Athletic Club have produced one of the most magnificent turnarounds in La Liga since the appointment of Gaizka Garitano. Their points return in the 2019 calendar year was enough to earn them a Champions League spot and they are in competition to reach that point again in the 2019/20 campaign.
Much of this has been down to the set-up used by the Basque coach, who previously led Eibar in the top flight. Particularly intriguing has been how he has altered his side defensively, looking to use three different defensive shapes across the course of the season as they have conceded just 14 goals from 20 games, with only Real Madrid having conceded fewer.
This tactical analysis will consider Garitanos philosophy, particularly focusing the analysis upon his defensive tactics, a key element of how his team have performed so strongly in the 2019/20 season.
Three at the back
One approach which Garitano has innovated in recent months at Athletic Club has been the use of a back three. Despite making its first appearance under Garitano against Leganés in April, it has recently come back into fashion as a feasible option for the coach. Since then, it has been used against Real Betis and Sevilla and provides a system perfect for facing up against sides who use the same set-up. Presenting the coach with the chance to line-up with his star central defenders, Unai Núñez, Yeray Álvarez and Iñigo Martínez, it presents a solid option which provides both defensive stability and offensive flexibility. It is no coincidence that this set-up is the one which has produced the lowest xG against, at just 0.73 per game, compared to 0.77 per game with a back four.
In this set-up, the full-backs play a more flexible role. Ander Capa and Yuri Berchiche act almost like wing-backs, though not quite as offensive-minded as Jesús Navas and Sergio Reguilón at Sevilla, who happen to be the opponents which Garitano has used this set-up against. They are more defensive-minded, perfectly prepared to handle the threat presented by rival wing-backs, but do not necessarily form a single unit with the central defenders. They instead position themselves high up the pitch, providing an instant outlet down the flanks once possession has been turned over.
The final role is that of the holding midfielder, often Dani García. When in the defensive phase, he will often drop deep, almost becoming a fourth central defender. This is crucial as it provides the full-backs with more freedom to get forward on both flanks without concern for their defensive responsibilities. This set-up is also well suited to facing sides such as Barcelona or Real Sociedad, where playmakers like Lionel Messi or Martin Ødegaard look to occupy the space between the midfield and defence, with García providing the natural solution whilst also providing cover for the back three.
Four at the back
This approach is Garitanos most offensive defensive system and the only most frequently used by the Athletic manager, particularly when it comes to fixtures at San Mamés. 83% of minutes played this season have been with a back four for Athletic, despite the recent changes in set-up and it also boasts the highest xG and goals scored whilst using this system, showing the importance of the extra player in the midfield and attack.
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