The best managers are vultures: Chelsea’s current three at the back
By Travis Tyler
3. Gian Piero Gasperini’s half a dozen of one, six of the other switches of play
Gasperini’s Atalanta plays 100 miles a minute and the whole idea of positions is really just a suggestion given how fluid they are. But there are two concepts Gasperini’s Atalanta uses that are reflected in Tuchel’s 3-4-3 that are worth noting.
The first is the overload. Now, most teams worldwide practice overloads but Gasperini’s take that up to 11. Almost literally. It is not unusual to see all but one player over on a flank before switching to the lone man on the opposite side. What makes them dangerous is how quickly they shift over in support.
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Tuchel isn’t quite that extreme but he does see his side get close at times. It is not unusual at all to see both members of the pivot come short to assist the inside forward, wingback, and wide centerback before switching to the far side wingback. Against Everton, Tuchel could constantly be heard urging his side to switch to Reece James in acres of space.
The second concept is the fluidity of the front three based largely on one player. Until recently for Atalanta, that player was Papu Gomez. Gomez was, on paper, the 10 behind two strikers. In practice he was a bit of everything. If the buildup required an inside forward on that side, he would move over to do just that. If it required a 10, he’d do that. And if it required a false nine, he also was able to do that.
It was much the role Kai Havertz played against Everton but also one Mason Mount has been doing as well. It follows an idea that a team only ever needs one wide forward at a time. If the ball is coming down one flank, that flank needs a forward to help but is there a need for one on the opposite flank at the same time? Not really, and especially not if the team is able to shift over to assist when play is switched.
This concept is generally known as minimum width. Have as few players on the far side as possible while still allowing yourself a way to switch the play. Atalanta does this and Chelsea do as well. It requires a ton of teamwork but when the squad is properly motivated and trained, it can be devastating.