Counter 4-1-4-1 OP

This is a 4-1-4-1 tactic aimed at keeping a good defensive structure and also counter attacking with real intent.


Goalkeeper :defend
Must be a good shot stopper so as to help you make countless saves.

Fullbacks (DR/DL) : support
They maintain their shape while defending and offer supporting runs during fast breaks and also cross the ball early into the box when in possession.

Central defender : defend
Must be good tacklers and readers of the game. they also lookt o spraying the ball forward quickly to initiate counter attacks.

Anchor man: defend
His main role is to shield the back 4 from opposition counter attacks and also offer a passing option to the team when in possession.

Box to box midfielder : support
Helps the team while defending and also runs into space during fast breaks to offer support to team mates.

Advanced play maker : support
Helps initiate counter attacks and plays as the attacking focal point of the team when in possession.

Wingers (MR/ML) : attack
Helps the team in defending by maintaining the team shape and also runs at opposition defence when in possession of the ball. They also contribute defensively by trying to win tackles and intercepting the ball (look at the TWN and INT rows).
vs Man Utd
vs Barca

Deep lying forward or Complete Foward : support
Holds up play in the oppositions half so as to invite his team mates to attack.

TEAM INSTRUCTIONS

The most important instructions are the mentality, team shape, width, tempo, closing down and the passing.
The mentality is definitely counter.
The team shape should be fluid or very fluid since you would want the whole team to defend and also be involved in attacks. I would suggest starting with very fluid.
The width should be narrow so as to make sure you are difficult to break down by any opposition.
The tempo should be higher so as to ensure that the ball is passed around quicker during fast breaks.
Closing down should be sometimes so as to maintain the team shape. Much less closing down gives the opposition to much time on the ball whereas much more closing down creates gaps in your formation.
Passing should be mixed so as to play both long and short passes when attacking.
Also include pass into space and use offside trap in your instructions.

RESULTS

vs Madrid in a friendly at home (we hit the post 3 times)
vs Man Utd in a premier league game
vs liverpool in a premier league game i was expected to loose
vs bayern in a friendly
vs Man utd in the community shield
vs Barca in the champions league super cup
vs Atletico champions league semifinal first leg
vs Atletico champions league semifinal second leg
vs Atletico friendly
vs PSG champions league final
current season

MATCH TRAINING AND PREPARATION
For match training keep it on defending the week before the game.
For match preparation, concentrate on defensive positioning.

NB
Always listen to the assistant coach for opposition instructions.
Make sure you also start with team shape as very fluid.