What to expect from David Wagner

• Build-up Play.

• Attacking Structure.

• Gegenpress.

• Umschaltmoment.

• Pressing Structure.

Build-up Play:

David Wagner's teams typically set up in a 4-2-3-1 base formation. This includes a single pivot alongside a deep lying playmaker, wide full backs, a central attacking midfielder, and inside forwards.

In possession, Wagner's teams transition into a 2-1-3-1-3. The single pivot occupies the space between the centre backs. The deep lying playmaker sits in front of the pivot, in line with the high full backs.

Rotations between the three central midfielders create passing angles and numerical superiority in the build-up. These rotations also drag markers out of position.

Attacking Structure:

David Wagner's teams often transition from back to front quickly. Once Wagner's teams have transitioned, they create a well balanced attacking structure.

This attacking structure includes: a 2-1 rest defence, a deep lying playmaker covering the space in front of the rest defence, inverted wingers occupying the half spaces and width created by overlapping full backs. The full backs occasionally underlap into the half spaces, while the wingers provide the width. The deep lying playmaker is key to Wagner's counterpress.

Gegenpress:

The gegenpress - known as the counter-press in England - is a German concept that involves pressing at the moment of defensive transition. The aim is to regain possession of the ball immediately after losing it, ideally in advanced areas of the pitch.

Perhaps the most famous exponent of the gegenpress is Liverpool manager and Wagner's best friend, Jurgen Klopp. There are numerous variations of the gegenpress, but Wagner and Klopp's teams surround the player who has won possession.

The logic behind the gegenpress is that the moment a player wins possession, they are trying to gain control of the ball and are, therefore, at risk of losing it.

Umschaltmoment:

This German concept, which loosely translates to 'switching moment', is the playmaking aspect of the gegenpress. Umschaltmoment allows the gegenpress to be, as Klopp described it, "the best playmaker".

A successful gegenpress results in a turnover in possession (the 'switching moment'), which often takes place in advanced areas, where a team may be one or two passes from goal. Therefore, a well executed gegenpress does the job of an advanced playmaker.

Pressing Structure:

When possession is lost, Wagner's teams sometimes transition into a 4-1-4-1 formation. The deep lying playmaker joins the counter-press (gegenpress) to form a line of four behind the striker. If the counter-press is unsuccessful, the deep lying playmaker drops to create the 4-2-3-1 base formation.

Conclusion:

Stylistically, David Wagner is closer to Jurgen Klopp than he is to Daniel Farke. While Farke, like Pep Guardiola, favours long passing sequences, Wagner's teams transition from back to front quickly, much like Klopp's sides. For Wagner and Klopp, intensity is key. This is both in possession, with fast transitions, and out of possession with intense pressing. Out of possession, Norwich's press has not been good enough for a long time. This is an issue Wagner would address.

The appointment of David Wagner makes sense, he fits the criteria set by the club. Wagner values developing a connection with supporters and has a clear style of play.