Wearside Press & Punish 25/26

Formation

4-3-3 Narrow / Custom Gegenpress

AF (A) – Brobbey → spearhead, pure chaos in the box.

IF (S) – Adingra & Traoré → inside forwards driving diagonally, link with Brobbey.

CM (S) – Le Fée → creative link, tempo controller.

CM (Xhaka) – CM (X) → steel, long rangers, keeps shape.

DM (S) – Geertruida → anchor that distributes + snuffs counters.

FB (A) – Reinildo & Mukiele → overload flanks, provide extra width.

CDs – Ballard & Alderete → solid aerial presence.

SK (S) – Patterson → initiates buildup, sweeps behind high line.

Tactical Instructions
In Possession

Shorter Passing + Pass Into Space – disciplined build-up but lethal balls into space.

Run At Defence – unleash IFs in 1v1 duels.

Focus Play Down Left & Right – wing overloads, stretch opponents.

Higher Tempo + Narrow – suffocates central areas, quick ball circulation.

In Transition

Counter & Counter-Press – instant regains, strike before opponent settles.

Roll It Out – quick distribution to defenders for fast buildup.

Out of Possession

Much Higher Defensive Line + High Press – compress space, force mistakes.

Trigger Press Often – never let them breathe.

Get Stuck In + Prevent Short GK Distribution – bully opposition out of rhythm.

Narrow Defensive Width – funnel play inside where press traps await.

Strengths

Goals everywhere – Brobbey + IFs + late midfield runs.

Press traps suffocate weaker midfields.

Physically imposing backline supports high press.

Penalty-area shot creation – most goals scored inside box.

Weaknesses

Vulnerable to balls over the top against fast strikers.

Relies heavily on midfield engine (Le Fée/Xhaka/Geertruida).

Yellow cards risk with Get Stuck In.
Results Snapshot (25/26 Season)

5th in Premier League – Europa League secured.

85 league goals (joint top with City!).

Brobbey – breakout monster, 19 goals.

Played toe-to-toe with the Big Six and won.

Verdict

If you want Sunderland (or any underdog) to play like Klopp’s early Liverpool – heavy metal football, high pressing, goals from everywhere – this is the tactic. Wearside roars again.