Football Manager 2020 Tactics: Defending In A José Mourinho Mid-Block

Sometimes when talking about a mid-block it can be mistaken for a low-block. A low-block is two flat compact defensive lines with the team placed on the edge of their own box. Setting a lower line of engagement and a lower defensive line will see your side do this but it changes your game plan completely. As previously stated, you want to draw your opponents forward but want to do your defending in the middle of the pitch.

Even in the dying embers of a game I would recommend maintaining a mid-block rather than switching to a low-block. Being too defensive will see you giving the ball back to the opposition inviting more pressure. Changing to regroup, especially if you have been counter-pressing, rather than dropping your defensive line will see you get players behind the ball without crowding your own penalty area while also keeping a possible counter attack alive.