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Jose Mourinho's 4-2-3-1 Inter triplete 2009-2010

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	Tester	Team	ME	Win %	PPG	AGF	AGA	GD	PL	W	D	L
	elmilanista84	Inter	24.3	79%	2.55	3.1	0.7	2.39	38	30	7	1

Hi guys, this is my tactic emulation of Mourinho's Inter 4-2-3-1 season 2009-2010 tactic

MOURINHO’S INTER TREBLE WINNING TACTIC IN FOOTBALL MANAGER 2024

Mourinho’s Inter is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating and complex tactics to replicate in Football Manager. This is not only because football has evolved significantly since 2010—becoming more physical (and the game engine has adapted accordingly)—but also because players with both the technical and human qualities of that team are rare today. They were willing to sacrifice their natural roles for the good of the team. Samuel Eto’o, for example, defended like a full-back against Barcelona in the Champions League semifinal upon Mourinho's request. Every player in that remarkable squad displayed both technical excellence and immense character.

Below, we’ll explore how to recreate this tactic in Football Manager 2024.

Mentality

The mentality is balanced or cautious, reflecting Inter’s cautious approach despite fielding many offensive and creative players like Thiago Motta, Sneijder, Pandev, Eto’o, and Milito. They were careful not to expose themselves, especially against stronger opponents. Against weaker teams, you can use a positive or attacking mentality, particularly in situations where you’re trailing or struggling to score.

In Possession

Attacking width: Standard, dictated by players’ movements during the match.

Overlap: Both full-backs play a crucial role in creating danger in the opposition’s half.

Focus play down the flanks: use both full-backs and wingers to exploit wider spaces

Pass into space: This instruction helps players find teammates in pockets of space between defensive lines and execute through balls to set up attacks.

Passing: Slightly more direct. Inter preferred to reach the opponent’s penalty area quickly, both when they had the ball and after regaining possession.

Tempo: Higher enabling fast transitions from defense to attack.

Crosses: Low, to exploit runs into the box from teammates arriving from deep.

In Transition

When possession is lost: Inter employed a full-field high press to regain the ball as quickly as possible and launch rapid counterattacks.

Goalkeeper distribution: Julio Cesar played short passes to nearby teammates.

Out of Possession

Against stronger opponents, Inter often defended compactly in their own half (low block). Against teams of similar or weaker quality, they used a mid-block or even a high pressing line, maintaining a high defensive line to compress space between the defense and pressing lines.

Pressing intensity: Much more often, with forwards pressing high, even the goalkeeper, to disrupt short build-ups.

Trap outside: Directs opponents to play along the flanks, isolating the ball carrier and limiting passing options by using the sideline as an additional defender.

Player Roles and Instructions

Julio Cesar: Sweeper keeper (support)

Maicon: Complete wing-back (attack) / Full-back (attack)

Lucio: Ball-playing defender (defend)

Samuel: Central defender (defend) – Shorter passing, take fewer risks.

Chivu: Full-back (support) – More defensive than Maicon, less forward runs.

Cambiasso: half-back (defend) – mark tighter

Thiago Motta: Deep-lying playmaker (defend)

Pandev: inside forward (support) – Shoot more, sit narrower, mark tighter

Sneijder: Attacking midfielder (attack) – Shorter passing, take more risks, dribble more, move into channels.

Eto’o: Inverted winger (support) – Shoot more, get further forward, sit narrower, mark tighter

Milito: Advanced forward (attack)

Tactical Variation Used in the Final Against Bayern Munich

In the Champions League final, Mourinho adapted due to Thiago Motta’s suspension, replacing him with captain Javier Zanetti alongside Cambiasso. Neither was a natural playmaker, both focused on defensive duties.To emulate this setup, Chivu: Full-back (support), Maicon: Complete wing-back (attack), Eto’o: inside forward(support), Zanetti: Ball-winning midfielder (defend) – mark tighter, Cambiasso: half back (defend) shifted to the left. Team instructions: Add a higher pressing line to minimize space between lines, considering the more defensive midfield.

Results Achieved with This Tactic