This Day in History: 2022-11-11

Nr. 342

BELA GUTTMAN AND HIS 4-2-4 (1958)

The legendary Hungarian coach Bela Guttman managed 19 different sides over four decades, but arguably made the greatest impact on a side he had nothing to do with. His countrymen, Marton Bukovi and the coach of the great Hungarian side of the 1950s Gusztay Sebes, had helped to develop the attacking 4-2-4 formation, which involved having six players in attack and then in defence. Guttman introduced and popularized this during a season in charge of Sao Paulo FC, whom he led to the Sao Paulo State Championship in 1957. The Brazilian national team were inspired by the formation and used it to win the World Cup in 1958.

Guttman’s attacking principles were the tactical inspiration behind Brazil’s 1958 campaign.