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Creating numerical advantage in a specific area of the pitch. Three attackers against two defenders is an overload. You move players into zones to outnumber the opposition, then exploit the spare man. Guardiola teams overload the half-spaces constantly; wide overloads involve full-backs and wingers combining; central overloads pack the middle of the pitch. The spare man should always be free if you work the ball quickly enough.
Manchester City create overloads everywhere. Three players on the right combine, the defense shifts, and suddenly the left side has two City players against one defender. The overload creates the chance.
Robbie
Jan 19, 2026
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