Marcelo Bielsa tactical experiments at Leeds United (2020)
Marcelo Bielsa tactical experiments at Leeds United (2020)
Chapter 01 — Overview
The 3-3-4
An extremely bold formation that pushes four attackers forward while relying on a back three and a compact midfield trio. The four forwards create constant overloads and occupy all channels of the opposition defence. In possession, the midfield three must distribute quickly to exploit the numerical advantage ahead of them.
Best for: Situations requiring maximum offensive output, or when playing against deeply defensive opponents with little counter-attacking threat.
The 3-3-4 is categorized as a attacking formation. Its core philosophy revolves around committing numbers forward and creating overloads in the final third.
Chapter 02 — Build-up
Building from the back
Attack ↑
Short build-up — patient ball progression through the thirds.
In the short build-up, the defenders spread to create passing angles while the midfield drops to offer options. The 3-3-4 aims to progress the ball through the centre of the pitch, using the key positions (CM, CM, LW) as relay stations.
The direct build-up bypasses midfield entirely, targeting the forwards with long passes. This is effective against a high press or when the opposition is compact centrally.
Chapter 03 — Attacking shape
In the final third
Attack ↑
Attacking shape — width and penetration.
Strengths in attack: Overwhelming numbers in the attacking third Stretches the opposition both horizontally and vertically Creates natural 4v4 or 4v3 situations against defensive lines
The 3-3-4 creates attacking opportunities through its structural advantages. The key is how the LW, CF, CF, RW interact in the final third.
Chapter 04 — Defensive shape
Out of possession
Attack ↑
Defensive block — compact, slide as a unit.
Weaknesses to manage: Midfield is easily bypassed with quick vertical passes Back three is exposed to counter-attacks with minimal cover
When defending, the 3-3-4 compresses into a more compact shape. Players must maintain their positional discipline and slide across the pitch as a unit to deny space between the lines.
Chapter 05 — Per position
What to coach each role
Click any position to spotlight that player on the pitch above.
01
GK
Goalkeeper
The GK in the 3-3-4 has specific responsibilities in both phases of play. In possession, this player contributes to the team's build-up and attacking patterns. Out of possession, positional discipline and awareness are essential.
Fix first
Losing positional discipline. Cue: maintain spacing with nearby teammates.
02
CB
Defender
The CB in the 3-3-4 has specific responsibilities in both phases of play. In possession, this player contributes to the team's build-up and attacking patterns. Out of possession, positional discipline and awareness are essential.
Fix first
Losing positional discipline. Cue: maintain spacing with nearby teammates.
03
CB
Defender
The CB in the 3-3-4 has specific responsibilities in both phases of play. In possession, this player contributes to the team's build-up and attacking patterns. Out of possession, positional discipline and awareness are essential.
Fix first
Losing positional discipline. Cue: maintain spacing with nearby teammates.
04
CB
Defender
The CB in the 3-3-4 has specific responsibilities in both phases of play. In possession, this player contributes to the team's build-up and attacking patterns. Out of possession, positional discipline and awareness are essential.
Fix first
Losing positional discipline. Cue: maintain spacing with nearby teammates.
05
CM
Midfielder
The CM in the 3-3-4 has specific responsibilities in both phases of play. In possession, this player contributes to the team's build-up and attacking patterns. Out of possession, positional discipline and awareness are essential.
Fix first
Losing positional discipline. Cue: maintain spacing with nearby teammates.
06
CM
Midfielder
The CM in the 3-3-4 has specific responsibilities in both phases of play. In possession, this player contributes to the team's build-up and attacking patterns. Out of possession, positional discipline and awareness are essential.
Fix first
Losing positional discipline. Cue: maintain spacing with nearby teammates.
07
CM
Midfielder
The CM in the 3-3-4 has specific responsibilities in both phases of play. In possession, this player contributes to the team's build-up and attacking patterns. Out of possession, positional discipline and awareness are essential.
Fix first
Losing positional discipline. Cue: maintain spacing with nearby teammates.
08
LW
Forward
The LW in the 3-3-4 has specific responsibilities in both phases of play. In possession, this player contributes to the team's build-up and attacking patterns. Out of possession, positional discipline and awareness are essential.
Fix first
Losing positional discipline. Cue: maintain spacing with nearby teammates.
09
CF
Forward
The CF in the 3-3-4 has specific responsibilities in both phases of play. In possession, this player contributes to the team's build-up and attacking patterns. Out of possession, positional discipline and awareness are essential.
Fix first
Losing positional discipline. Cue: maintain spacing with nearby teammates.
10
CF
Forward
The CF in the 3-3-4 has specific responsibilities in both phases of play. In possession, this player contributes to the team's build-up and attacking patterns. Out of possession, positional discipline and awareness are essential.
Fix first
Losing positional discipline. Cue: maintain spacing with nearby teammates.
11
RW
Forward
The RW in the 3-3-4 has specific responsibilities in both phases of play. In possession, this player contributes to the team's build-up and attacking patterns. Out of possession, positional discipline and awareness are essential.
Fix first
Losing positional discipline. Cue: maintain spacing with nearby teammates.
Chapter 06 — Strengths & weaknesses
What it gives, what it costs
Strengths
- Overwhelming numbers in the attacking third. Overwhelming numbers in the attacking third
- Stretches the opposition both horizontally and vertically. Stretches the opposition both horizontally and vertically
- Creates natural 4v4 or 4v3 situations against defensive lines. Creates natural 4v4 or 4v3 situations against defensive lines
Weaknesses
- Midfield is easily bypassed with quick vertical passes. Midfield is easily bypassed with quick vertical passes
- Back three is exposed to counter-attacks with minimal cover. Back three is exposed to counter-attacks with minimal cover
Chapter 07 — Famous teams
Teams that used this shape
River Plate
River Plate under Gallardo (selective matches)
Ajax total football variants
Ajax total football variants under Michels (1970s)
Chapter 08 — FAQ
Quick answers
What is the 3-3-4 formation?
An extremely bold formation that pushes four attackers forward while relying on a back three and a compact midfield trio. The four forwards create constant overloads and occupy all channels of the opposition defence. In possession, the midfield three must distribute quickly to exploit the numerical advantage ahead of them.
What are the strengths of the 3-3-4?
Overwhelming numbers in the attacking third Stretches the opposition both horizontally and vertically Creates natural 4v4 or 4v3 situations against defensive lines
What are the weaknesses of the 3-3-4?
Midfield is easily bypassed with quick vertical passes Back three is exposed to counter-attacks with minimal cover
Who should use the 3-3-4?
Situations requiring maximum offensive output, or when playing against deeply defensive opponents with little counter-attacking threat.