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German for "counter-pressing." Instead of dropping back after losing the ball, the team immediately swarms the opponent to win it back, ideally within 5-8 seconds while they're still disorganized. Jürgen Klopp made this famous at Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool. The logic: the ball is the best defender. Win it back fast and you catch teams before they can set up.
Liverpool's 4-0 comeback against Barcelona in 2019 showed gegenpressing at its best. They won the ball high up the pitch and scored before Barcelona could regroup.
Robbie
Feb 5, 2026
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