Gegen What!?

Gengen pressing or counter-pressing, is a highly effective football tactic that has gained popularity in recent years. Although not creating it, Jurgen Klopp is largely credited with path to prominence during his time at Borussia Dortmund, in the German Bundesliga.

Gegen pressing involves applying high-intensity pressure on the opposition immediately after losing possession of the ball, with the aim of winning it back as quickly as possible. The basic idea behind gegen pressing is to disrupt the opposition's build-up play and force them into making mistakes.

As soon as the team loses possession of the ball, the players will swarm the opposition player in possession, using their collective energy and quick reactions to regain control of the ball. This can happen anywhere on the pitch, and the aim is to win the ball back as close to the opposition's goal as possible, giving the team a greater chance of scoring.

One of the key principles of gegen pressing is teamwork. Every player on the pitch must be fully committed to the tactic, working together to close down the opposition and win back the ball. This requires a high level of fitness and energy, as the players must cover a lot of ground and maintain their intensity throughout the game. It also requires a high level of tactical awareness, as the players must be able to anticipate the opposition's movements and react quickly to close down space and prevent passes.

Another important element of gegen pressing is the ability to transition quickly from defence to attack. Once the team has regained possession of the ball, they must be able to quickly move forward and create scoring opportunities. This requires a combination of speed, agility, and creativity, as the players must be able to make quick decisions and play incisive passes to unlock the opposition's defence.

So why has gegen pressing become such a popular tactic in modern football? One reason is that it is highly effective at disrupting the opposition's play and creating scoring opportunities. By applying intense pressure on the opposition immediately after losing possession of the ball, teams can win the ball back in dangerous areas of the pitch and create scoring opportunities. This can be particularly effective against teams that rely heavily on possession-based football, as it disrupts their rhythm and makes it difficult for them to build attacks.

Another reason for the popularity of gegen pressing is that it is well-suited to the modern game. With the increasing emphasis on fitness and athleticism in football, teams that can maintain a high level of intensity and pressure throughout the game have a significant advantage. Gegen pressing also requires a high level of tactical intelligence and teamwork, making it a great tool for coaches who want to develop their players' skills in these areas.

Klopp has implemented a version of gegen pressing at Liverpool FC.

If you're looking to take your team's performance to the next level, consider incorporating gegen pressing into your tactical approach, sport or business?