs’ Pre‑Season Tactical Shift Under De Zerbi

During pre‑season training, Tottenham have frequently found themselves in the middle of the pitch, with possession in the hands of their centre‑backs.

The plan remains consistent with De Zerbi’s philosophy: hold position, absorb pressure, circulate the ball centrally and create attacking opportunities for forwards in advanced areas.

The method’s success in 2022 prompted opposition coaches to devise strategies specifically designed to disrupt that approach.

Aware of De Zerbi’s preference for vertical, central play, opposing teams have prioritised clogging the midfield channel to restrict that route.

Opponents have responded with a compact, narrow defensive block that limits space for Tottenham’s centre‑backs to link with holding midfielders. In response, De Zerbi has explored alternatives, either by pulling central players out of their usual positions or by exploiting the wide areas.

A clear illustration of these adjustments can be seen in Tottenham’s 3‑0 pre‑season victory over Hoffenheim.

Hoffenheim adopted a 4‑4‑2 shape focused on defensive midfield coverage, creating an exceptionally narrow midfield block. Their right‑ and left‑midfielders were positioned almost like additional central mids, and both strikers screened the space in front of Tottenham’s holding pair.

When in possession, Tottenham resembled a 4‑2‑4 formation, which remains their go‑to configuration for managing such tight defensive structures.

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