Ralf Rangnick Tactics At Hoffenheim & RB Leipzig 2019/2020 – Tactical Analysis

Ralf Rangnick is one of the most famous head coaches in German top-flight football.

His work as a manager is seen as revolutionary, as Rangnick was one of the first coaches to adopt a back four system in the Bundesliga.

Our tactical analysis will primarily focus on his roles at TSG Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig, as these were the clubs where he played the majority of his games as a Bundesliga manager.

Throughout our analysis, we will reveal some of Rangnicks key principles, including those applicable to both the attacking and defensive phases.

Moreover, in this tactical football analysis, we explain how the German coach revolutionised the Bundesligas thinking about tactics and transition phases in particular.

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Ralf Rangnick Preferred Formations

At Hoffenheim, Rangnick primarily employed a 4-3-3 formation. 

Looking at his entire coaching career, though, Rangnick most often deployed a 4-4-2 system, which can evolve into a 4-2-2-2, as illustrated in the graphic below.

Another variant of a back four system he utilised is the 4-4-2 diamond, which shares many similarities with the also centrally focused 4-2-2-2 formation.

Later at RB Leipzig, Rangnick also utilised a 3-5-2 formation from time to time, besides the preferred 4-4-2/4-2-2-2 system.

Although their principles remained the same, Rangnick’s side would have one additional player in central midfield while still playing with two attackers.

This enables t