Progressive Football: Martinez Novell's Toulouse 4-3-3

CARLES MARTINEZ NOVELL'S TOULOUSE 4-3-3 MASTERCLASS

Hi guys
this is my emulation of Carles Martinez Novell's Toulouse 2024-25 tactic.

Let's see the tactical analysis:

Carles Martinez Novell's arrival at Toulouse FC was more than just a managerial change; it was the installation of a clearly defined playing philosophy. A former student and coach at La Masia, Novell has shaped Les Violets into a side that, in the 2024/2025 season, represents the culmination of his work: a balanced blend of defensive solidity and a progressive style of play centered on possession and talent development.
Core Principles: Adaptability and 'Catalan Spirit'
The hallmark of Novell's Toulouse is its adaptability. While the base formation might shift between a 4-3-3 and a 5-4-1 in the defensive phase, the system is not rigid. This flexibility allows the team to dominate the midfield against technical opponents or to erect a defensive "wall" against more physical teams.
The "heart" of the strategy is the quick transition between phases:
1. Building from the Back (La Masia DNA): The goalkeeper and center-backs (often two Ball-Playing Defenders) are the first playmakers. The goal is to bypass the opponent's initial pressing line with short, precise passes, immediately creating numerical superiority in midfield.
2. Central Midfield Pivotal Role: The central pivot (typically a Regista or a Deep-Lying Playmaker) is crucial. He receives the ball between the lines and orchestrates play, exploiting the mobility of the attacking midfielders (often Box-to-Box Midfielders) who make runs into space.
Offensive Phase: The Progressive Game
Toulouse's offensive play is geared towards creating numerical superiority on the flanks. This is not just about crossing; it's a strategic movement to isolate the opponent's full-back.
• External Triangulations: The wide forward (Winger or Inside Forward in a supporting role), the full-back (Wing-Back or Full-Back pushing high), and the central midfielder combine in quick passing triangles. The forward, if playing on the inverted foot, tends to cut inside, freeing up space for the full-back's overlap.
• Striker's Role: The central striker is not merely a finisher but a Pressing Forward or False Nine. His movement dictates the press, but also involves dropping deep to create space for the central midfielders' late runs, a typical move in Catalan-inspired systems.
• Patience and Precision: The team seeks to "work the ball into the box," avoiding rushed crosses or shots, emphasizing the quality of the finishing action.
Defensive Phase: The New-Found Solidity
The "new-found solidity" is the factor that has stabilized Toulouse's results. It is not a defensive bunker, but a high, intense, and organized press.
• Gegenpressing (Counter-Pressing): As soon as the ball is lost, the reaction is immediate and fierce. Surrounding players close down the opponent to recover possession in advanced areas, exploiting the opponent's disorganised defensive transition.
• High and Compact Line: The defensive line is maintained high (often with a Sweeper Keeper in support) to shorten the pitch and aid the press. This makes the midfield extremely compact.
• Defensive Adaptability: Against teams excelling in long balls, the team is instructed to drop into a medium-low block, prioritizing protection of the penalty area over an obsessive press, showcasing the tactical intelligence imparted by Novell.
In conclusion, Carles Martinez Novell's Toulouse 2024/2025 is a tactical machine built on instruction, Catalan identity, and discipline. It is a model of modern football that focuses on reasoned progression and the ability to never compromise on its offensive identity, while maintaining an enviable defensive 'garra'.

In my video on my youtube channel you can see tactical breakdown through the tactical board, fm 24 save stats, highlights and the tactic emulation guide.


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