The problem is, lumping the ball long generally loses you possession. Against any half decent team these days - especially those that are leading with 5 mins to go - you might not see the ball again for a couple of minutes. And at that point in the game you haven't got the energy left for a high press to try and regain possession. Teams are playing this way for a reason - it's not the 1970s anymore. Back in those days you daren't "faff around" at the back because the pitches were so bad. These days even the lower league pitches are pretty perfect. And let's face it - Gary Neville's managerial career didn't last very long.