A fascinating interview has come to light where new Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick talks through all of his tactics relating to gegenpressing.
The quotes come from his appearance on German television in December 1998, and Rangnick delivers a brilliant run through of the system using a tactics board.
"The back four is really just a means to an end for us, because what we actually want to play is extremely pronounced pressing. We want to try to always attack and outnumber the opposing ball owner with at least one man,"he told ZDF in a rough translation of the quotes from German into English.
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"It is simply important that the players also have a basic structure where they know that every player really has his back covered."
Rangnick has inspired the likes of Thomas Tuchel and Jurgen Klopp in their paths to management and went on to speak against the concept of man-marking in this detailed Q+A.
"You try to generate numerical advantage near the ball, and take time and space from your opponent on the ball.
"And you do not mark with an opponent- or assignment-oriented approach, but with a risk-oriented approach, which means that you focus more on the ball itself."
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A full transcript of the interview in English is included here, and shows just how meticulous Rangnick is in his approach to football.
He could take charge of his first Manchester United match against Arsenal on Thursday, should his work permit application be processed in time.
Michael Carrick was in the dugout for the 1-1 draw away at Chelsea on Sunday, a result which leaves the Red Devils in eighth and 12 points off the league leaders.
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Following the match against Arsenal, United welcome Crystal Palace to Old Trafford on 5th December, before playing their final Champions League group stages match against Young Boys three days later.
Topics: Manchester United, Ralf Rangnick, Premier League