These pressing traps are highly advantageous for Dortmund, which shows in the ball recovery statistics against Hoffenheim. As you can see, a large amount of the recoveries were made in high lateral space (highlighted) where these pressing traps will have been formed. Although they’re very good at creating these situations, I believe there are a number of methods to counter it, especially so given the numbers needed to commit in order for it to be most effective. One method of avoiding to then counter Dortmund’s pressing trap again involves the use of the goalkeeper. As Dortmund’s whole team shift over to the flank in order to close, they leave uncovered space on the other ‘half’ of the pitch. The goalkeeper can be used as a safe switching method in order to quickly direct the ball into the space and create overloads against the wide players there. Another method was used more by Bayern. Utilising the tall central players I mentioned earlier, they positioned themselves in the central space left by Dortmund’s CMs who were pushing to the flank, a direct diagonal pass to this area would create counter-attacking opportunities and create overloads.
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