Julen Lopetegui Tactics: The Professor

Julen Lopetegui had no prior managerial experience at senior clubs before he began his professional career as a manager at

. Perhaps many are curious regarding Julen Lopetegui tactics at Porto or even

Julen Lopetegui tactics at Sevilla

.

At the 2003 UEFA European U-17 Championship, Lopetegui was one of Spain coach Juan Santisteban's assistants. Following the tournament, he took over as head coach of Rayo Vallecano, a team in the second division. Still, he was fired following the club's tenth match of the 2003–04 season, culminating in division three relegating. After working as, a sports commentator with Real Madrid Castilla, he returned to coaching, the team he played in the 1980s, currently in the third tier.

Lopetegui served with the young Spanish teams from 2010 to 2014, winning the European Under-19 Championship in 2012 and the European Under-21 Championship in 2013. Following the expiration of his contract, he departed the Royal Spanish Football Federation on April 30, 2014.

Few managers have restored their reputations to the level that Julen Lopetegui achieved after a tough 2018, in which Spain fired him on the eve of the World Cup for agreeing to join Real Madrid and then fired by Real Madrid four a half months later. With Sevilla, the Spaniard has subsequently set an exemplary example. He gave them the identity that garnered him a reputation with Spain U-21s, Porto, and after that, Spain's senior squad in his first entire season as their manager and encouraged them to qualify for the Champions League.

Julen Lopetegui Tactics at Porto: How Everything Shaped

Mauricio has the character of being a manager who can rely on young and Unknown players with great potential, and this is the whole story about

Julen Lopetegui tactics at Porto

.

FC Porto was seeking to send a message and re-establish their dominance in Liga Sagres after a poor 2013-14 season. Since the 1999-2000 season, the major three of Primeira Liga have been dominant, but Porto has been by far the most dominant of the three clubs, beginning with

's tenure. Porto has only lost the league three times since "The Special One" left the club at the start of the 2004-05 season.

Lopetegui brought the same mentality to Porto that he used with Spain's successful European championship-winning Under-21 squad in 2013. He was followed by Oliver Torres and Cristian Tello. Both clubs used a passing game with midfielders who were technically gifted.

Many believe

Julen Lopetegui tactics

started here, while there is some truth to that now. Porto devised a 4-3-3 attacking configuration that they built from the ground up. Their defensive line attempted to establish a quick link with the two pivots in midfield, Casemiro and Hector Herrera, in order to create an overload that would help them attack;

and Hector also provided the defensive cover needed for their influential full-backs Danilo and Alex Sandro to join attacks. 

Lopetegui's use of a false nine or withdrawn striker to drag a central defender out of position and create an imbalance in rival defenses is another common aspect of his sides. At Porto, Yacine Brahimi played such role, combining with others around him with his back to goal before combining with the rest of the team.

Julen Lopetegui tactics

was all about reading games, analyzing opponents in the best way possible, one-touch passing, smart placement, and making the proper finishing at the right time.

When Lopetegui's teams aren't in possession, they have a comparable consistency. Porto's counter-press was accompanied by a high and compact defensive block; this intense press was mostly directed towards wider territory in an attempt to force the ball outwards as they pressed, with a full-back, a midfielder, and the nearest defensive midfielder aggressively pressing the ball once their attackers had forced it into wider territory.

Porto were also very good at obstructing passing lanes, which they used in conjunction with their press to limit opponents' choices. Because their disciplined center defenders Maicon Roque and

worked hard to keep Lopetegui's preferred shape, they were able to consistently provide protection against direct attacks.

Julen Lopetegui Tactics at Spain: The Real One

As the replacement to Vicente del Bosque as Spain's coach, Lopetegui rebuilt the national squad while maintaining the identity that had brought them so much success. Julen Lopetegui tactics at Spain were to gain numerical advantages from the first pass to work the ball forward and reach the attacking half in a well-organized set-up.

Alba, Iniesta, and Isco's passing approach, which included triangles, a third player, changes of pace, and short passes, allowed them to maintain their desired overloads and create their most consistent goalscoring opportunities. Spain pushed in a 4-3-3 formation and, when possible, a well-organized high block in which every player knew who he needed to mark.

To maintain their desired defensive shape and protect their key defenders, they also realized when an intensive press was better to close down spaces or guide opponents into certain areas. They reorganized to adopt a 4-1-4-1 if a mid-block was required; whether defending with a mid-block or pressing into their attacking half, they offered a similar wider press to Porto's.

When a wide forward moved to take on an opposing center defender or defensive midfielder, the full-back behind him advanced and aggressively applied the press's second phase, and their midfield three covered passes back infield. The spare wide forward went infield to remain ready to engage from behind the striker while their striker worked to prevent switches of play.

The Journey of Julen Lopetegui Tactics at Real Madrid

Julen Lopetegui tactics at Real Madrid are rooted in modern football. Julen Lopetegui announced his appointment as Real Madrid manager on August 15, 2018.

For Real Madrid, the summer of 2018 has been hectic. Cristiano Ronaldo finally left the Spanish capital for a new challenge at Juventus. Florentino Perez surprisingly declined to dip into his bank account to replace the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. At the same time, Zinedine Zidane also left Real earlier this year after leading them to three consecutive Champions League victories. Few could have imagined the series of events that unfolded after Perez chose Julen Lopetegui, the Spanish national team manager, to replace Zidane.

If his appointment was unexpected enough, how it was announced threw Spain's World Cup into disarray, with the president of the Spanish football federation, Luis Rubiales, only being informed of the decision five minutes before Madrid made it public, just two days before Spain's first World Cup game.

Rubiales was compelled to fire Lopetegui due to his perceived lack of professionalism, appointing Fernando Hierro as interim manager for the World Cup. At the same time, Lopetegui described his dismissal as the "saddest day" of his life.

Julen Lopetegui tactics at Real Madrid

were using two major formations: 4-2 3-1 and 4-3-3, both with the same personnel. Their style of play, which features fullbacks pushing high and a center midfielder sliding deep, allows them to switch between the two systems throughout a match if necessary. 

However, football memories are notoriously short, and most of this has already been forgotten before the new season begins. To account for Ronaldo's departure, Lopetegui has had to rejig the team. While there hasn't been a radical shift in tactics from the Zidane era, comparing Lopetegui's Madrid side to his time in command of Spain is instructive. While there are numerous familiar faces at Madrid, Lopetegui, like most modern managers, modifies his method based on the players at his disposal.

While there are several familiar faces at Madrid, the difference in approach is notable enough to demand consideration. Madrid started the season with a 4-2 defeat in the European Super Cup to city rivals

but won three of their first three league games against Getafe, Girona, and Leganes.

We'll now look at how Los Blancos played in these games and how it differed from Lopetegui's tactics when in charge of Spain. When it comes to playing style, Lopetegui falls squarely into the purists' camp. The importance of having possession of football cannot be overstated.

Based on availability and opposition, the formation and people might be changed. The philosophy, on the other hand, has not changed. The prized asset is moved around with caution, making tightly knit triangles.

Lopetegui's attack has two main components. The central areas are overburdened, as is the width. The major overload is required to hold the ball and generate openings by moving the opposing defense from side to side. Whether from a deeper position in the 4-3-3 or as the advanced playmaker in the 4-2-3-1, the third midfielder is charged with going forward to help attacking plays under Lopetegui's systems. 

Luka Modric has been eased into the

team following his World Cup exploits, making his first season in their most recent league encounter. Isco, a Lopetegui favorite, has taken over this duty in his absence. The Spaniard was a critical member of Lopetegui's Spain team, and he appears to be a cornerstone of his Madrid stay as well.

Whether Isco or Modric start, their task is clear: drift across the pitch to link up with the wide players and full-backs while looking to deliver the killer pass into the box. Their touch maps from games against Girona and Leganes are outstanding examples of this. Spain, led by Lopetegui, played similarly, seeking to push rapidly up the field with fast passing passes.

Isco was a vital component of this strategy, moving to either flank before utilizing his outstanding dribbling abilities to go past opposing defenders. His touch map from a March friendly versus Germany looks quite similar to the one above. Teams who control possession typically use the entire pitch to force their opponents to defend a greater area and, as a result, open up openings in their defensive lines.

Manchester City, for example, deployed Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling as wingers under Pep Guardiola. They were charged with hugging the touchline to pull defenders out before sprinting into the gap between center-back and full-back. 

Lopetegui's experience as a manager of Spain's youth and senior teams indicates a similar philosophy. Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio have been used as wingers in Madrid's first three games. They have often stayed wide, attempting to stretch the defense before driving inside to generate goalscoring possibilities.

Karim Benzema has been chastised for his apparent lack of goal-scoring ability throughout his time at Real Madrid. For the previous five summers, the Frenchman has been linked with a move away from Los Blancos, but he has established himself as a key member of the team.

Those who criticize his presence in Madrid fail to recognize his role in tying assaults together.

is not your usual number nine; he is selfless and seeks to create opportunities for teammates by dropping deep and wide and allowing players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale to get into goalscoring positions.

All About Julen Lopetegui Tactics at Sevilla

No one anticipated Julen Lopetegui to succeed in his first season with Sevilla after a horrible season with Real Madrid, but he did. Sevilla won the Europa League and finished in the top four of La Liga thanks to his tactics and man-management. His tactical knowledge and grasp of the game compensated for his team's lack of experience.

Lopetegui wants his team to dictate the pace of the game. His team plays a fast-paced style of football with short passing and combo play. Sevilla prefers to play in a 4-3-3 formation. When the ball is in possession, the formation changes to 3-4-3.

intends to construct from the back. To form a three-man backline, the two center-backs split and defensive midfielder Nemanja Gudelj drops in between them. The two fullbacks are now able to move up.

After a disastrous season at Real Madrid, no one expected Julen Lopetegui to succeed in his first season with Sevilla, but he did. Thanks to his tactics and man-management, Sevilla won the Europa League and finished in the top four of La Liga. His tactical awareness and understanding of the game more than made up for his team's lack of experience.

Lopetegui wants his team to be in charge of the game's tempo. His side prefers a fast-paced game with short passing and combination plays. The 4-3-3 configuration is preferred by Sevilla. When the ball is in their possession, they switch to a 3-4-3 shape.

he two wingers take on the role of inverted forwards. They cut inside with their dominant foot. This forces the opposition full-back to either follow the Sevilla winger, giving the Sevilla full-back time and space to provide a cross inside the box, or stay on the flank, allowing the Sevilla winger to move freely inside the box and attempt to play a combination play with the Sevilla full-back, which could result in a low cross or a shot on goal.

Ever Banega used to be the main source of creativity in the midfield as a left central midfielder. He has outstanding peripheral vision and a long passing range. The majority of Sevilla's offensive begins at his feet. He connects the offensive and defense and delivers the ball to the wings or the center. He occasionally passes long balls behind the opponent's fullbacks or in the middle to Luke De Jong, the centre-forward who serves as a target man.

De Jong meets long balls and crosses with his height and are prowess. He receives the balls and passes them to the other two attackers, who make a break for it behind the defense. They also use short passes to generate space and stretch out the opposition's defense. This is particularly effective against teams that want to build a low block.

Both Fernando (right central midfielder) and Banega rush forward and play short passes in front of the backline in this situation. This opens up space between the opposition's full-backs and center-backs. The attackers use this space to make a break for it within the box.

Lopetegui chose a 4-3-3 formation for his team. In the first part of the season, Tomas Vaclik was the starting goalkeeper. In the second half, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou took over as the starting. Throughout the season,

served as the right back. Jules Kounde and Diego Carlos were the central defenders pairing for the entire season, and they are a big cause for Sevilla's success. Sergio Reguilon, on loan from Real Madrid, took over as left defender.

With Joan Jordan, experienced players like Ever Banega and Fernando formed a central midfield trio. Lucas Ocampos, one of Argentina's brightest talents, and Luuk de Jong, a Dutch striker, were both stars in the front three during the season. The other winger was Munir El Haddadi, Oliver Torres, or Franco Vasquez. Franco was the player who saw the most action out of the three. Sevilla can switch to a 3-4-3 or 4-1-4-1 configuration with ease. Fernando slides back to create a back 3 as the full-backs move up the pitch, creating overloads on the sides during the 3-4-3 switch. 

They play out of the back and take their time with the ball. They don't rely on rapid passing to gain momentum. Normally, the center backs pass to the flanks. The ball side's central midfielder, full back, and winger concentrate on creating a zonal overload.

The aforementioned players draw a large number of players to themselves, making room for the other side. They move the flank of play to relieve pressure on the other side.  They play long balls, and the overload is usually created on the right side of the pitch, allowing Reguilon and Franco to take advantage of the space.

Both are exceptionally quick, and they engage in quick attacks with Reguilon's overlapping runs, putting a lot of pressure on the opposition. Banega does not normally go high up the pitch during this time. He makes the most of his supporting roles. He has been tasked with protecting the left flank. Despite his calm demeanor, Navas is 34 years old on the right side.

Important Thing about Julen Lopetegui Tactics at Sevilla: High Tension Transitions

let your hair down, this is the story of

Julen Lopetegui tactics

. Lopetegui used a 4-3-3 shape to set up his team. In the first half of the season, Tomas Vaclik was the starting goalie. However, in the second half, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was named the starter. Throughout the season, Jesus Navas, a veteran, played right back.

Jules Kounde and Diego Carlos have been a crucial part of Sevilla's success this season. Sergio Reguilon, on loan from Real Madrid, filled the left defender position. Joan Jordan formed the central midfield three alongside Ever Banega and Fernando, two experienced players. Lucas Ocampos, one of Argentina's brightest talents, and

, a Dutch striker, starred in the front three. The other winger was Munir El Haddadi, Oliver Torres, or Franco Vasquez. Franco was the player who saw the most action out of the three.

Sevilla can switch to a 3-4-3 or 4-1-4-1 configuration with ease. Fernando slides back to create a back three as the full-backs move up the pitch, creating overloads on the sides during the 3-4-3 switch. They play out of the back and take their time with the ball. They don't rely on rapid passing to gain momentum. Usually, the center backs pass to the flanks. The ball side's central midfielder, full back, and winger concentrate on creating a zonal overload.

They move the flank of play to relieve pressure on the other side. They play long balls, and the overload is usually created on the right side of the pitch, allowing Reguilon and Franco to take advantage of the space. Both are exceptionally quick, and they engage in fast attacks with Reguilon's overlapping runs, putting a lot of pressure on the opposition.

does not usually go high up the pitch during this time.  He makes the most of his supporting roles. He has been tasked with protecting the left flank. Despite his calm demeanor, Navas is 34 years old on the right side.

Because Sevilla didn't press high or forcefully, chances to reclaim possession in the attacking third were limited (there were only 2 occasions that Cluj were dispossessed in their own half). They did, though, win the ball back in the middle third on a few occasions and showed a hunger to get people forward quickly.  Ocampos and de Jong showed some excellent movement off the ball, and Reguilon came out of defense to join in, but they lacked penetration in behind once again, and the ball was instead dropped into the feet of Suso, who cut inside and fired a dangerous cross into the six-yard box.

The transfer from the midfield to the attacking third was quick, and Ocampos and de Jong's movement drew the defenders away, leaving the back post open for Reguilon. However, a lateral pass into

allowed Cluj to recover, and the momentum evaporated. It's no wonder that they're leading the league in crosses per game, as the in-swinging cross was the preferred method of delivery after it reached the right winger's feet.

The main fear for opposing teams during the defensive transition will not be a run-in behind or a quick combination play in the final third to create a shot. They'll need to focus on preventing the ball from going into wide areas in the final third, limiting Suso's ability to produce crosses from approximately 25-30 yards out (push Suso to his right side, body position is crucial here to show him outside), and finally tracking deep runs.

As a result, the right side is employed less for attacks. Luuk and Ocampos receive crosses from Reguilon and Franco. Luuk is a skilled header, and Ocampos has good mobility skills. With his deft movements off the ball, Ocampos manages to get the ball to his feet.

A Conclusion on Julen Lopetegui Tactics

Lopetegui's new style, which includes the dynamic usage of attacking full-backs, has demonstrated that Sevilla can develop a strong philosophy based on a system and a team. In fact, all the success in the club can sum up in J

ulen Lopetegui tactics at Spain

.

Julen Lopetegui has put in place a fantastic press system that makes Sevilla extremely effective and dangerous. Luuk presses Sevilla's center backs to the targeted wing. The opposition's full-back and winger are marked by that side's winger and full back, respectively. With the ball, the central midfielder intercepts the opposition's fullback passes.

As a result, the opposition was obliged to go long, resulting in the loss of possession. However, if the press system fails, they have a solid plan in place to compensate. This season, they've found that reverting to a 5-4-1 defensive formation has aided them. The fullbacks take a step back to mark the opposing wingers.

It has shown to be effective, particularly in an area where La Liga's major clubs lack world-class full-backs such as Dani Alves, Marcelo at his peak, Filipe Luis, and others who once dominated the game. What is more troubling, however, is Lopetegui's squad's lack of options, which is the true source of inconsistency?

Navas, Reguilon, Carlos,

, and Fernando are all vital parts of the system's operation. They've all been relatively constant this season, although Fernando is 32, Navas is 34, Carlos and Kounde have both piqued the curiosity of some of Europe's best clubs, while Reguilon's loan term is set to expire this summer. Sevilla is used to heavy turnover, but providing Lopetegui with reinforcements in these key areas this summer will be crucial.! Sevilla’s Julen Lopetegui tactics are well explained.

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