As a result, at the MBP School of Coaches<\/a>, we set out to analyse the defensive phase of Newcastle, highlighting their main principles of play, as well as examining the game fundamentals that they execute the most efficiently.<\/p>\n Tactical Analysis<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Creating turnover opportunities<\/u><\/p><\/blockquote>\n The extra training time enjoyed by Newcastle due to their lack of European football commitments is shown in their high levels of organisation through the different moments of the game in the defensive phase. This is evident when in a high-block where Newcastle aim to \u2018force the opponent into disadvantageous situations to create turnover opportunities\u2019.<\/p>\n Structured in a 4-3-3, Newcastle aim to reduce the on-ball player\u2019s options. In the zone of intervention, the central striker will cover the pass between both opposition centre backs while the midfield line step up to man-mark all other passing options nearby. The nearest winger to the ball has the most critical role, as they aim to pressure from \u2018out-to-in\u2019, leaving the on-ball player with limited options to play short.<\/p>\n The Magpies main focus is to provoke the opposition to play long in these scenarios. The reduction of nearby options as well as the intensity in their pressing on the ball often forces the on-ball opponent to rush aerial balls which result in favourable situations for Newcastle. The team\u2019s defensive line excels in aerial duels, often enabling the team to win back possession comfortably.<\/p>\n When stationed deeper in a mid-block, Newcastle prioritise defending the inside spaces to again bait situations where they can jump to pressure the ball and win it back. Stationed in a 4-5-1, the higher number of players in the midfield line means they can occupy the inside spaces better when defending in the central channel. This aspect also helps to give greater coverage to the ball when the opposition do play wide.<\/p>\n The optimal application of individual central midfield defensive fundamentals such as \u2018defending zonally to maintain the defensive balance\u2019 and \u2018identifying the defensive responsibility\u2019 allows Newcastle to have a high control of these game situations.<\/p>\n With their options to progress the ball cut out, often the opponent is forced to circulate it back through their defensive line. This provokes another trigger for the nearest player from the midfield line to jump and press. Often, the sudden change of \u2018defensive rhythm\u2019 destabilises the opponent resulting in them playing backwards to maintain possession. As seen in the below picture, the Newcastle striker, whether it by Alexander Isak or Callum Wilson, will chase down the passes all the way back to the goalkeeper in order to force the long pass.<\/p>\n These situations can turn into promising counterattacks for the Magpies. Upon wining the 2nd<\/sup> ball, often the opposition are in a wide-open attacking structure with open gaps to exploit on the transition through their quick wingers in Jacob Ramsey and Allan Saint-Maximin.<\/p>\n Defending the Box<\/u><\/p><\/blockquote>\n The previously mentioned aerial strengths of the Newcastle defensive line are a key asset when defending the penalty area. The conditional structure of defenders such as Fabian Schar, Sven Botman and 6\u20196 left back Dan Burn allows them to be dominant in duels due to their upper body strength and height. This is reflected in the excellent application of the Z1 Universal Fundamental of \u2018Individually Defending The Attackers In The Box In Crossing Moments\u2019.<\/p>\n It is the execution of the finer micro-concepts of this fundamental which gives the defenders a greater control in the defence of their mark. Each player cleverly uses their body to impede the opponent\u2019s run and cunningly uses such tactics as blocks with their arms to disrupt the attacker\u2019s momentum.<\/p>\n![\"Newcastle](\"https:\/\/mbpschool.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/MicrosoftTeams-image-1-1024x576.png\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Newcastle](\"https:\/\/mbpschool.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-1024x576.png\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Newcastle](\"https:\/\/mbpschool.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/MicrosoftTeams-image-3-1024x576.png\" "\\"\\"")
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![\"Newcastle](\"https:\/\/mbpschool.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/MicrosoftTeams-image-4-1024x576.png\" "\\"\\"")
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