Playbook Part 4.1 – Systems & Structure: Building a Balanced System

Structure, Style, Strategy – the LiberoUno way

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LiberoUno Principles

Now that we’ve gone over the roles and archetypes, it’s time to start fitting them into actual systems. This is where it all starts to come together — building formations that not only suit the players, but stay true to the philosophy.

Before diving into specific systems, I want to lay out a few guiding principles I always follow when constructing a balanced tactic. These “rules” (for lack of a better word — maybe call them preferences or guidelines) have been shaped over years of playing and tweaking, and they help me bring structure and stability to what is otherwise a very high-risk, high-reward way of playing the game.

It might seem quite rigid to some, but for me, this framework is what allows the chaos of gegenpressing to actually work. With the right structure, the freedom I give certain players can thrive without the whole thing falling apart.

Let’s get into it…

Defenders

  • Only One Passing Defender Max
    I’ll never use more than one progressive/passing centre-back in a system. This limits risk in deeper areas, especially in a high-intensity style. If I had to choose between two or none, I’d take none.
  • Progressive Backs Need a Wide Threat Ahead
    If I play with a progressive back, there must be a wide threat (Outside or Inside) ahead of them to maintain width and stretch the pitch.
  • Attacking Backs or Hybrid Wingers
    These guys are the width, so they either play behind an Inside Threat or have the entire flank to themselves. They need the space to do damage.
  • Back 3 Setup
    When I use a back 3, the two outside centre-backs are always Channel Backs, with the central defender a Classic Defend-first type. No exceptions.

Midfielders

  • Always a Pivot
    Every system I use will have either a single or double pivot in DM. I don’t use formations without players in the DM strata — it’s just too risky for how I want to play.
  • No MR/ML
    I avoid MR and ML roles completely. I find players are either more useful as wide forwards in the AM strata causing danger, or deeper as wing-backs powering forward.
  • Single Pivot = Holder Only
    If there’s one 6, it’s always a Holder — functional or creative depending on the rest of the setup.
  • Double Pivot = Holder + Runner
    In a double pivot, I’ll always pair one Holder with one Runner. Ideally one functional and one creative, but if I don’t have the right players, I’ll use two functional. Never two creative 6s. Again, the theme… risk.
  • Single Pivot Setup Ahead
    If there’s only one 6, I’ll play two 8s ahead of him.
    • If the 6 is creative, I’ll play either two functional 8s or a functional 8 and a deeper 10.
    • If the 6 is functional, I’ll want at least one creative 8 ahead of him, partnered with a functional 8 or a deeper 10.
  • Adapting Roles to Fullbacks
    When I use attacking backs or hybrid wingers, the 6 or 8 on that side of the pitch gets a more cautious role (e.g., The Funcional Runner – a Segundo Volante becomes a Defensive Midfielder on Support) to give more defensive cover and balance.
  • Number 10 Usage
    I’ll use 0, 1, or 2 players in the AMC strata depending on the system. If I use two 10s, both will be Attacking Midfielders on Support rather than Advanced Playmakers on Attack — I find it balances the system better. I will only play him deeper in a Midfield 3 if there is no other player in the AMC position AND there is a wide thread on his side of the pitch so gove him space to do his thing.

Forwards

  • Wide Attackers Setup

    • Outside Threats need a Progressive Back behind them.

    • Inside Threats need either an Attacking Back or a Hybrid Winger. (Important: I wont play with an Inside threat, if we are using a system with 2 strikers)

  • Lone Striker, No 10
    In systems with just a striker and no AMC, it will always be a Centre Forward.

  • Lone Striker with a 10 Behind
    In this setup, the striker is always a Pest Striker to stretch the line and create chaos ahead of the 10.

  • Two Striker Systems
    I always use two support duty strikers when playing with a front two. Whether that’s two Creative Forwards or a Creative and a Centre Forward depends on personnel, but they both have to link up. I don’t use an attacking duty striker here — I want them working together.

A Quick Word Before We Move On…

  • I know this is a lot to take in. If anything isn’t clear or you’d like me to expand on a particular point, I’m happy to explain. I’m also fully aware this is quite a structured and meticulous approach to the game — but it reflects my way of thinking as a manager. It’s how I find the balance between chaos and control.

    This is my framework. Yours might be different, and that’s okay. But if it helps anyone understand how to bring structure to their systems — or even sparks a few new ideas — then it’s done its job.

Next up…

Next, I’ll take everything covered so far — from the player roles and archetypes to the core principles of mentality, instructions, and tactical philosophy — and show how it all comes together within specific formations.

Playbook Part 4.2