Mourinho’s 2010 TREBLE-WINNING Inter, FM26 Tactical Recreation
In early June 2008, José Mourinho was appointed as the new Inter Milan boss, following a successful stint in England as Chelsea manager. In his brief time at Inter Milan, Mourinho took the Italian game by storm, winning the Scudetto in each of his two seasons at the club, along with a few cups and the very competition that had consistently alluded the club for almost 50 years, the UEFA Champions League.
It was Mourinho’s second, and final, season at the club, however, which he and his side shone most, winning the treble after a 2-0 win in the Final of the UEFA Champions League over German outfit, Bayern Munich. Let’s break down the system that won Inter Milan the treble in 2010…
Zonal Marking
Inter Milan typically set up in a 4-4-2 diamond formation under Mourinho in 2010.
However, in the Champions League, the Portuguese pragmatist would often opt for a wider 4-2-3-1 formation, with the idea of negating European clubs’ wider formations at the forefront of his mind. When Inter didn’t have the ball, Mourinho would instruct his side to drop into a compact mid-block, of which would see the 4-2-3-1 formation switch into a 4-5-1.
From within this 4-5-1, Mourinho’s Inter utilised a very intriguing system defensively, wherefrom the individuals forming the midfield line of five all had specific zones that were their duty to guard and mark; if any opposition player entered this zone, the primary habitant of this zone would now have to rigorously mark and/or close down the opposition player invading this space… all the way until they left this space, wherefrom a different player would now mark this opposition player.
Let’s Break Down the Tactic – 4-1-2-1-2
In Possession:
Back in 2010, the idea of pressing high was relatively unknown; so, when Inter had the ball in the build-up phase, they were usually able to progress play with little issue – as a result, Julio Cesar would predominantly distribute short to the centre-backs.
From here, Inter would look to utilise their natural midfield overload to circulate possession swiftly through the centre, before looking for one of Milito or Eto’o in-behind. In the final third, Inter would often look to penetrate centrally – however, if this was unable to occur, they were happy to go wide into an advanced full-back, who could deliver a whipped cross into the box. In the Serie A, Inter often dominated games through short, quick passes.
Out of Possession:
When they would lose the ball, Inter would immediately counter-press to try and instantly regain possession. However, if they were unable to do so, they were more than happy to drop into a compact mid-block – from here, they would still often close down the opposition and could, at times, begin pressing high.
However, for the most part, they would defend in a mid-block, with a slightly higher defensive line compacting the space in the centre. From within this mid-block, Inter would aggressively force teams wide, wherefrom they would tend to invite crosses into the penalty area, comfortable in knowing that the likes of Lucio, Samuel, and Julio Cesar in goal were strong enough aerially to deal with the crosses.
Opposition Instructions
Player Roles
Goalkeeper | Sweeper Keeper:
Julio Cesar was, in fact, one of the first iterations of the ‘sweeper keeper’ – he would position himself slightly higher and, if any balls were played in-behind the Inter defensive line, he would rush to sweep them before any danger materialised.
Wing-Back | Full-Back:
Maicon was absolutely fantastic for Inter in 2009/10, scoring 7 goals and providing 12 assists in all competitions. In this system, he would hold the team’s width on the right and, from here, could launch a long-ball into the path of a striker running in-behind, or carry the ball forward himself before whipping a cross into the box.
(DCR & DCL) Centre-Back | Centre-Back:
Both centre-backs in this system were rather reserved in their ball-playing, usually opting for simpler passes, instead of attempting to break the lines. In general, they largely focused on their defensive responsibilities.
Full-Back | Full-Back:
Whilst the right-back in this system, Maicon, would advance higher to add another threat to Inter’s attack, the left-back, Zanetti or Chivu, would tend to sit deeper, only advancing situationally. In general, the left-back, much like his counterpart, would drift wider to offer the team a wide option to circulate possession on the left-side.
Deep-Lying Playmaker | Defensive Midfielder:
In this system, Cambiasso was usually the deep initiator of the side’s counter-attacks, going more direct to supply the attacking unit in transitional moments. In general, he would operate from the base of the midfield diamond.
Channel Midfielder | Central Midfielder:
In this system, Stankovic was very important. In build-up, he would tend to sit between the lines on the right-side, drifting wider slightly to be in an optimal position to be released into the channels – perhaps from a Maicon direct ball as previously alluded to…?! However, he wasn’t tied to this position, and he could often drop deeper to support the Inter build-up.
Wide Central Midfielder | Central Midfielder:
On the left side, Motta was the more likely of the two central midfielders to drop deeper to aid the side’s build-up. Once the team had progressed, particularly if Muntari was playing instead of Motta, the left-sided central midfielder would tend to move wider to operate on the left flank, wherefrom he could whip a cross into the centre.
Free Role | Attacking Midfielder:
Sneijder was the team’s attacking metronome – most attacks would go through him, either directly or indirectly. He could, at times, drop deeper to emphasize the midfield overload Inter would naturally possess; however, he was more likely to remain higher and drift between the lines, waiting to be supplied with the ball.
Upon receiving the ball, Sneijder was often the driving force of Inter’s attacks, as he could carry the ball forward before supplying one of Milito or Eto’o; or, alternatively, he could go for goal himself – which he would tend to do regularly.
Centre Forward | Centre Forward:
Of the two strikers in this system, Milito was the more stationary, usually focusing on getting into the box to be a target for the cross into the box. Despite this, he didn’t take a lot of shots in 09/10, shooting the least out of the individuals within Inter’s terrifying attacking trident.
Channel Forward | Centre Forward:
Conversely, Eto’o would regularly drift into wide areas to drag an opposition defender away from his strike partner, Milito. From here, he could take on a man or, more simply, carry the ball into the final third.
Let’s Break Down the Tactic – 4-2-3-1
In Possession:
In the Champions League, Jose’s famous pragmatism was out there for all to see. Now, from build-up, Inter would tend to go long if they were under heavy, sustained pressure – in fact, generally, Inter were a lot more direct in Europe, as they didn’t have the technical quality to consistently dominate games like they had in the Serie A. Furthermore, Inter were a lot more disciplined in every phase, always opting for the ruthless, clear-cut option both in, and out of, possession.
Out of Possession:
When Inter didn’t have the ball, they weren’t as aggressive or front-footed as they had been in the Serie A. Now, they would usually opt against pressing higher, in favour of dropping into a compact mid-block.
From here, a lot of the same defensive principles remained – however, they would now operate in a zonal marking system, still with the intention of forcing teams wide. Additionally, Inter were very comfortable in dropping off and defending deeper if needed.
Opposition Instructions
Player Roles
Goalkeeper | Sweeper Keeper:
Julio Cesar’s role didn’t change – he would still primarily focus on his shot-stopping and frequent sweeping/cross-claiming responsibilities.
Wing-Back | Full-Back:
(DCL & DCR) Centre-Back | Centre-Back:
Both centre-backs continued to predominantly focus on their out-of-possession responsibilities, much like Julio Cesar behind them.
Inside Full-Back | Full-Back:
In the Champions League, to complement Maicon’s continued attacking forays, the left-back would be instructed with the task of sitting much deeper in order to form a back-three for the side in-possession. This back-three would give Inter a solid base at the back, allowing their attack to flood forward in transition safe in knowing they were well protected.
Deep-Lying Playmaker | Defensive Midfielder:
Cambiasso would continue to be the primary initiator of the side’s counter-attacks – however, he was, now, less likely to go more direct, often opting for a recycling option. With Maicon advancing on the right side, Cambiasso would tend to drift across to provide cover. When Inter didn’t have the ball, Cambiasso would marshall the right side of Inter’s central midfield space.
Box-to-Box Midfielder | Defensive Midfielder:
In this system, Motta would begin deeper initially to aid the team’s build-up before moving forward and, often, crashing the box as an alternative crossing option for Inter’s counter-attacks. When Inter didn’t have the ball, Motta was tasked with patrolling the centre of Inter’s midfield, creating space on the left for Sneijder to drop in to make Inter’s formation a 4-5-1.
Free Role | Tracking Attacking Midfielder:
Sneijder’s role remained, largely, the same – however, due to Pandev not being the most natural of wingers on the left, he would tend to move wider on the left-side to support and link-up with his team-mate. When Inter didn’t have the ball, Sneijder would drop deep to form the side’s 4-5-1 mid-block shape.
Inside Forward | Wide Midfielder:
On the right side of attack, Eto’o would usually move inside and closer to Milito up front – this would allow Maicon to dominate the right flank with full licence. When Inter didn’t have the ball, both wingers would drop in-line with the midfield three to form Inter’s 4-5-1 mid-block shape.
Wide Forward | Wide Midfielder:
On the left side of the attack, Pandev would predominantly stay wide and how the team’s width on this side, before making diagonal runs in-behind to threaten the opposition backline. Additionally, when the ball was on the right side and a cross into the box was being locked and loaded, he would drift inside and attack the back-post aggressively.
Centre Forward | Centre Forward:
Milito’s role remained the same.
Results
[DISCLAIMER: In testing with Inter Milan, I used the 4-1-2-1-2 formation and tactic in all but six Serie A matches, whilst using the 4-2-3-1 formation and tactic for every UEFA Champions League match.]
Serie A:
In testing with Inter Milan, we absolutely tore apart the Serie A, winning 34 of our 38 league matches, whilst drawing the remaining 4 matches, going INVINCIBLE across the season! Across the league campaign, we scored 92 goals (2.42 goals per game) and conceded just 20 goals (0.52 goals per game) – the league-best for each. The xG table emphasised our pure dominance, despite an admitted overperformance in a few regards…
Domestic Cups:
We won our first piece of silverware for the season in December, winning the Supercoppa Italiana after beating city rivals AC Milan, 3-1, in the Final. On our way to the Final, we overcame Bologna in the Semi-Finals, also winning 3-1. We made it a treble in mid-May, as we secured the Coppa Italia by beating Lazio 3-0 in the Final! On our way to the Final, we overcame the likes of Bologna (3-0) and AC Monza (4-2). But could we make history by winning the first ever quadruple…?!
UEFA Champions League:
YES, WE COULD! A defiant 0-1 win against Liverpool in the Final won us the UEFA Champions League, making history. On our way to the Final, we showed the mettle of the great José Mourinho sides, as we overcame Man City - despite an initial 1-1 draw at home in the first leg - 1-2 on aggregate, Arsenal – following two consecutive 1-0 wins – 0-2 on aggregate, and Spurs 1-0 on aggregate, following a strong away performance in the first leg to gain the advantage going back to Milan. Not many goals, but resolute, defiant performances.
Read Also
- FM26 Tactics Hub
- FM26 Best Youth Academies
- FM26 Wonderkids by PA, Price & Position
- FM26 Transfer Budgets
Conclusion
The Inter Milan side of 2010 will go down as one of football’s greatest ever sides, and are, arguably, the product of José Mourinho’s best ever coaching exploits. Resolute defence, dominant midfield, and blistering counter-attacks that could change the game in an instant. What a side!
If you want a taste of this beautiful tactic, make sure to download the tactic using the link attached to this article and make sure to follow FM Blog (@fmbIog) and myself (@AshtonGgmu) on our respective socials.
I hope you have enjoyed this article, and I wish you much success with this tactic on your saves! Thanks for reading!
