Without Pirlo our transitions are much quicker. Our CMs sprint forward. They don't have to stay beside Marchisio.
Marchisio moves it quickly and joins the attack way up the pitch. Everything is faster.
Our CM's dont stay close to pirlo they stay back(wide) when the full backs make overlapping runs to stop counters from that flank
Reason for that is you dont want your full backs to be 1 vs 2. Pogba and Marchisio work in sync with Evra and Licht to provide cover.
We were playing 4-3-3 today so our cm's did not need to stay back as the full backs were getting support from wingers.
Our CB's stay close to pirlo, since we play with a high line (pressing) to retain possession higher up on the pitch.
Pirlo is supported by vidal as we transition from 4-3-1-2 to 4-4-1-1 when defending