SV Elversberg fans are living the dream.
The small club is situated in the municipality of Spiesen-Elversberg, with a population of approximately 15,000.
They have never been a traditional club in Germany and, in fact, only have two appearances in 3. Liga, Germany’s third division.
However, this second appearance is proving to be historic.
After a fantastic 2021/2022 campaign in the Regionalliga Südwest, the German club secured promotion to the third division for the second time in its history.
Given they were immediately relegated in their last 3. Liga appearance, survival would have probably been an ideal scenario for Horst Steffen’s men.
But 24 matches into the season, Elversberg are sitting at the top of the league, six points clear of Freiburg II at the time of writing.
Steffen’s side comfortably has the best attack and the best defence in the league.
This balance has been fundamental to their success, and a lot of credit must be given to the 54-year-old manager.
The tactics at the Waldstadion an der Kaiserlinde have principles and ideas that transcend phases of the game, a concept recently popularised by EFL Championship manager Carlos Corberán.
There is a traditional German identity in their playing style, with a few notable tweaks, particularly in possession.
With such an intentional approach, Steffen has guided Elversberg to unimaginable heights and the chance of a historic promotion to the 2. Bundesliga.
This tactical analysis will delve into Horst Steffen’s tactics at Elversberg, examining how the German manager is making history with the small club from Spiesen-Elversberg.
Going beyond what they do in each phase of the game, this analysis aims to break down the key principles and ideas that guide their tactics.
Horst Steffen Style Of Play
Steffen has consistently deployed a traditional 4-4-2 throughout the 2022/23 season.
There have been occasional variations, of course, depending on the situation in the game, the opposition, availability, and numerous other factors.
However, these serve more to highlight the flexibility of their structure than an intention to constantly adapt to the situation.
In fact, the flexibility, or perhaps fluidity of Steffen’s 4-4-2 is its trademark feature.
Beginning from the first phase of possession, Elversberg initially structured themselves in an expansive 4-4-2.
The centre-backs split the box while the fullbacks push wide and high.
The double pivot remains relatively close and compact.
So far, nothing out of the ordinary.
However, in this first instance, we can see a slight indication of their fluid nature.
The right midfielder, usually number 7 Manuel Feil, is highlighted, dropping inside as more of an advanced midfielder.
His natural position is actually as an attacking midfielder, despite being wide on the right in their 4-4-2.
So, what is his role in Horst Steffen’s tactics?
Perhaps looking at a player’s role through the lens of traditional positions and their corresponding spaces is not the most effective way to approach it.
In the image below, as Elversberg attack on the left wing, Feil, the right midfielder, moves all the way across to provide support.
