RasenballSport Leipzig – TSG 1899 Hoffenheim: Rangnick’s Tactical Changes Rescue Leipzig (1-1)

Julian Nagelsmann’s current and future side played against each other in an exciting tactical battle. Hoffenheim impressed with a dominant possession-based style, in their diamond shaped build-up. Leipzig operated in a 3-3-2-2 system, which they struggled to adjust to in the first half, while their second-half change to their usual 4-2-2-2 allowed them to impose themselves on the match and grab a point.
Tactical analysis and match report by Chris Baker. 

Leipzig have been in fine form since the turn of the year. Currently, they sit fourth in the Bundesliga. Switching to a 3-5-2 system, their caretaker manager Ralf Rangnick made three changes to his side. Stefan Ilsanker returned playing in the middle of the back three. Konrad Laimer and Marcel Sabitzer played as central midfielders alongside Diego Demme. Matheus Cunha replaced the ill Timo Werner and partnered Yussuf Poulsen up front.  

Hoffenheim are experimenting a somewhat tougher season dan Leipzig, as their dreams of Champions League football are starting to fade. Nagelsmann’s side lined up in a 4-diamond-2 system with Florian Grillitsch and Adams returning to the team. Grillitsch often played as a lone pivot out of possession and dropped in as a third center-back during build-up. Joelinton had an effective role, quite often playing in the ten spaces behind the front two looking to link the midfield and attack.

All twenty-two outfield players in their base position, depicted in Hoffenheim’s possession

Leipzig’s build-up and Hoffenheim’s press
Leipzig maintained their back three in the build-up while their . . .