Diego Flores’ vertical Godoy Cruz side

Diego Flores was Marcelo Bielsa’s protégé and translator at Leeds United while he was also on his coaching staff at Marseille and Lille as the Argentinean manager moved to Dublin to learn English and work a series of odd jobs before seeking out Mauricio Pochettino and then eventually, the legendary manager. In his first professional job, he steered Godoy Cruz to safety while quickly implementing a vertical and rapid counter-pressing style akin to current Bundesliga teams and South American teams of old. He was dubiously sacked as his Godoy Cruz side sat fifth in expected goals while having the largest deficit between actual conceded goals and expected goals conceded in the Argentine Primera Division as they had conceded 19 goals with an expected goals conceded number of 13.72. His team ranked 2nd in shots, 4th in touches in the opposition penalty area while he was utilizing the youngest team in the division as the 41-year-old certainly deserved more time in his job.

Build-up

Diego Flores’ build-up style is vertical and direct as his side was unafraid to play long passes into the channels or direct passes to the nine-space with the midfielders dragging opposition markers out of position for deep passes in between the lines. Flores’ side were also capable of utilizing intelligent movement to create space in the second and third line for passes while stretching the pitch with fullbacks making timed runs into space to receive the ball. His side would circulate possession in triangular passing sequences, looking to move the ball to the 8 space which would trigger the winger moving into the centre and then fullbacks making runs into space in the wide areas to receive possession and create crossing opportunities.

Flores side would normally build-up in a 2+3 shape with deep fullbacks as if the goalkeeper has possession and Godoy Cruz were under pressure, he would play a direct pass to the wide areas or to the 8 space where the 8 could lay-off to facilitate a switch to the weak side or for the winger to tuck inside and the fullback to make a run into space on the flank to receive possession. Primarily, Godoy Cruz would circulate possession to attract pressure to play the deep pass in between the lines or send a long ball to the nine-space where the striker would lay-off to the ball-near 8 and winger to facilitate a quick vertical passing move among the three players to facilitate a switch ball to the weak side and a crossing opportunity. They would also work a long pass to the nine-space and then flick-on for a teammate making a third man run behind the opposition defence for a low crossing situation or for a shooting situation inside the box.

Godoy Cruz’ build-up under Flores looked to be quite direct and penetrative as in the photo above, they are in their standard 2+3 build-up shape as they utilize fluidity in movement of the deepest-lying midfielder as a ploy to evade pressure. The centre-backs will circulate play amongst each other to attract pressure as the opposition striker is pushing forward to apply pressure which will create space for the deepest-lying midfielder to move into. The centre-back can play the ball to the full-back for a one-touch pass to the six-space for the deepest-lying midfielder to play a line-breaking pass to the winger or to turn and play a line-breaking pass to the 8s in between the lines. Once the deepest-lying midfielder receives possession, the 8s will make movements to receive possession as they could make unmarking movements to receive possession in space while one midfielder can make a run into the nine-space, creating space for the striker to drop deep and receive possession as well as generating space for the other eight to receive possession.

Godoy Cruz’ build-up shape under Flores is intriguing as well as the width of the fullback will allow the winger to tuck into the half-space and almost operate as an extra 8 to create a triangle in the midfield line. The winger tucking into the half-space can receive possession as a passing option when the ball is played to the fullback or when the ball is played to the six-space where he can receive possession in between the lines. The ball-near striker will also move into a winger position as this generates space with the striker dragging a marker into the wide zone as the Argentine side could work vertical build-up moves in the wide zone before playing direct passes for a runner in the channels to create shooting opportunities. Flores also had situations where one of their strikers would drop deep so the wingers would remain in the wide areas, stretching play so his side could work build-up combinations for the ball-near midfielder to make runs into the half-space to receive possession and drive the ball past opposition pressure.

The intriguing thing about the way Flores’ side utilized movement in the six-space is that they could drop the deepest-lying midfielder deep to create passing angles for the centre-backs, he can remain behind the first line of opposition pressure while his teammates circulate possession, allowing him to move into space when an opposition player pushes up to apply pressure or make runs off the ball in the half-space to open passing lanes for players dropping deep to receive possession. In the first instance, the deepest-lying midfielder will drop deep to work a wall-passing situation to trigger a direct pass in between the lines or to work a connection with the centre-back to move into space in between the lines and receive possession to evade the first line of pressure to drive forward and play a line-breaking pass to the nine-space or eight space. The deepest-lying midfielder will regularly be positioned behind the first line of opposition pressure as the centre-backs circulate possession amongst each other and eventually play passes to the flank to play the ball back to the centre-back in order to attract pressure as the deepest-lying midfielder will then occupy the space behind an opposition attacker who has pushed forward to apply pressure on the centre-backs in order to receive possession, turn and play the ball to the eight space.

In the third routine, the ball will be played to the fullbacks on the flank as the deepest-lying midfielder moves into the ball-near half-space to receive possession while the ball-near 8 will be positioned in the eight space behind him as the ball-far 8 drops into the six-space to receive possession. The deepest-lying midfielder will make a run forward to clear a passing lane for the ball-near 8 to receive possession and play a pass to the midfielder in the half-space for a flick-on for striker in the nine-space. The run can also clear a space for the ball-far 8 positioned in the six-space to receive possession and facilitate a switch to the weak side. The midfield is spaced in a triangle with the deepest-lying midfielder at the base of midfield and two 8s taking up positions in between the lines as there are certain sequences where the centre-backs are circulating possession as the deepest-lying midfielder will push forward, one of the 8s will drop into the six-space as the midfielders interchange positions in a triangular rotation to create space not only for the centre-back to make a pass into the midfield line but the close player spacing and positional interchange will also allow quick passing connections and a switch to create a crossing opportunity.

Godoy Cruz under Flores would build-up with quick vertical passing interchanges which would lead to passes in between the lines for triangular attacking connections, switch balls to the weak side or direct passes to runners from deep. The young manager’s team would also circulate possession to attract opposition pressure before playing direct balls to the nine-space where the striker would be positioned in between two players, normally a midfielder that had pushed forward and his strike partner, a winger that has tucked in and his strike partner or a tucked in winger and highly positioned midfielder as the striker would lay-off possession to one of his teammates while the third player would make a third man run behind the defence to create direct crossing or shooting opportunities. Godoy Cruz would also circulate possession to attract pressure for a direct switch to the flank with a player in the half-space, so the wide player and his teammate positioned in the half-space could connect before looking to lob a pass to runners in the box. Playing the ball to the wide areas and looking for a direct lobbed pass into the box was a staple of Godoy Cruz ‘direct build-up under Flores.

The direct switching and build-up sequences were crucial to Flores’ build-up play as once the winger drove the ball inside, the fullback would make an overlapping run as an extra man to receive possession and generate a crossing opportunity in the box. Flores’ side would work a sequence where the fullback receives possession, the winger moves into the half-space to work a one-two with the fullback who drives the ball and switches possession to the opposite flank for winger who will drive into the centre to trigger an overlapping run from his fullback as he plays the ball into the centre for a one-touch pass to the overlapping fullback who will have a crossing opportunity. The composition of the front line in build-up situations is intriguing as with the strikers tasked with moving to the wide areas and dropping deep, dragging defenders out of position, this allows the wingers to tuck into the central spaces as Godoy Cruz would play vertical passing moves that would lead to direct passes for the wingers in the centre to have high quality shooting opportunities.

The composition of the front line also encourages movement and the creation of space in build-up as the winger can tuck inside as an extra midfielder to receive possession, before moving back into the wide areas, vacating a space and allowing a midfielder to move into the space and receive possession as these movements can also lead to subtle interchanges in the six-space to receive possession while there will be movement in the front line as the winger moves into a wide role, the striker moves into the central space, allowing his partner to drop into the deeper areas and receive a direct pass in between the lines. The movement of the striker, especially in positioning the striker in the ball-near wide area, allowed a greater fluidity for wide build-up situations as the fullback could receive possession, work a pass down the line for the winger to dummy for the attacker to lay-off for the fullback who moved into the half-space to work a pass in between the lines or switch the ball.

Fullback and winger interchanges were crucial to Godoy Cruz’ build-up play as when the fullback received possession, the winger would move into the half-space as they could work connections where the fullback would receive possession in the central positions while when the ball was switched in the second line during build-up, the winger would drive into the central positions allowing the fullback to make an overlapping run. The winger occupying central positions and moving to the wide areas creates space for the midfielders to make runs into while establishing better passing angles for fullbacks and centre-backs for rapid vertical interchanges.

Godoy Cruz would also regularly switch to a three-chain build-up shape when the opposition was sitting in a deeper and more rigid medium block as the ball-near midfielder would drop into the wide zone to create a three-chain as the ball-near fullback would push up, allowing the winger to tuck inside and occupy the central spaces. The deepest-lying midfielder would maintain his position as Flores’ side would attract pressure, circulating possession amongst the back three as the deepest-lying midfielder would move to occupy the ball-near zone as a direct passing option as the centre-backs would play the ball into the six-space or a deep pass in between the lines to facilitate a lay-off to the six-space. Flores side could also work routines where they utilized this ploy to switch to a three-chain before playing the ball to the fullback for the midfielder in the three-chain to make a run into the half-space creating a passing lane to the six-space for the deepest-lying midfielder to receive possession and work a pass in between the lines.

Flores’ side could also switch to a three-chain with the midfielder in the six-space dropping in between the centre-backs while his midfield partner occupies the area as the fullbacks push up and the wingers tuck into the 8 space. They will circulate possession amongst the three-chain, generating space for the wide centre-backs to push up and play a deep pass in between the lines or when the deepest-lying midfielder drops in between the centre-backs, Godoy Cruz would completely evacuate the six-space with players remaining in higher positions for the Argentine side to play a direct deep pass in between the lines. In certain situations, the deepest-lying midfielder will drop in between the centre-backs, the ball would be played to the fullback, moving the opposition line of pressure to the flanks as the central midfielder would push back into the six-space to receive possession and play a direct pass in between the lines.

Vertical Attacking Play

In the opposition half, Flores’ side looked to move the ball with quick vertical interchanges utilizing triangular player spacing and movement to play quick connections in tight spaces before searching for depth with a deep pass to the nine or ten space for lay-offs and switch passes to the opposite flank. Crossing was also a huge source of chance creation for Godoy Cruz as they would move the ball to the wide areas to work quick connections and utilize movement to create space for overlapping and underlapping runners to receive possession for high quality crossing opportunities. The movement of players into areas where they would be able to generate high quality opportunities with the strikers dropping deep or moving into the wider areas to create space for deep runners in behind or through balls was also apparent as Godoy Cruz utilized direct manoeuvres to infiltrate the opposition box.

In the photo above, it is apparent that Flores’ side utilized triangular player spacing in the opposition half as the midfield is staggered while the fullbacks are stretching the pitch but are moving forward gradually with possession in order to make late overlapping or underlapping runs into space to create crossing situations. The left-back has received possession as the centrally placed winger can make a run into the wide areas to create a passing lane for the fullback to play a direct pass into the ball-far half-space which will trigger the ball-far winger making a run into the central space to drag a marker out of position and create space for an overlapping timed run from the fullback to receive possession and have a crossing opportunity. The fullback can also trade passes with the winger in the half-space while the central midfielder makes a run into the ten space to create a passing lane for the ball-far midfielder to drop into and receive possession to facilitate another switch.

Flores’ Godoy Cruz preferred to work direct and high tempo interchanges with rehearsed movement and passing sequences to generate space for direct passes into the box for high quality shooting opportunities or to switch the ball to the flank for high quality crossing opportunities. The winger and fullback can trade passes to allow the ball-near attacker to drop into space in the half-space to receive possession as the winger made a run to the flank for the striker to play a one-touch pass to the flank while the fullback made an underlapping run beneath the striker to receive possession in the box for a high-quality cut-back opportunity, lay-off opportunity for the striker to have a shooting opportunity from the top of the box or the fullback can make the run to drag the defender closing down the near post out of position for Flores’ side to generate a higher quality crossing opportunity to a teammate in the box. The triangular player spacing allowed Godoy Cruz to facilitate quicker and more rapid interchanges allowing the Argentine side to transition at pace.

Flores’ side were able to circulate possession quickly and effectively due to the triangular player spacing and movement off the ball from the attackers as in situations where the ball-near striker would drop deep to receive possession, the ball-far attacker would tuck inside while the ball-far winger would also tuck into a central striking role. The ball-far fullback would also push up to receive possession as Godoy Cruz would circulate possession on the ball-near flank with vertical interchanges before switching the ball to the opposite flank where the winger will move towards the flank to receive possession or drag a marker out of position to create space for the striker to also move towards the wide areas and drop deep to receive possession as a midfielder pushes up as the striker will receive a deep pass in between the lines to lay-off for the midfielder to lob a pass for an attacker running in behind or a wide player making a run into the channels or wide areas.

Despite Flores’ side being more direct in their attacking approach, their movement was more synchronised especially with their ball circulation as their connections will start with a deep pass in between the lines, one touch passing connections as the speed of their transitions is facilitated by players moving into space and making runs off the ball. For instance, when the wingers and fullbacks work connections, the fullback will make an off the ball run to open a passing lane for a pass into the centre as these off the ball movements will drag opposition players out of position, so Godoy Cruz would circulate the ball quickly while attracting opposition players to the ball to open passing lanes for deep passes to the nine-space. When Flores’ side is circulating possession in the centre, they use a catalogue of ‘give and go’ passing routines as a deep player will play a line-breaking pass in between the lines for an attacker to drop deep and receive possession. The player who initially played the pass will make a run into the space vacated by the attacker who dropped deep as this allows him to occupy an area and receive possession while also having the opportunity to make runs into the channels as in the process of making the run, he will drag a marker out of position and clear a direct passing lane for a teammate to drop into and receive a direct pass.

With these routines, players are constantly interchanging positions in the final third while creating space for other players to drop into possession and receive the ball as these rapid interchanges could lead to Flores’ moving the ball into the wide areas for crossing opportunities. In the central players, the players are constantly interchanging positions, vacating and occupying space to disorient the opposition defence as these situations are how Godoy Cruz utilize triangular player spacing and movement in ‘give and go’ passing situations to create space for third man runners to make runs in behind and receive possession in behind the opposition defence to have high quality low crossing opportunities or to have high quality shooting opportunities inside the box. The fluidity and interchange of positions can also take place with direct passes to the wide areas where the striker will move towards the flank as a direct passing option, creating space for a midfielder to make a third-man run into the nine-space to receive a direct pass into the channels as if the winger cuts inside, the fullback will be making an overlapping run.

Creating crossing situations is essential to Godoy Cruz’ style of play as they will work triangular combinations to create crossing situations in the wide areas as they will play direct passes into the wide areas for the player in the wide zone to work a pass for his teammate in the half-space who will make a movement into the wide area for the player in the wide zone to make a run into the half-space to receive possession and have a crossing opportunity. In the deeper areas, the winger will drop deep to receive possession, flicking a one-touch pass for a runner in the half-space to receive possession which will trigger a run to the near post for the ball-near striker to receive a delivery. Flores’ side would also move possession back into the centre of the pitch which would trigger a vertical run into the centre from the winger to clear a passing lane for the fullback to make an overlapping to receive possession and send a cross into the box. They can also work simple connections with the fullback receiving possession in the build-up phase to work a pass to the ball-near central midfield for a one-touch pass to the flank for a crossing opportunity.

The positional interchange and staggering of the movements were a key factor in their winger, Martin Ojeda leading the Argentine Primera Division in both expected goals and expected assists. Ojeda consistently occupied positions where he was able to have high quality cut-back opportunities and shooting opportunities in the final third as he was able to receive possession in the central spaces, threading passes in between the lines to make runs and occupy positions in the nine-space as he also received possession in the channels with opportunities to cut-back crosses to attackers in the box. When his ball-near striker would drop deep, Ojeda would tuck into the central positions as this could trigger passing interchanges where the striker would receive possession and lay-off the ball for a direct pass in behind where Ojeda would have a high-quality crossing situation or shooting situation. In situations where Godoy Cruz move possession past the first line of pressure or regain possession in the opposition half, Ojeda and the winger opposite would make vertical runs towards the centre with their fullbacks overlapping as this gave the 23-year-old the opportunity to receive possession in the channels to have an opportunity to cut-back a cross.

Godoy Cruz would play with an emphasis on verticality and stretching the pitch as they also frequently work switching situations in the opposition half. Flores’ side would play triangular passing sequences on one flank to work switch balls to the opposite flank as they could switch a pass for an attacker making a vertical run into the box to receive possession and have a cut-back or shooting opportunity. They would also switch the ball to the weak side where the winger was making a vertical run into the centre to attract a marker for the fullback to make an overlapping run to the flank to receive possession and have a crossing opportunity. In some situations, Godoy Cruz would play a direct switch to the weak side for the winger stretching the pitch for the fullback to make an underlapping run into the half-space to receive possession and have a cut-back opportunity or for the fullback to create space for the winger to drive the ball into the centre to have a shooting opportunity. They could also work switch balls as the attacker was making a vertical run into the centre with a fullback making a run on the overlap to receive possession and have a crossing opportunity. In certain situations, Flores’ side would switch the ball for Godoy Cruz to work vertical connections on the weak side, with players interchanging in between the wide zone and half-spaces for direct passes into the channels for cut-back opportunities or direct passes into the box for shooting opportunities or lay-off opportunities.

Counter-pressing

Under Flores, Godoy Cruz counter-pressed with ferocity as once they lost possession, they would apply pressure on the ball to regain possession as quickly as possible, looking to force immediate turnovers so they could deny the opposition direct counter-attacking opportunities. If the opposition managed to break, Flores’ side would look to regain possession as a unit with a focus on isolating the man in possession to force a turnover or forcing the opposition into the wide areas to deny them direct opportunities at goal. In the central positions, Flores’ side would counter-press in waves with the deeper players pushing up to close down spaces or the strikers tracking back to make blind-sided tackles to regain possession.

After losing possession, the player closest to the ball will look to engage the opposition player with possession as this is normally the player who lost the ball leading the counter-pressing phase. This player will close down the opposition player directly while they players closest to him will track their markers in the area to ensure if the ball if the opposition player in possession manages to find a pass, then the players marking their man in the zone will continue the counter-pressing wave, denying the opposition any opportunity to form a counter-attack while also looking to force a turnover in the opposition half. As the counter-pressing sequence continues, strikers will begin to drop back and engage the man in possession to force a turnover while the players will be spaced closer together to work a quick connection, to play the ball for a third man runner in the box or to work a quick connection before switching the ball to the weak side.

In a build-up situation if Godoy Cruz lost possession, there were instances where they transitioned into a counter-press where the player who was supposed to receive the ball and the player who played the pass would engage the man in possession, looking to force an immediate turnover while there were players who would not directly engage the ball, looking to cover spaces in case the opposition played deep passes, especially to the wide areas where Flores’ side would look to have a man covering the area to isolate the opposition attacker in order to regain possession. In situations where there were in the opposition half and lost possession in the attacking phase and the ball was played into the zone of one of the centre-backs, the centre-back would push up to engage the man in possession while a teammate would drop deep to cover his space or to cover an opposition attacker making a run into his zone as the centre-back would push up to force a turnover while if the ball is played over his head, he would have teammates covering for him and looking to make the tackle. In such situations, the centre-backs do not push up to engage the press together as only the centre-back who has been triggered with possession in his zone will push up as a teammate would make a run to cover him or if this was impossible, his defensive partner will slide across with the fullback tucking inside to cover him and be able to track any runs or lobbed passes over the defensive line.

In counter-pressing situations, Flores’ Godoy Cruz were relentless as if they had situations where they were applying counter-pressure and the opposition player played a back-pass, they would switch to a man-orientated press as if a back-pass was played to a fullback, the winger would push up to close down the fullback, the ball-near striker will close down the passing lane to the centre-back while also being positioned in an area where he would lead the press in engaging the goalkeeper if the ball was played towards the goalkeeper. The ball-far attacker would close down the six-space while the ball-near central midfielder would slide across to provide press security with the fullback pushing up against the opposition winger.

One of the biggest chance creating methods for Flores’ side as they will also counter-press ferociously from blocked crosses as if a player loses possession in the wide areas, it becomes integral that they engage the opposition player in possession immediately, denying the opposition the opportunity to clear the ball or counter-attack, allowing the rest of the attack to shift across and mark opposition players in the space to force a turnover. In these situations, players with other marking responsibilities will push forward to suffocate the opposition player to force an errant pass or a direct turnover. If an attacker was cutting in and lost possession, the attacker who lost possession would have to track back and look to regain possession. In such situations, Flores’ side preferred to deny the opposition, the opportunity to push forward by being able to press directly in front of the man as in these situations, the strikers could drop deep and apply pressure on the man in possession to force an errant pass or direct turnover.

In other crossing situations, Flores’ side would counter-press deflections on crosses into the box as midfielders and centre-backs would push up to close down spaces to deny the opposition from counter-attacking in these situations. They would also counter-press situations where a cross was caught by the goalkeeper and the goalkeeper threw the ball back into play as Godoy Cruz would shift into their natural high-press to force a turnover or back-passes, so they could shift to lateral press the wide areas, force passes to the goalkeeper or centre-backs where Flores’ side would directly apply pressure on the goalkeepers or centre-backs. Godoy Cruz would counter-press as a unit, especially in situations where they only had one midfielder shielding the defence as there was an onus on attackers dropping back to close down the space as a striker would drop back to close down markers as once the ball moved closer to the wide areas, the ball near winger would tuck inside to force a turnover or a back-pass. Only one striker would drop back as if Flores’ side won a turnover, they could play a direct pass in between the lines to the striker and if the ball was played backwards, he would lead the press against the goalkeeper and centre-backs.

Pressing

Flores’ press was more methodical as his team would sit in a 4-4-1-1/4-4-2 hybrid medium block as their press would be triggered by sideways passes, back-passes, centre-backs pushing up or taking a certain amount of time in possession as well as passes to the fullbacks, so their wingers could push up and engage the press. Their main focus in the pressing phase was maintaining a rigid medium block, closing down passing lanes to the central areas or the six-space to force the opposition into one of their pressing traps, especially with passes to the wide areas or back-passes to the goalkeeper which would trigger their higher press. At certain times, Flores’ side would also press in a 4-2-3-1 shape with one of their strikers closing down the six-space, the wingers pushing up either side of him, instead of starting from deeper positions, and the midfield two providing press security and looking to win any loose balls into their area. Godoy Cruz would also utilize a 4-1-4-1 press in certain situations as well as 4-4-2 diamond press as Flores was known to adapt the build-up shape of his opponents in certain games while his side would also frequently change pressing shapes within games.

In the first wave of the press, Godoy Cruz would normally apply pressure in a 4-4-1-1 shape, applying pressure with the ball-near striker closing down his centre-back when he receives possession while the ball-far striker will drop deep to close down the six-space. If the ball is played to the other centre-back, the ball near striker will push up to close down the centre-back while the other striker will drop deep to close down the six-space. Flores’ side would look to close down the passing lanes to the central spaces as passes in between the lines to the central spaces would be one of their pressing traps as once the ball is played in between the lines, the wingers will tuck inside, and the strikers will drop back as the opposition player receiving possession in between the lines will be tracked by a marker. Flores’ team would look to create a 2v1/3v1 situation in between the lines with the player tracking his marker as well as one striker or both strikers closing down the space as the ball-near winger and other midfielder will cover passing lanes to make interceptions on direct passes out of this zone. Godoy Cruz under Flores would also be triggered into a higher pressing situation from back-passes in situations such as these, pushing up to close down back-passes to fullbacks with the wingers while the strikers will close down the goalkeeper and centre-backs as Godoy Cruz could switch to a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-4-2 diamond high press to gain more coverage in these situations.

Another pressing trigger for Godoy Cruz under Flores would be when centre-backs drive forward and hold possession for too long or when one of the midfielders drops in between the centre-backs. They would look to press the ball-near side with the striker tracking his marker in between the centre-backs to press from the same line as his strike partner while the midfielders will become more aware in tracking their markers into the deeper positions and closing down the space to force a turnover. If the opposition look to play a deep pass in between the lines, then the centre-backs will become more active in pushing forward to force turnovers in a rigid defensive block. Even when Godoy Cruz would have to press a three-chain, their essential tenets would remain the same as they would maintain their 4-4-1-1 shape with a focus on closing down passing access to the six-space or to the central spaces. When an opposition player would drop deep, his midfielder marker would push up with him while the responsibility for closing down the wide centre-backs would lie with the ball-near striker with the wingers focused on marking the opposition wing-backs. If the opposition wing-back pushes up, the winger will maintain a deeper starting position to close him down while if the wing-back drops deep, the winger will push up high to close him down. When pressing a three-chain, the ball-far striker is tasked with closing down the midfielder who has dropped in between the centre-backs, especially in the wide areas as if the ball is moved into the midfield line, this allowed Godoy Cruz to be more effective in suffocating the opposition and closing down the space.

Godoy Cruz would frequently adapt their pressing shape to provide coverage for their man-orientations as if the opposition were playing a double-pivot, they would switch to a 4-1-4-1 shape, so they could close down the opposition double pivot with the midfielders tracking their markers when they dropped deep to receive possession. If the opposition are building up in a 2+4 shape, Flores’ side would launch a man-orientated pressing shape in a 4-4-2 with the two strikers applying pressure on the centre-backs, the wingers marking the opposition fullbacks while the midfielders close down the opposition midfielders. If the opposition moved the ball into the wide areas, they could work a pressing trap where the opposition fullback would receive possession, the ball-near striker and midfielder would shift across to deny the fullback passing access to the centre while the fullback will also push up if the winger drops deep as the defensive line will shift across as if there is a long pass, Flores’ side would be able to regain possession. Under Flores, the team could also switch to a diamond pressing shape when the two attackers are pressing the centre-backs with another midfielder dropping into the six-space to receive possession as his midfield marker will track him into the deeper areas as during the pressing phase, Godoy Cruz were looking to force a turnover or a long ball.

Defensive Shape

Flores’ defensive shape and strategies are par for the course for Bielsa acolytes with a focus on constant pressure on the ball to force a back-pass in order for his side to transition into a higher and more proactive press or to force a turnover, so they could launch a counter-attack. They would look to defend in a 4-4-2 medium to low block shape, especially as they were transitioning out of their higher pressing shape into a medium and low block as with their proactive defensive style and constant pressure on the ball, Flores’ side were willing to concede spaces to apply constant pressure on the ball with defenders moving out of position to close down markers in the wide areas or evacuating positions to apply direct pressure on the ball. Their defending can seem helter-skelter as there is a primary focus on regaining possession and forcing a turnover while such defending has also led to them conceding goals, especially in the latter stages of games which would have contributed to Flores’ sacking in his first job.

In Flores’ defensive shape with Godoy Cruz, there was an onus on defending the central spaces and denying the opposition passing access in between the lines in their 4-4-1-1/4-4-2 shape as if the opposition work passes in between the lines, this will trigger Godoy Cruz’ midfielders applying pressure on opposition midfielders. If the ball moves to the wide areas, the wingers will push up to press while if the ball is played into the half-spaces with the midfielders already closing down their man-marking responsibilities, the wingers will tuck inside to close down the space with the ball-near attacker closing down from the opposition player’s blind-side to force a turnover, sideways pass to the flank where the winger, striker, ball-near fullback and ball-near striker all shifting across to apply pressure on the ball. The ball-far striker will tuck inside to close down the six-space as if a back-pass is played, he will lead the press, scanning behind him to ensure that he is denying the centre-back passing access to the six-space or ensuring that his strike partner has pushed forward to close down the six-space before pushing forward to launch a more proactive press on the opposition centre-backs.

When Godoy Cruz were retreating from their 4-4-1-1/4-4-2 high pressing shape, their focus will be on covering passing access to the central spaces with their midfielders closing down their markers while if the wingers are drawn to the wide areas to cover a fullback, the fullbacks will tuck inside, marking the winger as if the ball is played into the half-space, he will be tasked with pushing up to regain possession. These are the same tenets that are utilized with the centre-backs as if the ball is played into their zone, they are tasked with pushing up to make interceptions and regain possession. Flores’ side seek to apply pressure on the ball in their own half to force back-passes or turnovers as this is crucial when the ball is played into the fullbacks or centre-backs’ zones as they will be tasked in being active in regaining possession. In certain situations, Flores’ side would drop into five-man defence in a 5-4-1/5-3-2 shape in order to prevent the opposition from stretching the defence as the wingers will provide support in engaging the opposition players when the ball is switched to the weak side while the fullbacks will provide cover or track runners. If a ball is switched from one flank to another and the fullback is closest to the opposition player in possession, he will push out to engage his man while the winger will move into the fullback area to provide cover and track runners.

Flores’ side were capable of creating a high number of opportunities from turnover situations as in the defensive phase if possession was regained, the concept of the first pass being a penetrative pass was utilized. A deep pass could be played into the nine-space for the striker to lay-off while the wingers make central runs as the fullbacks burst forward with runs into the wide areas to receive possession and cross into the box. After regaining possession, Godoy Cruz would work quick vertical connections before playing a deep pass to a teammate making a deep run in behind to receive possession or they would work a direct switch to a runner on the opposite flank to receive possession to have a direct shooting or crossing opportunity while he will also be able to work vertical connections on the weak side. Flores’ side would create high quality opportunities from pressing turnovers, counter-pressing turnovers as well as turnovers in their defensive block with their movement, stretching of the pitch and opposition defensive shapes as well as their quick vertical combinations.

Set-pieces

During his stewardship of Godoy Cruz, Flores also showed an aptitude for cultivating intriguing set-piece sequences to create high quality goalscoring opportunities. In a corner situation at home to Aldosivi, the opposition had a defender positioned in the six-yard area, so Flores’ side responded by utilizing deep runs from the top of the box as this gave his team the opportunity to make runs into the box without a player being caught offside. Godoy Cruz had 6 attackers to Aldosivi’s 9 defenders in the opposition box as the opposition had two defenders positioned at the top of the box while one defender was positioned in the wider areas of the box. In reality, in the centre of the box, it was a 6v6 situation as Flores had two players make a run to the near post drawing their markers with them. The player who made the furthest run into the box was positioned at the back-post as a teammate made a circular run behind him to draw a marker with him, while two attackers held their position and defenders near the top of the box. The player making the deepest run into the box would hold his run and cut-back to evade his marker and occupy a space in the centre of the box and jump to receive a cross which he headed over the bar.

Away to Arsenal, Godoy Cruz worked a short corner situation as they had an attacker positioned in the six-yard area, surrounded by three defenders as well as 4 attackers positioned near the top of the box marked by 4 defenders. Before the cross was taken, Flores’ side had a player make a run to the near post, dragging his marker with him while another player made a deep run from outside the box. After a player made a run from the near post, a central attacker made a circular run around him as the player with the first near post run acted a blocker while the two players at the back-post occupied their markers. The corner-kick taker played a low delivery into the box towards the near post as Flores’ side may have overcooked this particular sequence as the central player making the circular run and the player making the run from outside the box got into each other’s way. This does not mean the set-piece situation was poor as it was particularly well-planned as the onus should have been placed on the player making the run from outside the box taking the shot as his body shape and angle for directing the ball towards goal was better.

Away to Racing, Godoy Cruz worked another short corner situation as Flores’ side had a 5v6 situation inside the opposition box while the opposition had two defenders near the top of the box. The corner kick taker worked a short pass to a teammate on the flank, who played a one-touch pass back to him to drive into the centre as Godoy Cruz’ attackers inside the box would push to the top of the box. The player driving the ball into the centre would play the ball to a teammate who played the ball back to the flank for the player who played the first lay-off to square a low cross. At this point, Racing had two defenders closing down the near post with one player pushing towards the flank to directly close down the crosser. As this was now a 4v4 situation, one Godoy Cruz attacker found himself in a pocket of space as their attacker positioned closer to the near post would make a blind-sided movement behind his marker before making a run towards the six-yard area with a teammate holding his position near the top of the box. This created a crossing lane for the player in the six-yard area to receive a cut-back, mis-kicking to send an opportunity high and wide. This was a brilliant crossing opportunity created from a delayed crossing situation as moving the opposition defence to the top of the box before making deep runs into the box allowed Flores’ team to disorient the opposition.

At home to Independiente, Godoy Cruz had another crossing situation as Flores’ enjoyed utilizing near post runs or near post decoy runs as a chance creation tool from set-pieces. Away to Independiente, he positioned all of his players at the back-post with two players making runs to the near post, a central player making circular runs to the back-post with teammate for a player making a run to the near post to head over the bar. In this situation, Godoy Cruz could have also worked a flick-on to the back-post for a close-range finish as Flores’ side had two players free at the back-post.

Under Flores. Godoy Cruz also worked intriguing throw-in situations as at home to Estudiantes, they would have a throw in situation from the right flank, near the opposition box. They would utilize movement with the central striker moving out of the box towards the flank, dragging his marker with him as a wide attacker would back into the space he vacated while the attacking midfielder would also move into the box. The attacking midfielder employed a double movement to evade his marker and move towards the flank to receive the throw-in, holding possession to swivel, drive into the centre and play a switch pass to the ball-far attacker inside the box to receive possession at the back-post and send a shot wide. Godoy Cruz had another throw in situation from a similar area on the left flank, playing a direct throw-in into the channels for an attacker who received possession and flicked a pass for an attacker behind him to tee-up a teammate at the top of the box for a shooting opportunity which he finished with aplomb.

Conclusion

Flores’ first experience in Head Coaching may not have ended the way he planned but in terms of the underlying metrics and player development, the early signs were impressive for a first-time manager. He is currently assessing South American management opportunities as his style would be a fit for Liga MX, especially at clubs like Pumas, Necaxa and Puebla who already employ successful managers who have similar playing styles to him. His style translates to most levels of football as teams in Ligue 1 should be interested as he already possesses awareness of the league while he could also manage a team in the English Championship. In La Liga, he would be a sound replacement for Andoni Iraola at Rayo Vallecano as they are both from the Marcelo Bielsa coaching tree and their styles are similar while he could also lead an ambitious project in the Segunda Liga. Despite being sacked in his first Head Coaching role, Flores should be a young manager to track going forward as the speed with which he implemented his style and improved his playing staff should not be underrated.