Omar Alexis Moreno’s methodical Mineros de Zacatecas machine

Mineros de Zacatecas are the most interesting project in Mexican football as they develop young Mexican talent through loans while in the last few transfer windows, the Liga MX Expansion side are one of the few clubs to trade a player to a European side. They are building a new training ground as they have reached the final playoffs of the Liga MX Expansion in each of the last 10 seasons. They also have the second youngest Head Coach in Mexican football, in Omar Alexis Moreno who is 32 and preaches a methodical possession-based style which he has been building on while he is also a phenomenal developer of talent with his modern approach to football. Both Mineros and their young manager are blazing a trail that could lead to Liga MX sooner rather than later.

Build-up

Mineros build-up in a 3+2 shape with close player spacing as this shape can alternate into a 3+1 shape with one of the midfielders pushing into a higher area and his teammate dropping into space to receive possession. Moreno also utilizes deeper wing-backs which is intriguing as if the opposition close down passing lanes to the central spaces, the wing-backs will drop closer to the wide centre-backs to receive possession, attracting pressure for deep passes in between the lines or to create numerical superiorities to evade pressure with vertical passing sequences. Mineros led the Liga MX Expansion in expected goals last year before stagnating at the beginning of this season which has seen Moreno evolve, utilizing more movement and positional interchange in the build-up phase as well as showing the willingness to switch to a 2+3 build-up shape.

Mineros are a side that utilizes a 3+2 build-up shape in order to create triangles and close player spacing for quick short passing sequences to attract and evade pressure as in certain situations, they could operate as a 3+1, working combinations as the opposition push up to press before they switch possession to the ball-far centre-back which will lead to the other deep-lying midfielder dropping deep with Mineros utilizing a deep wing-back, to create a triangle with the six-space and wide centre-back while other triangles are established with the wide centre-back, central centre-back and deepest-lying midfielder. Once they move into their 3+2 shape, Mineros can attract pressure as this allows them to play deep passes in between the lines or passes into the channels as well as switching possession to instigate quick attacking moves.

Mineros utilize deep wing-backs as their wing-back are heavily involved in the positional play phase with Moreno’s side circulating possession to the fullback to work a one-two to attract pressure for a deep pass in between the lines or a deep pass into the half-space. For instance, in the picture above, Mineros have played possession to the wing-back on the flank as one player in the attacking line is making a run forward while the other is holding possession with the option to drop deeper. Mineros can play a pass in between the lines from the flank to the player holding his position in the half-space who will play the ball to the attacker in the central spaces to drive the ball forward or switch the ball to the weak side for a high-quality low crossing opportunity. Stretching the pitch is also key to Mineros’ attacking play as they will frequently switch the ball to the opposite flank during different stages of their possession phase to stretch the opposition defence and create opportunities.

In the picture above, Mineros can also play a short pass into the central midfielder who can allow the ball to roll across his body before playing a direct pass in between the central lines in order to facilitate another avenue of switching possession. The midfielder can also play a simpler pass to the ball-far wide centre-back allowing him to push forward with the ball, the midfielder will move into the six-space to attract a marker and look to create a passing angle to receive possession while a midfielder will drop into the eight space with the wing-back dropping deeper to receive possession. Mineros will also use a variety of midfield interchange passing sequences, especially in switching to a 3+1 when the ball is played to the wing-back as the ball-near will push into space as either the ball-far midfielder will drop into the six-space or one of the centre-backs will push into the six-space to receive possession and work a pass in between the lines for Mineros to switch the ball to the weak-side for a crossing opportunity.

In their 3+2 build-up shape, Mineros will also regularly utilize wall-passes, especially in the way that they circulate possession and the midfield two will be positioned close to the centre-backs to circulate possession while the wing-backs will maintain deep positions to receive possession. Moreno’s side will utilize a 3-4-1-2 shape where they will circulate possession amongst the back-three before playing a direct pass to the wing-back on the flank for a one-touch flick-on for a player in the centre as this could facilitate a direct switch to the opposite flank. Once the wing-back flicks the ball inside, the ball-far winger will make a run into the centre while the ball-far wing-back will make an overlapping run onto the flank to receive possession on the weak side. With the wing-back flick-ons, the wing-back could work a flick-on with the outside of his boot while facing his own goal while he could adjust his body shape to face the centre of the pitch while hugging the touchline to allow the ball to roll across his body onto his back-foot to play a one-touch pass into the centre.

Under high man-orientated pressure, Mineros will allow the deepest-lying midfielders to drop into in between the centre-backs to create a four-chain, while the other midfielder and one attacker will drop into the midfield line as a double-pivot for Moreno’s side to create a numerical superiority in the first line while attracting pressure. Mineros will normally utilize this shape to attract pressure and play a deep line-breaking pass to the striker in the nine-space to lay-off to the ten space before a switch to the flank and multiple runs into the box. When the goalkeeper has possession, he will rarely look to play longer as on the flank, the wide centre-back, wing-back and ball-near midfielder or central centre-back will create a triangle. The goalkeeper will play a short pass to the central centre-back or wide centre-back, the wing-back will drop deep to receive possession and flick a pass into the centre for to the defensive line and a pass to the ball-far midfielder which will trigger an overlapping run from the ball-far wing-back and an attacker tucking inside into the centre. If the goalkeeper is under direct pressure, he will play a deep line-breaking pass into the midfield line or a lobbed pass to the wing-back.

Moreno consistently looks to evolve his team’s style as positional rotations in the build-up phase are constant, the centre-backs will push into midfield to receive possession, the wing-backs will tuck into the central spaces to receive possession while at the beginning of last season, his team played a more direct style. The tenets remain the same in creating triangles for passing circulations, stretching the pitch to switch the ball as well as attracting pressure for direct passes in between the lines. There is an essence of well-trained structure to Mineros’ playing style while there is also organized fluidity to create chaos for the opposition defensively with players constantly making clever and well-timed movements.

In the situation above, the right wing-back, Diego Campillo has moved into the 8 space as the winger is now occupying the wide right zone, the central centre-back has pushed into the midfield zone with the goalkeeper occupying a centre-back role as the left wing-back stretches the pitch on the far side. Mineros have created a 3+2 shape, attracting man-orientated pressure from the opposition while creating triangles for ball-circulation all over the pitch. The central centre-back, Campillo and the deepest-lying midfielder have a triangle as does the central centre-back and the two-wide centre-backs. The wide centre-back, the ball-near midfielder and wing-back have a triangle while in the midfield line, the two deeper-lying midfielders have a triangle with an attacker who has dropped deep as this shape has brilliant player spacing and staggering. Once one of the midfielders in the double-pivot, drops closer to the defensive line to attract pressure the attacker will make a movement in behind the line of pressure to receive possession in between the lines in the central spaces.

Mineros could also work an interchange in the midfield triangle where the deepest-lying midfielder, receives possession and lays off the ball before pushing forward to the right eight space for the player in the left half-space to drop into the six-space while Campillo moves in between the lines to receive possession in behind the line of pressure in the central spaces as these midfield interchanges are a staple of Mineros’ build-up shape. Mineros are also in their standard 3+2 shape where they can circulate possession to the ball-far CB who will drive the ball into the midfield line where he can play the ball to the wing-back who can play a one-touch pass into the central spaces for a lay-off for the ball to be played to the ball-far 8 who will spread possession for the wing-back on the flank. Mineros’ staggering has given the spacial superiority and an opportunity to evade opposition pressure.

However, in this situation, the goalkeeper would play a pass to the central centre-back to attract pressure from the opposition’s central striker and ball-near winger, the midfielder would attempt to turn to attract more pressure before playing the ball to the wide right centre-back. Campillo would move from his central centre-back position back into his midfield role to receive possession, playing the ball to the central centre-back who had moved to the right flank for a direct one-touch pass in between the lines to the striker dropping deep. The right winger would make a movement into the centre, inside the striker with Campillo pushing up into the wide zone to receive possession once more. The movement and constant interchange of positions was aligned with Mineros’ short triangular passing sequences in build-up, attracting pressure for the deep pass in between the lines and movement to create space.

Mineros will have a 3+2 formation and utilize wall-passes to work deep passes in between the lines but will also have build-up sequences where the centre-backs play the ball into the midfield line, for the midfielder receiving possession to shield the ball and turn to drive possession forward from the central spaces. One of the things that make Moreno an intriguing young coach is his approach to detail, especially with the way in which players receive possession with their directional first touch and body orientation, be it the wing-back receiving the ball and playing a one-touch pass from wide zone or the midfielders receiving possession on the half-turn in the central areas. This is key in Mineros facilitating transition and driving the ball forward to eventually stretch the pitch in the attacking phase.

Moreno has also been known to veer away from his favoured three-chain build-up shape into a 2+3 in certain games as with increased experience at Mineros, he has been more and more willing to adapt into new shapes. The tenets of the 2+3 build-up shape are similar but there is an increased focus on playing early balls in between the lines while when the goalkeeper has possession inside the box from short goal-kick situations, Mineros will normally utilize a 2+3 shape until the ball is moved outside the box where the wide centre-back will tuck into the central space to create a 3+1/3+2 shape. The 2+3 and 3+1 are easily interchangeable shapes in the build-up phase for Mineros as the wide centre-back will drop into the three-chain from a fullback role with another fullback pushing forward while an attacking player will drop deep to receive possession in between the lines or recreate Mineros’ favoured 3+2 shape.

In the situation above, Mineros are in a 2+3 shape in a 2-3-2-3 formation as they are utilizing close triangular player spacing in possession. The two 8s have dropped deep with the ball-near 8 dropping closer to the flank while they have also occupied opposition midfielders. The fullback could play the ball back to the centre-back for a deep line-breaking pass to the nine-space for a lay-off to the ten space and a switch ball to the flank. In Mineros’ 2+3 shape, the wingers are stretching the pitch while the fullbacks are positioned in a deeper area. Mineros could also switch to a 2+4 shape with a midfielder dropping into the same vertical line as the fullbacks and deepest-lying midfielder as they will work a routine where the ball is played into the fullback area to work a one-touch pass into the ball-near midfielder who will play an accurate pass into the next line for a lay-off as Mineros can then facilitate a switch to the opposite flank.

Mineros will also stretch the pitch and circulate possession for direct passes in between the lines or deep passes into the channels as Moreno is consistent with the main tenets of his style. When they move possession to the wide zones, an 8 will drop deep to drag a marker out of position and create a pocket of space for the central striker to drop into to receive possession, players will also make divergent runs a ball-near pushing forward to drag his marker out of position for the winger to tuck inside to receive possession or for the central striker or ball-far midfielder to move into the space to receive possession and facilitate another switch. Another three-chain composition is the deepest-lying midfielder dropping in between the centre-backs to create a numerical superiority in the first line and vacate the six-space so the ball can be moved to the wide centre-backs who will drive the ball forward and play vertical passes into the midfield line.

Player spacing is integral to Mineros’ build-up as they utilize player spacing and movement to make runs off the ball to create space for teammates to drop into spaces and receive the ball or to create overloads in their short passing sequences, so they can constantly find the free-man. Moreno’s side are also consistently attracting pressure in build-up which could lead to turnovers in the deeper areas, allowing the opposition to construct goalscoring opportunities while it also allows them to drag opposition pressure to one flank to facilitate a switch ball or to attract opposition pressure for deeper passes in between the lines where Mineros can surge forward in situations where they break on the opposition defence.

In the situation above, Mineros have moved the ball to the left flank as they normally utilize the flanks in build-up play. It is immediately noticeable that the wing-back receiving possession is positioned in a deeper position to receive possession while the ball-far wing-back has pushed up into a higher position. If Mineros circulate the possession to the ball-far centre-back, the ball-far wing-back and central midfielder will drop deep, attracting pressure to create space for a pass in between the lines with the winger tucking inside. However, if Mineros move possession into the centre and manage to progress play with a deep pass in between the lines, the ball-far wing-back in a higher position will be integral in stretching the pitch when his side switches the ball to the ball-far flank.

In the situation above, Mineros are in their usual 3+2 build-up shape as the opposition are applying a high man-orientated press, they could work a move where the ball-near attacker moves to the wide areas, the ball-near deeper-lying midfielder pushes up and drags his marker out of position for a pass to the ball-far midfielder who will play a one-touch pass into the next line or lay-off to the centre back for a deep pass in between the lines. Moreno’s side are not averse to playing short passes into tight spaces in their build-up interchanges as the wing-back could work a short pass into a space behind the deepest-lying midfielder to lay-off to one of the centre-backs for a deep pass in between the lines and a switch to the highly positioned ball-far wing-back on the weak side. Mineros’ midfield three is staggered as they have attracted pressure which allows them to create space with movement and dragging opposition defenders out of their zones as the ball-near 8 is moving closer to the wide zone to receive possession where he can lay the ball off to the flank for the striker to move into the vacated position to receive the ball where he can facilitate a switch. The striker can also drop deep into the vacated zone to receive a direct pass from the flank.

From the situation above, Mineros switched the ball to the left wing-back who played a one-touch pass to the attacking player in the half-space for a one-touch pass to the six-space as the deepest-lying midfielder played the ball to the left-sided centre-back. The left-sided centre-back, dribbled his man and attracted pressure to work a pass into the central centre-back who drove the ball into the midfield line who played the ball to the ball-far half-space for a pass to the ball-far wing-back to play a pass back to the half-space who drove the ball into the centre and switched a pass to the left sided centre-back who was in space to have a crossing opportunity blocked. Mineros utilized the width of the pitch, worked short passing connections to attract pressure to one flank before spreading the ball to the weak side as they utilized both flanks to evade pressure and transition into the attacking phase.

Positional Play

Moreno’s ability to focus on the finite details of certain aspects of his team’s style also translates to the positional play phase. The 32-year-old is intelligent at coaching striker runs and movements while his side utilize these movements to create high quality opportunities inside the opposition box. His team also look to stretch the pitch, circulating possession from flank to flank and utilizing movement to create short crossing situations which lead to high quality shooting opportunities from inside the box. In the attacking phase, Mineros utilize movement, good player spacing with well-timed runs and occupation of space to string together moves to disorient opposition defences and frequently create high quality opportunities.

The situation above is a situation where Mineros have utilized their player spacing to occupy markers, dragging opposition defenders out of space to open passing lanes while also creating possibilities to stretch the opposition defence with runs in behind. In the situation above, two opposition midfielders have been dragged out of position, creating a direct passing lane to the nine-space as the striker has dropped deeper to receive possession, the winger is playing on the shoulder of his fullback as Mineros can work a move where the striker drops deep and a direct pass is played through the half-space for the wide player to make a run in behind. Mineros also have the player spacing for triangular passing interchanges as the ball can be played to the deepest player in the wide areas for the player in the half-space and the player in the wide zone to interchange positions, dragging markers out of position while the striker pushes up, allowing the wide players to tuck inside and drop into space, receiving possession to lay-off for the midfielder who will turn and switch possession to the opposite flank. Mineros can also have a more direct switching situation where instead of the ball being played to the nine-space, the ball can be played to the 8 space where the midfielder can work a one-two with the striker before switching possession to the flank for a low crossing situation.

In the situation above, Mineros played a direct pass to the nine-space for the striker to control the ball and spread a pass to the flank while the striker made a run in behind to receive possession as an opposition defender intercepted possession at the last minute. Connections in tight spaces are pivotal in the way in which Moreno’s side circulate possession as players will frequently work one-twos with teammates in between the lines to attract markers before working short switches to the flank where the wing-back will be stretching the pitch to have high quality cut-back situations. The Mexican side will also work one-twos around the box with teammates making runs to drag markers out of position to clear space for shooting opportunities from the top of the box or to clear space for a through ball for higher quality shooting opportunities from inside the box.

Mineros will circulate possession in the opposition half with triangular interchanges and teammates making runs into space to receive possession in between the lines or clear passing lanes for teammates to receive possession in tight spaces. When the ball is moved to the wide areas, one teammate will make a run into the half-space with another player dropping into space to receive possession while there are also situations where the ball-near winger will move into the wide zone to drag a marker out of position while the central striker will drop into the vacated space to receive possession, laying off a pass and facilitating a switch to the opposite flank. There will also be sequences where the centre-back will work a pass into the wide areas, the central midfielder will make a movement to occupy the wide zone, dragging his marker out of position while the central striker will drop into the deeper areas to receive possession as his winger will tuck in from the wide zone to the central spaces. With the opposition stretched, Mineros would have created space to facilitate quick vertical interchanges in the central spaces.

In the central spaces, players will receive possession and lay-off to teammates before making movements in between the lines as Mineros will have triangular player spacing so they can circulate possession quickly in tight areas with one or two touch passing sequences. A deeper player can play the ball to the eight space as a teammate moves in between the lines to occupy the ten space or an attacker drops deep to receive possession in that area. Even if that area is congested, the player in the eight space will still thread a pass to the ten space to work a one-two for a switch pass to the weak side and a low cross or for a one-two where the player in the eight space to have a goalscoring opportunity. Moreno also prefers to utilize third man running situations as a pass can be played to the ten space, especially if a striker drops out of the nine-space to receive possession as a deeper midfielder will make a run in behind to receive possession and have a 1v1 opportunity with the goalkeeper. In their attacking rotations, Mineros will stretch the pitch, they will have attacking players dropping deep to play lay-offs to deeper players forcing the opposition midfield to push up and engage the ball while the attackers occupy defenders. The opposition defenders will be drawn out of position to engage Mineros attackers who have dropped deep to create space for passes to be played in behind and for midfielders to make deep runs in behind the opposition defence or for wingers to make vertical runs to receive passes in behind.

In the wide areas, Mineros are also known to play wide triangular combinations with the striker consistently moving to the wide areas to participate in interchanges while the ball-far midfielder or winger will tuck inside to occupy the nine-space. A wing-back will stretch the pitch with the winger or midfielder in the half-space, making a run to clear a direct passing lane to the striker as the player in the half-space will move to the wide zone, allowing the wing-back in the wide zone to make a third man run into the half-space to receive possession and have a low crossing opportunity. While these wide combinations are being played, the winger who has tucked will make a run to the near post to receive the low cross while the striker positioned closer to the flank will make a looping run towards the top of the box to receive a cut-back to that area as Moreno prefers his attacking movement to be in-sync to create high quality opportunities inside the opposition box.

Mineros use a series of triangular movements and third man running situations to create space and low crossing opportunities as they have situations where they can play passes from the wide zone to the central spaces for the attacker receiving possession to lay-off to the half-space for a third man runner to receive possession and have a high-quality crossing opportunity. The wing-back could play a direct pass into the central spaces for the attacker to burst towards the the wide areas while the wing-back will make a run into the central spaces with a teammate making a run outside the attacker in the wide zone as these little routines are essential in creating crossing opportunities as the striker can play the ball to the wide areas for the wide player to cut-back for the wing-back in the central areas to have a shooting opportunity inside the box. Moreno’s side could also utilize much simpler one-two passing connections and runs to progress play and stretch the pitch.

Switching the ball and stretching the pitch is as integral to Mineros’ attacking play as it is to the build-up phase as after they evade pressure, they will normally look to switch possession and stretch the pitch to create high quality crossing opportunities. Mineros will normally work switching situations through direct switches or vertical passing interchanges -a wing-back playing a direct pass into the centre to receive possession before playing another one-two to switch the ball to the opposite wing-back. Once the ball is switched to the flank, Mineros will normally utilize a half-space runner making an underlapping run to receive possession for a low crossing opportunity or to drag an opposition defender out of position and allow the wide player to drive into the centre. The wing-back and winger interchange responsibility of stretching the pitch in the wide areas as there are sequences where Mineros are facilitating a switch with a deeper-lying striker dropping to receive possession where the winger to tuck into the nine-space to open a passing lane to the wing-back on the weak side. Runs and movement to drag markers out of position to facilitate switches are a part of their attacking interchanges as these movements can also be used to disorient the opposition defence in crossing situations.

Fluidity in the nine-space is also essential to the way that Mineros look to disorient deep blocks as once one attacker drops deep, another attacker will move into the nine-space as if the ball is played to the wide areas and the striker moves into the wide areas, the ball-far winger will tuck into the nine-space. There are also sequences where the striker will make timed drops out of space to trigger late runs from deep beyond him. In the wide areas, Mineros will have passing sequences where the central striker moves closer to the flank to receive possession in order to drag an opposition centre-back out of position and triggering a third man runner making a run into space. Moreno’s side will also utilize these sequences for the third man runner to make a run and attract a defender to create space for a switch to the weak side and a high-quality low crossing situation from the opposite flank.

With intelligent runs in the opposition box, well-rehearsed blind-sided movement routines in the nine-space and spectacular positioning and player spacing in the opposition box, Mineros manage to consistently leverage nine-space movement to create high quality opportunities for their strikers. If they switch the ball to one flank for a 1v1 situation, their wide player will sometimes cut inside for the ball-near attacker to make a run into the ball-near half-space to drag a marker out of position and receive a through ball to play a low cross or to cut-back a cross for the player who originally played the ball for him to have a shooting opportunity from inside the box. From a more granular player development point of view, Moreno takes a particular focus on educating his strikers on which particular runs to make, be it making sliding movements to a defender’s blind-side before making a run of the defender’s back shoulder to receive possession in space and be able to transition into a shooting opportunity while also having an opportunity to receive the ball.

Moreno also educates his attacker’s,  like he does for all positions on the pitch, in the art of scanning and analysing space as in the positional play phase, his central strikers consistently have their heads on swivel as if the central striker drops deep and attracts his marker into a deeper area, the attacker in the ball-far half-space will also make a vertical run into the vacated area to occupy the nine-space as at the most, he will receive possession with a pass in behind to have a goalscoring opportunity or he will drag his marker into the central spaces as when Mineros switch the ball, the wing-back will have a 1v1 on the flank. Moreno will also coach triangular movements in the nine-space as if one attacker drops deep with the wide attacker tucking into the nine-space, Mineros can work routines where the attacker in the deeper area dummies a pass to the nine-space while making a run to receive possession and have a high-quality opportunity on goal.

Mineros’ main way of creating high quality opportunities inside the opposition box is through low crossing situations as Moreno also coaches his side’s attackers in receiving low crosses with their occupation of space and movement into the box. Mineros’ strikers are well-versed at holding their runs when they make darts into the box, double movements with runs to the near post or back-post for high quality shooting situations. As Mineros have routines where their striker will make a movement into the wide areas to receive possession, they could work a connection by sliding a through pass to a teammate in the half-space before making a circular movement from the wide areas to the near post of the box where they will receive a cut-back to have a clear-cut shooting opportunity on goal.

In the attacking phase, Mineros will operate in a 3-2-4-1 shape as this will allow them to utilize staggered triangular movements for deep runs in behind in the nine-space as well as triangular movements in the nine-space while utilizing a shape where their wing-backs will be positioned in the higher areas. With Mineros building up in a 3+2 shape, they will have a box in midfield that allows the striker to drop deep and one of the attacking midfielders to move into his position while the attacking midfielders can move wider to open passing lanes to the 9 space as well as moving into the wider areas to receive possession with one of the deeper midfielders making a run into space. In the attacking phase, if the striker moves out of the 9 space then one of the midfielders will move into his position while the close player spacing in this area allows for fluid triangular vertical interchanges in the 9 space to create space for passes and runs as well as for teammates to receive possession in tight spaces.

 Counter-pressing

Counter-pressing is an integral facet of Mineros’ game-model as with the travel and altitude of Mexican football, Moreno’s side could be less aggressive in the pressure phase while in the counter-pressing phase, Mineros will consistently be aggressive, looking to win possession after the lose the ball and looking to deny the opposition counter-attacks while also utilizing counter-pressing situations as a method of chance creation. Mineros can lose possession with their early passes in between the lines in the possession phase or with risky build-up combinations as once they lose possession, the closest player to the ball will push forward and look to apply pressure, allowing defenders to move back into space while also forcing a back-pass for Mineros to have the opportunity to reorganize their defensive shape before switching to the pressing phase.

When Mineros lose possession in the opposition half, they look to immediately engage the ball and close down the space around the opposition player in possession to force a direct turnover or a long ball. The closest player to the ball will engage the opposition player in possession while attackers will retreat, sliding across to mark opposition players and close down passing lanes as if the ball is played behind the first wave, Mineros are so aggressive in looking to regain possession that the centre-backs will push up to close down attackers and look to regain possession with interceptions and tackles. If possession is lost closer to the halfway-line, the wing-backs will retreat to defensive roles as this provides cover for the opposition centre-backs as once the centre-backs push up to regain possession, the wing-backs will slide across to provide cover and close down passing lanes to runners, making last ditch interceptions to regain possession. This style of defending makes Mineros fragile to counter-attacks as if the opposition manage to get in behind the last line of defence, the counter-press continues with attacking players tracking back to cover spaces and look to win possession, applying direct pressure on the ball and not allowing the opposition attacker to move the ball into space. In the attacking phase when Mineros lose possession, the attackers will apply pressure, the midfielders will pick up markers while the centre-backs will push forward to close down the space and force long passes for the centre-backs to regain possession in the opposition half.

If Mineros lose possession deep in the opposition half or near the opposition box, they will apply immediate high pressure on the ball, closing down all the opposition players in the area to deny the opposition a counter-attacking opportunity to force a turnover. If Mineros lose possession in the wide areas with one of their wide combination routines, all three wide players will look to apply pressure on the opposition player in possession and all the other players in the area to force a turnover, a long ball or a back-pass which will facilitate Mineros switching into their high pressure, applying pressure on the opposition goalkeeper and centre-backs. If Mineros’ wing-back loses possession in the opposition half, the wing-back will maintain his high position and look to regain possession from the opposition player in possession directly as a teammate will slide beneath him to cover him defensively and apply press security. If the ball is played back to the centre-back or opposition goalkeeper, this is when the wing-back will retreat to cover his defensive position while Mineros will shift into their usual 5-2-3/5-4-1 high press to force a turnover.

There are other little details that Moreno utilizes when implementing a counter-press, especially with the use of their wing-backs as if Mineros lose possession in the half-space while in the possession phase in the opposition half, the wing-back will tuck in with the centre-backs pushing up to force a turnover and regain possession. In other situations such as crossing situations where the wing-back crosses and it is deflected out of the box as the opposition look to counter-attack through the centre of the pitch, the Mineros defensive line pushing up allows centre-backs to engage opposition attackers in possession, allowing the wing-back to take up his defensive role to deny the opposition a counter-attacking opportunity and give the Mineros defence time to reorganize themselves. Attackers retreating to close down passing lanes to make interceptions and tackles on the opposition player’s blind-side is another facet of Mineros’ counter-press which makes them so effective. Attackers are encouraged to track back deep into their own half during opposition counter-attacking situations to regain possession.

Pressing

Mineros press in a 5-4-1/5-2-3 shape as they tailor pressing triggers and the aggressiveness of the press to game situations, climate and weather as well as the style of play of the opposition. They look to utilize man-orientated marking to provide coverage during the pressing phase, looking to force long balls or turnovers where they will be able to regain possession in the midfield or defensive line. Moreno encourages his players to cover for each other to maintain man-marking responsibilities and deny the opposition the spaces and free-men to manoeuvre out of the press as the regularly force long balls to regain possession, looking to construct attacking moves from the opposition half or the touchline.

In the photo above, they are in a 5-2-3 man-orientated high press as they look to suffocate the opposition to force a turnover or a long-ball. The opposition have moved possession to the wide areas as the Mineros front three are closing down the opposition defenders while Moreno’s team has the opposition closed down in a 7v7 situation with a midfielder pushing up to close down the opposition six-space, two Mineros midfielders pushing up to close down the opposition double-pivot while the ball-near wing-back has pushed up to close down the opposition winger. The opposition are forced into looking to play the long ball while Mineros are also in the perfect pressing situation to win a turnover in the wide areas, having the close player spacing to play quick passing connections before switching possession to the weak side and ball-far wing-back who will make an overlapping run for a high-quality low crossing situation.

Mineros have also adjusted to the lateral pressing phase well as they have shifted brilliantly to close down the opposition’s right flank with their winger directly marking the opposition fullback, the striker has shifted into a zone to close down the space in between the fullback and centre-back, denying him passing access to the centre. The ball-far winger has tucked inside as if the ball is played back to the goalkeeper, he will lead the pressure phase, keeping the nearest centre-back or deepest-lying midfielder in his cover shadow, denying the goalkeeper passing access to the six-space. The player in the six-space will cover the closest man, the striker will drop deep to cover the six-space with the other winger tucking inside to close down the centre-back closest to him while if the opposition try to switch the ball to the opposite flank, the wing-back will push up to close down the spaces in the wide areas as Mineros will shift the defensive block to the opposite flank. This is in line with Moreno’s belief about players covering for each other in the pressing phase.

Mineros will normally start the first wave of pressure with a line of three players as if the opposition are building up with a three-chain, the Mexican side will man-mark all three opposition defenders while if the goalkeeper has possession, with two opposition defenders either side of him then Mineros will mark both the centre-backs as well as the goalkeeper. In these situations, Mineros will start by allowing the goalkeeper to hold possession and focusing on closing down passing lanes as once the goalkeeper has held possession for a few seconds, the central attacker will push up to apply direct pressure on him to force the goalkeeper into a mistake with a loose pass or playing the long ball. If a double-pivot drops, Mineros’s two midfield markers will push forward to close them down while if a singular midfielder drops deep then one Mineros midfielder will mark him, preventing oppositon passing access to him. In the wide areas, the wing-backs take a very active role in applying pressure, pushing up with the opposition wide players to regain possession.

Due to the travel and differing game conditions, Moreno will tinker with the ferocity of the Mineros press, especially if they are deep in the second-half and ahead by a small margin, Mineros are known to utilize a more rigid medium block or a more rigid 5-4-1 press rather than their normal 5-2-3 pressing shape. In the 5-4-1, the striker will retreat to sit in front of the midfield four, holding his position and waiting for sideways or backwards passes to lead the pressing triggers, pushing up to apply pressure on the centre-backs and goalkeepers. If the ball moves to the wide areas, the wing-back will push up to apply the pressure but the ball-near wide attacker will drop into the space behind him to provide cover and deny the opposition passing access to this area. When the opposition switch possession in the build-up phase, the midfielders’ primary focus will be on marking opposition players in between the lines and closing down passing lanes to opposition players rather than pushing up to apply pressure. Mineros still do win turnovers in this shape as they will break on the opposition and look to create clear-cut opportunities within the opposition box.

In certain situations, Mineros can switch to a four chain in the pressing shape, as they can switch to a 4-3-3 shape when possession moves to the wide areas and the wing-back pushes into the midfield line to apply pressure while they can also operate in a 4-4-2 medium block. In a situation above, Mineros are defending in a 4-4-2 medium block with the ball-near striker constantly scanning over his shoulder to make sure he is perfectly positioned to close down passing access to the six-space. The ball-near midfielder in the midfield four is gesturing for his teammate in the defensive line to push up and close the space while he is moving into a position to close down passing access to an opposition attacker in between the lines. Mineros force the back-pass but are not active in applying pressure, waiting for the opposition centre-back to push forward before turning to play a back-pass as once the ball moves back to the goalkeeper, the eventually switch to a 5-4-1 shape with three players behind the striker as the central midfielder was closing down an opposition player in the six-space while the other midfielder was marking an attacker and holding his position in Mineros’ six-space.

 Defensive Shape

Mineros will normally sit in a 5-4-1 defensive shape where they will look to close down spaces in between the lines, forcing back-passes before they transition into a 5-4-1/5-2-3 high press while in their defensive shape, they will utilize similar man-orientations and man-marking responsibilities. Moreno’s side can concede goals with their heavy man-marking in their defensive shape as midfielders can follow markers into the wide areas leaving spaces in the central spaces where the opposition can shift the ball and utilize Mineros’ players vacating their positions to create goalscoring opportunities.

In the situation above, Mineros are in their 5-4-1 low block as the opposition have just switched possession to the opposite flank and they are in the process of shifting to close down the spaces. The ball-near winger has pushed up to engage the wide player in possession while also looking to close down the passing lane to an opposition player behind him while the wing-back has also pushed up. The defence has pushed to limit the space for the opposition in between the lines as if they manage to thread a pass to a teammate in between the lines, the centre-backs can push up to regain possession with a tackle or interception. The midfielder is also shifting across to cover the man behind the winger as Mineros will look to close down the spaces to force a back-pass at which point both wingers will push forward and tuck into the central spaces to trigger the press and look to force a turnover in the opposition half. If the ball is played into the wide areas, the wing-back will drop back into the wing-back zone with the wide attacking player supporting him to create a 2v1/2v2 situation to deny the opposition the opportunity to create a crossing situation.

In their defensive block, Mineros will look to put constant pressure on the ball as if the ball is moved to the wide areas, the wide attacker will engage the man in possession with the wing-back covering him while gesturing to his midfielder to close down the passing lane to the opposition attacker in the centre. If the ball is moved back into the centre, the central midfielders will push up against the ball as Mineros will look to force the opposition into playing a back-pass where the attackers will apply pressure on the centre-backs to force a deep pass for one of the midfielders or defenders to regain the loose pass or to force a back-pass to the goalkeeper where the Mexican side can shift into their man-orientated press. If the ball is moved to the wide areas and the wide attacker and wing-back push up to engage the opposition player in possession, the defensive line will slide across to provide cover as if the opposition attempt a pass into the half-space, the ball-near wide centre-back will make an interception or if the ball is played back and the opposition play a deep pass into that zone, the centre-back will slide across to make an interception or push up to make an interception.

Mineros applying constant pressure on the ball means that in the defensive phase, they always put themselves in 1v1 marking situations which could be problematic with midfielders chasing markers to the wide areas, opening up space for passes if the opposition circulate possession effectively. The opposition could disorient their midfield line with little movements to create space and working quick connections to create high quality goalscoring opportunity. Their defensive shape is very effective in forcing the opposition to play backwards passes and transitioning into a higher and more proactive press before regaining possession to create goalscoring opportunities, but they can also have issues in their defensive block.

 Conclusion

Moreno is fast becoming one of the more intriguing young managers to watch while the young and innovative environment around him at Mineros has provided the club with the essential stability for immense growth in the medium and long term. Most youngsters in Mexican football will find their development enhanced, spending time under his tutelage while Moreno’s football team play with an adventurous swagger which is replicated by their young manager on the technical bench as he is one of the few managers who sports a ‘Gucci’ belt. Mineros and Moreno will become one of the more intriguing managers and projects to watch in the coming years, especially with the looming re-introduction of promotion and relegation in Mexican football.