“Our approach to finding solutions changes depending on whether the opposition uses man-to-man marking or a fully zonal system,” Matos explained.
“Against a completely zonal setup, the key is recognising that you must force the opposing players to shift. Moving them around opens spaces and leaves one of your players available.”
The principle of identifying an unmarked player has long been central to the success of positional football.
When facing a zonal defence, an attacker can move into the space between opponents and receive the ball without being marked. If a defender steps out to cover that player, another attacker may be left open in a different area.
However, the growing use of man-to-man pressing has created a new difficulty. When every defender tracks a specific opponent, there may be no unmarked option available.
Matos has used lessons from his spell in China to address this challenge.
“During my time in China, I realised that a team could pass through several stages before developing a more positional approach,” he said.
“Keeping more players near one another can be more effective than positioning them across the entire pitch.
“When players are widely separated, they need the technical ability to deal with many one-on-one situations. Bringing them closer to the ball creates additional passing options and establishes a rhythm that helps others perform more effectively in open areas.”
This distinctive approach allows Swansea to create numerical advantages around the ball, giving the team more ways to disrupt both zonal and man-marking structures.
Matos continued: “Using a midfielder in a wider position can help create an extra advantage on one side. We might exchange five or eight passes in that area, but once we decide to attack, we do so with real purpose.”
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