The "Disciplined Fury" 4-3-3: A Klopp-Arteta Hybrid

Hi everyone,

I'm sharing a 4-3-3 DM tactic that I’ve built based on a specific hybrid philosophy:

This tactic isn't just another "plug-and-play" Gegenpress.
It’s designed to dominate the game through relentless, structured aggression.
We press like Klopp's "Heavy Metal" Liverpool, but we build up with the patience and positional discipline of Arteta's Arsenal.

The goal is Disciplined Fury.

The Philosophy: How It Works

The entire system is built on two conflicting, yet complementary, ideas:

Fury (The Klopp Engine): The transition phases are pure, aggressive Gegenpressing. We use Counter-Press and Counter. We lose the ball, we win it back. We win the ball, we launch a rapid attack.

Discipline (The Arteta Brain): Once we have possession, we don't just play "hoof ball." We are structured. We use Be More Disciplined, Dribble Less, and Work Ball Into Box. We use high-tempo, short passing to find the perfect opening, not just the first one.

The Formation: 4-3-3 DM Asymmetric

This is an asymmetric 4-3-3 designed to create overloads and exploit half-spaces.

(GK): Sweeper Keeper (Support)

(DR): Full-Back (Support) - More reserved, provides balance.

(DL): Wing-Back (Attack) - The main creative outlet, bombs forward to overlap.

(DCR/DCL): Ball-Playing Defenders (Defend)

(DM): Defensive Playmaker (Defend) - The pivot. Protects the defense, recycles possession.

(MCR): Mezzala (Support) - Attacks the right half-space, links up with the winger.

(MCL): Central Midfielder (Attack) - Makes late runs into the box, acts as a second striker.

(AMR): Winger (Support) - Holds the width, provides crosses, and creates space for the Mezzala.

(AML): Inverted Winger (Attack) - Cuts inside to shoot/pass, opening up the entire left flank for the WB(A).

(ST): Advanced Forward (Attack) - The primary goalscorer. Finishes the chances created by the system.

Key Team Instructions

This is where the hybrid philosophy comes to life.

In Possession: Patient & Purposeful

Mentality: Positive

Attack Width: Wide (Stretches the opponent)

Passing: Shorter Passing, Higher Tempo

Key Instructions: Work Ball Into Box, Be More Disciplined, Dribble Less.

Why? This combination forces your team to play fast, one-touch football. It prioritizes the team over the individual, reducing turnovers from risky dribbles and forcing intelligent, structured build-up.

In Transition: The Heart of the Tactic

When Possession Lost: Counter-Press (The Klopp Engine)

When Possession Won: Counter (The Klopp Payoff)

Distribution: Distribute to CBs/FBs & Roll It Out (Starts our disciplined build-up from the back).

Out of Possession: Total Suffocation

Line of Engagement: High Press

Defensive Line: Very High Line (Compresses the pitch)

Pressing: Trigger Press Much More Often, Get Stuck In (We are aggressive).

Key Instruction: Force Opposition Outside.

Why? We use the touchline as an extra defender. We trap them on the wings, where our aggressive press can win the ball back easily.

Player Requirements & Final Tips

This tactic is demanding. It will drain your players, so squad depth is key.


Non-Negotiables (All Players): High Work Rate, Stamina, Teamwork, and Decisions.

BPDs (Stoppers): Must be fast. You cannot play this high line with slow center-backs. Look for Pace & Acceleration (14+).

WB(A): Needs high Stamina, Work Rate, and Crossing. He is one of your main creators.

DLP(D): The brain. Needs high Passing, Vision, Decisions, and Positioning.

AF(A): The finisher. Needs Finishing, Composure, and Off The Ball.

Quick Tip: Against very strong teams away from home, you can start on a Balanced mentality and switch to Positive if you need a goal.

Give it a try and let me know how it works for you!

Note: The images were generated using Google Gemini to realistically reflect the mindset of the tactic.