THE TECHNICIAN 2017-2018 THE TECHNICIAN THE TECHNICIAN

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CONTENTS EDITORIAL

4 Silvia Neid The UEFA Women’s EURO in the Netherlands was the keynote on the European football calendar in 10 Adi Viveash 2017 and The Technician mirrored this focus on Women’s football with feature interviews with World, European 20 Fabio Capello and Olympic champion Silvia Neid and the victorious Sarina Wiegman after her team’s Official publication of tournament win. the Union of European 26 Jesús Velasco Football Associations These successful female coaches share the pages Chief editor: of this annual edition of The Technician with Emmanuel Deconche 32 Football‘s new frontier UEFA Champions League winner Fabio Capello, Deputy chief editor: UEFA Cup winner Mircea Lucescu, UEFA Youth Dominique Maurer League winner Adi Viveash and UEFA Futsal Cup 38 Taking the fast track to goal Editorial group: winner Jesús Velasco who sat with us to share Ioan Lupescu, their experiences, stories of success and failure Frank K. Ludolph, 42 Youth competitions show and advice for young coaches. David Gough widening horizons for Contributors: future stars This standalone edition also features summaries Mark Chaplin, of club and youth competition technical reports Ben Gladwell, and an investigation into the ever expanding area Simon Hart, of football analytics. We hope that this collection Julien Hernandez, 48 Sarina Wiegman Philip Röber, of articles will provide you with entertainment Berend Scholten, and food for thought and we encourage you to Graham Turner 54 Mircea Lucescu check out The Technician in UEFA Direct throughout 2018. Production: Touchline

60 Take-home messages Ioan Lupescu Cover photo: 50 from the Netherlands Technical Director Getty Images

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SILVIA NEID “WOMEN’S FOOTBALL HASN’T HAD ITS HEYDAY YET”

At the start of the year, Silvia Neid was named FIFA Women’s Coach of the Year for the third time, capping an unprecedented coaching career. She stepped down as national team coach after winning gold at the Olympics in Brazil, and now heads up the DFB’s women’s and girls’ scouting department. The Technician met up with the former world and European champion to talk about her new role and the future of women’s football.

ilvia Neid, congratulations on “We want to keep matches on the one hand, and being named FIFA Women’s an eye on other discussing what you see on the other? Coach of the Year. How was countries. After 20 years in various coaching roles, the awards ceremony? It’s important I’ve learned a thing or two. Anyone involved I was very happy just to be there as in women’s football will have noticed that the to be looking out Sone of the three shortlisted nominees. It’s Asian countries are making great strides. It’s not always a wonderful evening; you meet some for new trends for nothing that they’re winning so many titles really exceptional people. It was a great honour and developments at youth level. I’m thinking of North Korea and to win the award for the third time. It felt like in women’s football. Japan in particular. And in my new role, I’m very the icing on the cake. There’s no better way That’s my keen to know how they’re doing it. How has to end my career with the women’s national responsibility.” Japan got so many well-trained players? And team. Although I’m well aware that I couldn’t consistently over time, also at youth level, i.e. have done it alone. You can’t win without your Under-17 and Under-19. That’s something that’s team, and the team behind the team. I really really struck me. They must be doing something can’t emphasise that enough. special in terms of player development, and that interests me. There are also things happening in You are now running the DFB’s Spain. These are all trends that we have to keep women’s and girls’ scouting an eye on. department. Can you tell us what that involves and what your Can you share with us your priorities are in this new role? initial insights? What makes We want to keep an eye on other countries. the Japanese so good, for example? It’s important to be looking out for new trends They place a lot of emphasis on the basics and developments in women’s football. That’s and on technique. They work very hard and my responsibility. Our aim is to be a few years coach intensively in these areas. Take looking ahead of the game and the players need to be over your shoulder as an example: every player trained accordingly. I share my findings with the looks over her shoulder three times before new national team coach, Steffi Jones, and she receiving the ball. So she knows what’s going decides what to do with the information. on behind her. I find that pretty impressive, and fascinating. I would love to go to Japan to To what extent is your role as see for myself what exactly they’re doing there. head of scouting about watching At the same time, I must say that in Germany Getty Images

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we are also trendsetters, and will continue to Joachim Löw has done a lot for the men’s be so in the future. We’re already doing a good game. He has shaped men’s football in job, but you have to keep your eyes open and Germany and moved it forward. He has want to learn from what you see going on also been FIFA Coach of the Year and is elsewhere. world champion. I think we play really excellent football. We play offensively and The boom in women’s football had some great games at the EURO in France. development over the last few years Obviously there’s also always an element of has been plain for all to see. What are luck involved. You have to hit the back of your thoughts on this and how do the net at the right time. you see things now? The progress has been incredible. When I think Let’s talk briefly about grassroots back to my first international in 1982, it really football. Which particular areas need is unbelievable what has happened since then. more attention, in your opinion? Everything has improved, athletically, tactically, I think we can be very pleased, just looking technically, and in terms of speed. It’s now at the numbers. Lots of women and girls play more or less on a par with men’s football. football. In Germany, at least, it’s the number Everything has progressed and improved. one sport. We have schools and academies where football is offered. We’re very much on What tactical improvements the right track. Obviously it’s good for the sport have impressed you the most? when you get titles. We see that in tennis too: Lots of trends are taken from men’s football. Angelique Kerber is now world number one Like screening midfielders, for example. and tennis has become more popular again At the Olympics, Sweden showed that they among youngsters as a result. We need to keep Getty Images Getty Images play deeper than usual. They tried to allow winning in women’s football and make sure very little space in their own half. These are that girls get interested in the sport. Naturally, also trends and tactical developments. The “There are we must then also ensure that we have a strong players are simply better trained. In that excellent teams elite. It’s all about player development. sense, we’re all on the right track. all over the world that are Research in Europe shows that you Getty Images To what extent have tactical elements capable of can get lots of girls into football but and even playing styles been taken winning the most of them drop out as teenagers. over from the men’s game because World Cup. Every What’s your take on this trend? of all the footage available that you It’s perfectly normal. Perhaps girls that aren’t can use with the team? country is so good or aren’t 100% into football decide I have done that. I really like how Dortmund investing a lot they’d prefer to play tennis. Perhaps they’re were playing a few years ago. I still really like more than they better at tennis. Often they only work these their style of play. We watched a few bits were just a few things out as teenagers. But I honestly don’t and pieces and took some footage to show years ago, to see this as a problem. We can be proud that to our players. Then it was a question of prepare their we’re the number one sport overall. putting it into practice. players for such What do you think can be done Europe- Did you also have technical tournaments.” wide to promote ambitious coaches, discussions with Joachim Löw, male or female, in women’s football? the men’s national team coach? We’ve always tried to encourage female players A few time a year at least. I used a few to train as coaches. And it’s paid off. We have of the things they were doing in the men’s lots of women who used to play on the national game. I already had a good relationship team now working in coaching. Germany has with the scouting department and when been leading the way for years in that respect. I found something interesting, I could get [Former national team coach] Tina Theune whole sequences edited together. In that started it off and I kept it going. The important respect, there was always a lot of very thing is to have players who really put their close cooperation. hearts into it. They have to pass on their experience to the next generation. To be How would you describe what Joachim honest, I don’t really know what it’s like in Löw has achieved with The city of Frankfurt welcomes other countries. I can only say that the tendency the national team home from the men’s national team, starting as Sweden in style on 29 July 2013, seems to be to promote women. In Japan, for assistant coach and over the course the day after they claimed their example, they have now appointed the first of the DFB’s restructuring in the eighth European title. woman as head coach of the [women’s] early 2000s? national team.

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are very technically accomplished. They play There are excellent teams all over the world a very intelligent game, but somehow it’s that are capable of winning the World Cup. never quite been enough. I’ve got my eye Take Canada, for example, who have taken on Spain, and maybe also England. Both bronze in the last two Olympic Games. teams have made outstanding progress And the US, who we know have been over the last few years. preparing together very intensively for a long time. Then there’s Japan, whose praises I’ve The field has been expanded from already sung. And Brazil. Obviously Europe also 12 to 16. What effect will that have? has to keep advancing if we’re to have another I’m very curious to see. There are definitely world champion. But it’s not that easy. I think enough good teams in women’s football, that every country is investing a lot more than in my opinion, to increase the field by four they were just a few years ago, to prepare their without there being any drop in quality. players for such tournaments. Take Scotland, for example, where we’ve also seen steady progress. I think we have How do you view the evolution a good format. It’s clear at the outset that of the UEFA Women’s Champions the top two teams in each group go through League? and the third and fourth-placed teams go It’s fundamentally a good competition and home. I don’t know what will happen but one I really like. There are four teams that I think it’ll be good. are contenders for the title. The others are still a bit too far behind the pack. Getty Images Getty Images Berti Vogts once said it was ‘getting crowded at the top’ – to what extent The quarter-finals are fast Why do you think it’s important for “When I think does that also apply to women’s approaching. Who do you national associations to try to keep back to my first football over the last few years? think has the best chances? SILVIA NEID’S successful female players in football international A lot of countries have made a great deal of The four best teams have been drawn CAREER HIGHLIGHTS after they hang up their boots? in 1982, it really progress. There are more favourites now than against each other: Paris against Bayern Because they obviously serve as role 12 years ago. Obviously I’m thinking of France, München, and Lyon against Wolfsburg. models for young girls and they do what is unbelievable Sweden, Norway, Spain, England and Germany. All of them have the potential to go all Winner of four major they do first and foremost because they what has But more and more countries have come along the way, but only two of them can get past honours as head coach of are passionate about it. When you love happened since that are now out to win titles. the quarter-finals. My favourites are Bayern the Germany women’s senior what you do, you can give it your all. then. Everything München and Wolfsburg. team over an 11-year period We’ve had very good experiences of this. has improved; No European team has won the athletically, Women’s World Cup since 2007. There Clubs are signing lots of top players As long-standing European wasn’t even a European team in the tactically and from Brazil, Japan and the US. To what champions, the expectations on last two finals. Do you think this is just extent is this a challenge for European Coached the side to victory Germany at Women’s EURO 2017 will technically.” a question of luck or is Europe being clubs and local player development? at the 2007 Women’s World once again be extremely high. How overtaken by other countries? If you look at it in a positive light, the overall do you deal with that pressure? standard is being driven up. Players coming Cup in China, securing Germany’s Everyone expects you to win. But the teams in from other countries add a lot of quality to second successive title that ultimately do know only too well how the mix. We just have to make sure that the hard it is. You need absolute concentration. young players don’t get sidelined or perhaps It’s hard work and you need a pinch of luck get loaned out. It’s important that they get too, to come out on top. I have only ever to play. And it’s important that when they’re Masterminded the taken it one match at a time. Germany at that stage of maximum potential, they’re country’s first-ever gold certainly have the potential, but it’s never given the opportunity to develop it. That may medal in the women’s Olympic a foregone conclusion. It has to all come mean they have to play for other teams and football tournament at Rio 2016 together at the decisive moments. You need push their way through the ranks. But young to score at the right time, and when you players at teams that sign the big names can make tactical changes, they have to be the also learn a lot. There are pros and cons, at right ones. the end of the day. Ultimately each team has Three-time winner of the to decide for itself. FIFA Women’s Coach Which team could cause an upset at the Women’s EURO? Where do you see women’s of the Year award Spain, perhaps? The favourites are the football in five years’ time? four usual suspects: Norway, Sweden, Reaching new heights. Perhaps even faster France and Germany. Unfortunately for France, and more athletic. I think there will be even Capped 111 times for the national they have still never won a title, despite being more players and bigger squads. In any case, team during her playing career, considered one of the favourites for years Getty Images I see it advancing. Women’s football hasn’t now. They really have first-rate players who had its heyday yet. scoring 48 goals Getty Images

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ADI VIVEASH

“I DON’T TELL THEM THINGS THEY WANT TO HEAR; I TELL THEM THINGS THEY NEED TO HEAR”

As Chelsea FC’s development manager, Adi Viveash is the man responsible for the group of Under-23 players one step away from Antonio Conte’s first team. Here he reflects on the challenges his young players face and explains his role in nurturing their talents. He begins, though, by remembering his Chelsea youngsters’ triumphs in the 2015 and 2016 UEFA Youth League tournaments …

ow beneficial has the When you work with players of that level the second in that we had a lot of more UEFA Youth League and you put a lot of your own knowledge individually talented players whereas been for your players? into them, to see them perform at the the second group was probably more of I think in terms of how highest level makes you extremely proud. a team. But both had tremendous abilities much you can gain from a I think Andreas, within five months of and characters within the sides. Apart Htournament like that. If you’re looking at playing in the Youth League final against from players progressing into the first Chelsea as a model then the players have Shakhtar and winning it, was marking team, there is nothing better than to be adept at playing international teams, Sergio Agüero against Manchester City winning tournaments, especially on the coming up against different styles, in the competition proper, and that’s the international stage, and we beat some different cultures and different systems, biggest gauge. There are boys around outstanding teams along the way. A lot and the feel of the matches, I think, was the first-team set-up now, in Ruben of the players who played over the two a high level of learning experience for Loftus-Cheek and Dominic Solanke, years are made in Chelsea, especially last our boys. The biggest testament is what who’ve played for Chelsea in the main year’s [squad] and probably six of the first you do with the knowledge, and the fact competition as well. It gives you immense year’s group. So it means a lot – they’ve that so many of those players have now pride and makes you feel in some small worked together for several years to get kicked on into the senior game all around part that you’ve helped them along their to this stage, and winning is a tremendous Europe, certainly from the first year we journey to success. form of development. If you’re going won it, shows that they’ve learned that to play for a top club then you have to skill set that they probably didn’t have How important was it to know what winning means and certainly beforehand and added it to their armoury. see your players actually the UEFA Youth League is a major You come up against players that you win the competition? tournament to win. don’t come up against week in, week out It’s the equivalent of winning the in your domestic league and it’s a different Champions League for young players, so How long have you been in kind of challenge. That’s what you want it’s a major tournament to win. We know the Chelsea youth set-up now? – you want them to experience different how much hard work went into both I’ve been here nine years and seen a challenges at a young age. campaigns and we know how difficult it lot of development in the players and was to achieve success in both. The players obviously myself. I worked with the Under- How does it feel to see a player knew that as well. They really targeted 12s when I first came here and since then like Andreas Christensen go on those tournaments, as we did as an I’ve had different roles, including coaching and play on a bigger stage as he academy, as [competitions] we wanted to the Under-16s and three years as Under- has done in the UEFA Champions do well in. We felt we had a really strong 18s lead coach. This is my third season League with VfL Borussia group of players in both tournaments – coaching the oldest academy age group, Mönchengladbach? the first year was slightly different to renamed the development squad this Getty Images

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Adi Viveash consoles Anderlecht’s Nelson Azevedo-Janelas after Chelsea’s semi-final stages. Generally there’s not a lot of in the morning and afternoon; they do gym, be able to work at that level. That is what’s ‘‘Andreas, within five months of playing in the Youth win last season. movement with players up and down age and they do individual programmes. They happened with me. I’ve been able to League final against Shakhtar and winning it, was groups at that age. It is a lot more about keep developing the areas of their game acquire those skill sets as well as being an marking Sergio Agüero against Manchester City in working on positional movements, etc. where they need to work. They do football ex-player with a 20-year career that helps the competition proper.’’ because they are still going through their education and programmes outside of here, you understand dressing rooms and growth stages. and some of them do A-levels. situations that arise and dealing with Moving further on, with the programme The main difference from the Under-18s certain players. at Chelsea, from Under-13 now they come to the Under-23s is that the Under-18s in one day [a week] on a day release from play regularly on a Saturday – so they Can you talk about sports school so they train here and do their work Monday to Friday and play Saturday. science and how it helps schooling here. You are getting more of With our age group we can play Friday, you in your planning? that into them at a younger age than Saturday, Sunday or Monday, so you have We work with a GPS system so every when I started. The Under-16s have a to have different programmes and be a bit training session we do is monitored. full-time programme with full-time school, more inventive with your day-to-day work. Players will wear the heart-rate belts Getty Images so they train every day. You’re running them And because you’re the nearest [group] to and it plays quite a big part in our like a youth team. And with the Under-18s the first team you have to be as close as planning. We produce a daily report and you’re working the players like you would you can to the real game. Those are the go through that every day before we do season, and I also coached the Under-19 do in a first-team environment. They train challenges and you need to acquire those our planning for the next day. We can team in both of the UEFA Youth League every day, they do double training sessions, skill sets as a coach through the years to look at certain areas with players – we triumphs as part of the role. target them, either through fatigue where we have to ease off and give them a rest, Looking at your academy, “It’s very important that they’ve got freedom of or see where we need to step on the gas are different coaches suited speech. Here we like a two-way, open relationship. with certain players. We also use it in all to different age groups? How They are able to communicate with us strongly our matches so we can compare against do you decide who coaches a and that’s built up over the years.” our first-team players, as well as previous particular age group? years’ players at this age group and also That’s a decision made by the head of our opposition. youth development. There are two It’s a big part of our programme, coaches per age group and it depends on it aids the players, and they’re interested what skill sets you have got and how in it. They are all learning. We have two successful you are in all facets of the job – conditioners here with this age group not just the tournaments, but your who present to the players regularly day-to-day work and planning. Obviously if and have discussions and look at them, you are deemed as being good enough and give them feedback on what they’re and capable, then you move through the looking at when they look at the data. It’s age groups. In my time it’s obviously important for them to understand their been relatively successful and I take that bodies and what it is when it feels like Getty Images as being that you have the required skill they are pushing their bodies to the max. sets that they want at the highest levels in the academy. That’s the level I am At what age specifically players and if we’re aware of anything at now, but you do it by doing a good do your youngsters start or see anything then we make sure we job on a daily basis and showing the using the GPS devices? stay on top of that. With how hard we requirements needed to work at a club At Under-13 and Under-14, they’d have work every day it’s pretty easy to see if as big as this in bringing players through trialled it. They’d have used it sometimes somebody is having a difficult time or into the first-team squad. when they train in the evenings and had they’re a bit run down. But generally a look at it. With Under-15s, this year there’s the data and just general How does training differ they’ve used it in certain games. With communication with the players. We across the different age Under-16s, Under-18s and Under-23s have a very good, open relationship with groups at Chelsea? you are looking at the data every day. the players here. It’s a two-way thing. Up to Under-11 they are playing nine-a- Any time anybody spots anything, there side or seven-a-side, so it is different. Looking at non-football factors are strategic plans in place to give the In the Under-12s they step up to 11-a-side like schoolwork, diet and sleep, necessary individual the help they need and generally the level of information you what steps do you take to ensure if they are suffering from anything – can give to the players and they can take the boys’ well-being? be it illness, injury, or something personal on board is slightly different. You’re They get checked in terms of that. off the pitch. There’s a very good structure working a lot on the core technique There will be checks in the morning here and a couple of staff members required to be moving through those Getty Images where the physios are speaking to who work in that department full-time. Getty Images

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You mentioned the players’ and the fall-out is big as well, so you have “The attention is massive schooling before. Can you to make sure that you are doing as well and dealing with all that elaborate on this? as you can to have a back-up plan. and knowing how to handle Teachers come here from a school in a that stage of your youth town nearby, Epsom, and teach players We hear people say that young on a group or individual basis from players have it easy compared to development is a big Under-13 upwards. We also have a when you were coming through. problem for some young relationship with the school next door, But how do the challenges they players and they need a lot Parkside School in Cobham, whereby face today compare with 20 or of help in those areas.” the Under-16 boys go in there for part 30 years ago? of their academic day on certain days Social media means they haven’t just got of the week. So there is a big academic one coach like we had, or one assistant have to be careful they’re getting the right programme going on within the academy. manager analysing their performances information all of the time. That is a big – they’ve got whatever followers they’ve challenge to them as young players. Is it hard to keep them focused got on Twitter making comments on their on their school work when they games. Here, every game is filmed and What particular qualities are you have dreams of becoming most games are shown live so they have looking for in a young player at professional footballers? a worldwide audience critiquing everything Chelsea? What does a 16-year-old I see driven players, but the academic they do. There were obviously the pitfalls need to ensure he is kept on? results for them are very important here. “Social media means they with finances in our day, though not to By the time you are 16 here now you’ve The top ranks at the academy are certainly haven’t just got one coach the extent there are now. The outside been here eight years, so the people looking at those exam results very like we had, or one influences away from the game are still making the decisions are forming a stringently, and they make sure the boys assistant manager analysing a big pitfall and falling into the trap of picture. You’re looking for personality and get all the necessary support from the their performances – everything that is out there. But now they for different traits in different positions. coaches and staff to make sure they get face a big mental challenge because of the There are the usual things – have they they’ve got whatever the best results they can. There is a lot exposure, and it means you are all around got a change of pace? Are they a powerful more emphasis nowadays anyway in followers they’ve got on the world. There is nowhere they can hide. player? Are they a technical player? And Getty Images society in general on trying to achieve Twitter making comments You can’t hide, you don’t get a minute’s that is nothing to do with size. They don’t because football is a precarious industry on their games.” piece as a young player now. Some bring have to be six foot four; they can be five it on themselves but with others it’s foot four. But is there explosiveness? Chelsea’s Under-19s in action nothing to do with themselves. Are they able to take a tackle? Can they during their two victorious The attention is massive and dealing make a tackle? Can they see a pass? Do UEFA Youth League finals: with all that and knowing how to handle they show bravery under intense pressure? above against Shakthar Donetsk (3-2) in 2015 and that stage of your youth development is What are they like defensively? How are against Paris Saint-Germain a big problem for some young players they off the pitch? Do they take on tactical (2-1) in 2016. and they need a lot of help in those areas. information? It is many things. Are they I think the biggest challenge for football good around the group? What’s their in the next decade is the influences personality? What’s their home life like? outside – the support teams that are built We do a lot on [this] so we know a lot around these top talents now and how from a young age but it’s those much they start to take over, and does it characteristics that we are looking for. become something like in American sport Also, is there growth in them? Not in where the American football quarter-back size, but as a player. Is there still more in is a major, major person. Look at Tom them and what are the bits you’re going Brady, the rigmarole around him is just to have to iron out? Obviously they’re enormous, but they are able to handle young, and to enable them to play at that. But as a young person they have the highest level, have they got that a lot of people within their off-field camp, desire to go the extra step? Most of not just agents but support staff and you the top players around the world are mavericks, I’d say. There’s a little bit of a difference with them – a different “It’s important for them to kind of steely determination. It’s different in each player but if you see that different understand their bodies quality it’s worth working with every and what it is when it feels day to try to help them with the other like they are pushing their bits that don’t come so naturally as the Getty Images bodies to the max.” God-given talent. Getty Images

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At what age do they start tournaments. They travel abroad to play it means – three points. It sounds silly, training with Chelsea? in tournaments from Under-9 onwards as easy as that, but it is [learning] what it Now they have a training group at and now from Under-12 they play Premier takes to be in a winning dressing room or Under-7s in our development centres League cups too against teams from other a losing one in competitive matches, and around London, so kids will go in from academies in England. At Under-16 it is the difference in playing against physical the age of six. Coaches will work with friendlies apart from when they play the men, 14 or 15 years older than you, and the Under-7s and identify the players Premier League tournament. senior players. Also can you stamp your who they think have the skill sets authority on a club that you go to? Can required to move up. Then they come How important are loan it appear that you are not a loan player, into Chelsea at Under-8s and then we spells elsewhere for your that you look like one of their players whittle that down to a group that will young players at Chelsea? but better, if you like? start in the programme at Under-9s, It’s vital for players to go and experience and that’s three evenings a week the senior game. If they’re good enough Do you work closely with Antonio training and then a game on a Sunday. they should be out as early as they can if Conte and his first-team coaching that is the pathway and it looks now that staff in providing updates on When do they begin playing playing in the Premier League regularly is players in the academy? competitive football? getting a bit older. You’re looking at 21, Yeah, obviously the manager has been You don’t play competitive leagues here 22 in some cases. You have to be playing at quite a few of our games, and we until Under-18s but they play in a lot of in the senior game to understand what train with them on occasions where we are playing 11 v 11 training matches with some of their players. He keeps an eye on the next group of players coming through and takes a keen interest in the players Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham is on loan to Bristol City to gain some out on loan like Andreas Christensen and first-team experience and hone Tammy Abraham, Kasey Palmer, Charlie his skills. Getty Images Colkett. There are many out on loan and a couple he has in his own squad. So he takes a keen interest in what’s happening with them as well as the younger ones in my group. He wants to know about CHELSEA YOUTH GRADUATES them and has seen a few of them in Since Adi Viveash became Chelsea development squad manager at the beginning his pre-season programme this year. of the 2014/15 season, the following academy players have made their debuts in the senior team: He’ll be finding out all the key attributes they’ve got and he has a general interest in what we’re trying to do and asks very interesting questions about the work and we ask the same back about his.

How difficult is it to manage DOMINIC ANDREAS RUBEN ISAIAH JAKE FIKAYO TAMMY OLA young players’ expectations SOLANKE CHRISTENSEN LOFTUS-CHEEK BROWN CLARKE-SALTER TOMORI ABRAHAM AINA and disappointments? Striker Defender Midfielder Winger Defender Defender Striker Defender That is a key part of the job. For me (Chelsea (currently on (Chelsea (currently (currently on loan (currently on (currently on loan (Chelsea you need experience to be able to first-team squad) loan at Borussia first-team squad) on loan at at Bristol Rovers) loan at Brighton at Bristol City) first-team squad)

Monchengladbach) Huddersfield Town) Getty Images do that properly. You have to have an & Hove Albion) understanding yourself. If you’ve been in the situations they’ve been in, then you can understand what they are going through. It is being able to know this level is one of the hardest things experiences you have, the more you are away and think, and other times they may which players you can use, a different because they are some of the best young able to be very honest and open with directly say they have a different view on it skill set that you have … being able to players in the world, and then at times players and that’s how I deal with it – I deal – and there’s nothing wrong with that. I tell cross-challenge, if you like. Sometimes they find their progress blocked by with it by being the same with each one: them we’ve each got our opinion. It’s very players just come in and have a chat world-class senior players, and that can be always put the players first and deal with important that they’ve got freedom of with you because they just need an arm difficult to understand. But again, I feel each case individually and just be very speech and here we do allow them … we around the shoulder and need to feel that is one of the areas I am particularly honest with them. I don’t tell them things like a two-way, open relationship. They are the support; other times they probably strong in because of the years in the game they want to hear; I tell them things they able to communicate with us strongly and need to be told things that they don’t that I’ve had and the situations I’ve been need to hear. Sometimes that is something that’s built up over the years of trust that want to hear. Managing expectations at through personally. The more life that helps, other times it makes them go you have got with the players.

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society as a whole mean that this tends not to be the case nowadays. Participants THE FUTURE OF FOOTBALL were asked whether this was leading to UEFA a decline in the number of naturally creative footballers, with fewer players The coaches of all the clubs involved in this season’s UEFA Youth League were now capable of running at opponents invited to the House of European Football in Nyon on 20 and 21 March for the with the ball. inaugural UEFA Youth League Coaches Forum. Innate talent and development “It’s true that, with today’s academies and systems of play, players improve, total of 75 coaches and heads of tomorrow. As a result, academy and One of the ensuing discussions focused but they also lose the value of that innate of academies participated in the youth team coaches are spending more on the role of academies, and there was talent,” Mista said. “Academies churn out A first-ever UEFA Youth League time readying their players for the step unanimous support for even greater mechanical players in many cases, and Coaches Forum, which featured discussions up to first-team duty, thereby playing emphasis being placed on the you lose some of that talent. I think 50% and debate on coaching trends, the Laws an increasingly important role in young development of young players. of each would be the ideal ratio, so that of the Game and the role and importance players’ careers. “Academies play a fundamental role, a player can be part of the team dynamic, of the Youth League, as well as a question and all of us here have the huge but once he takes to the pitch within a and answer session with UEFA Champions ‘A better chance of succeeding’ responsibility of coaching those players structure, he can play his own football. League-winning coach Fabio Capello. “In the past, players often had to go and helping them to become the future We sign players because they have innate All attendees received a certificate into the world of professional football of football,” said Valencia CF coach Mista. talent, so we have to foster that, rather return to Nyon on 21 April with his side recognising their participation in the and adapt very quickly on the hoof,” “Everything is much more professional than take it away from them.” in the final four of this season’s Youth event as further education within the said Manuel Jesús Cano Martín, coach now. There is no doubt about that. These Sevilla FC coach Agustín López Páez League. “That forces them to compete at meaning of Articles 24 and 29 of the of Club Atlético de Madrid’s youth team. days, a player at an academy is already had a contrasting view on the subject, a level exceeding their own ability – which, UEFA Coaching Convention. “But now, a footballer from the youth semi-professional. That’s the trend within with the forum encouraging coaches to of course, helps their development. I think The event began with a look at the academy can go in with their Youth football nowadays. Maybe youngsters air their opinions and discuss them with the future of European football looks technical report on the 2015/16 Youth League experience, having played one will now start to have a lifestyle that’s their colleagues. He said: “I don’t feel like bright, as many young players are League and a presentation on coaching or two seasons in a competition like this, exclusively dedicated to football at a street football has been ‘lost’. In reality, increasing in value and standing out in trends by UEFA’s managing director of and they’ll know a lot more about that younger age.” we’re evolving at an incredible rate, and in this major competition.” technical development, Ioan Lupescu. environment and that atmosphere. They However, what these players may lack practical terms, coaches and coaching staff As part of the two-day forum, That presentation highlighted the will be much more used to playing at in comparison with previous generations are much better prepared and the players A presentation on the Tralhão and the coaches of the other variety of playing styles being used that level, which will give them a better is raw talent shaped by the largely are much better prepared. There are still a Laws of the Game by three semi-finalists, Real Madrid CF, by successful teams at EURO 2016 chance of succeeding.” disappearing phenomenon of street lot of talented players, and they’re getting UEFA refereeing officer FC Barcelona and FC Salzburg, all took and in the Champions League. The presentation also looked at the football. While players of the past were even better. But if we’re going to focus on part in an entertaining friendly match It is noticeable that the approaches need for coaches to strike a balance brought up playing – sometimes barefoot the essence of what we’ve talked about, Hugh Dallas ensured the at Colovray Stadium – the venue for adopted by the top teams of today between the players they have at their – on cobbled streets and in alleyways, playing in the village square, we can’t go coaches were up to date the semi-finals and the final. Those four tend to be reflected in the youth teams disposal and their favoured philosophy. improvements in facilities and across into that kind of teaching, because hardly on recent refereeing issues. footballing pedagogues were exemplary anyone plays in village squares nowadays! in their respect for one another on the We have to adapt to how life has changed. pitch, and that will continue when they I also think it’s positive that, at all the return to Nyon later this month. various youth academies, there is also A presentation on the Laws of the work being done at an individual level, Game by UEFA refereeing officer Hugh with technical development departments Dallas ensured the coaches were up to helping players to refine their technical date on recent refereeing issues, before skills. Players nowadays are much better Fabio Capello, who guided AC Milan to prepared in every way, and we have to the 1993/94 UEFA Champions League title try to avoid getting confused by this kind and has won domestic league titles in of terminology.” both Italy and Spain, talked to participants Participants also had the opportunity about coaching and youth development as to exchange views on the Youth League part of a round-table discussion (see and make proposals to UEFA that could interview on next page). potentially benefit the competition and Capello brought with him an array of its development. anecdotes and a wealth of advice, and “This competition is the pinnacle of a the coaches, many of whom are right at youth player’s development and education the beginning of their careers, certainly 75 coaches and heads process, since – as we all know – they are appreciated his input. They will now be of academies attended playing against the best in Europe, the seeking to emulate the 70-year-old Italian, the inaugural UEFA Youth League Coaches best players of their generation, and armed with all the insight they gained Forum in Nyon. sometimes older generations,” said SL from the inaugural UEFA Youth League UEFA Benfica coach João Tralhão, who will UEFA Coaches Forum.

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FABIO CAPELLO

‘MY PHILOSOPHY? COPY AND MOULD THINGS TO MY OWN IDEAS’ A fine art enthusiast, Fabio Capello can look proudly at the wealth of football silverware that sits alongside the artworks he has acquired over the years. Successful as a midfielder with AS Roma, Juventus and AC Milan, winning four Serie A titles and earning 32 caps for Italy, he has gone on to become an outstanding coach, amassing a total of five Italian domestic championships with AS Roma and AC Milan, and two La Liga titles at Real Madrid CF.

hen you consider that a coach who had made history in Italian career, I worked under Liedholm, his CV also features football. He had vast experience, and he who made me realise that you can 1994 UEFA Champions had given a lot to the game. always improve technically. To improve League and UEFA tactically is important, but technique is Super Cup titles with You studied at the Italian equally important. WMilan, as well as stints coaching the federation’s technical center in national teams of both England and Russia, Coverciano and gained experience In a discussion with UEFA it is obvious that Fabio Capello draws from in other sports. That must have last year, Carlo Ancelotti also a vast reservoir of experience and given you considerable insight mentioned Nils Liedholm as one knowledge when he talks about football into all aspects of management. of his main mentors, saying he and coaching – as he did as guest of I worked at Mediolanum Sport [Milan’s didn’t copy him, but still learned honour at the recent UEFA Youth League multisport club], where I was in charge a lot from him. Coaches Forum in Nyon. of basketball, ice hockey, rugby and Liedholm was a very calm person, volleyball. That was actually very important but with great personality. I learned How did you transition for me, as it helped me to understand the from him the importance of from player to coach? psychology of different sports, of different understanding the moments that your I stopped playing in 1980, and I started players, of different ways to approach a team goes through. He always exuded coaching the 15-year-olds at Milan. match. Milan’s president, Silvio Berlusconi, extreme calm. I moved on to the 17–18 age group, and sent me on management courses. It was then the 20-year-olds. I coached youth all hugely valuable. Is it fair to say that a coach teams for five years. In my opinion, it’s might take inspiration from very important for coaches with ambition Is there anyone who has had a variety of important sources – to understand how to manage youngsters. a particular influence on your but, in the end, you still have coaching career? to be your own man? When did you have your first I was lucky enough to play at Roma Our job – like the job of any artist – taste of coaching a first team? under Helenio Herrera, who also is to go around ‘stealing’ and copying. I became assistant to Milan’s first-team coached the great 1960s Inter Milan team. But after you’ve ‘stolen’ and copied, coach, Nils Liedholm, in 1987. The He used to say something very simple: you must mould things according to your president asked me to take charge “You play the way you train.” He said that own ideas. Think of the great artists ... of the last five matches, and we qualified you can’t train at 60km/h and then think Picasso copied the African artists, and for the UEFA Cup. Nils Liedholm stayed that you can play at 100km/h on a he became a genius. So, my philosophy on with us, and I wanted that. He was matchday. Then, at the end of my playing is ‘steal, copy and develop’ ... UEFA

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you’re on the pitch. It’s essential to have Capello imparted his wisdom during a group of players who feel part of the a question-and-answer session at the UEFA Youth League Coaches Forum in Nyon. ‘I was lucky enough national team and want to win trophies. Below: The Italian won La Liga in 2007 during his On the other hand, a club manager works second coaching spell at Real Madrid, to play at Roma under on a daily basis and understands how he pipping FC Barcelona to the title. Helenio Herrera [below], needs to work, what he needs to improve who also coached the great and where the relevant strengths lie. Getty Images 1960s Inter Milan team.’ He can work on the team psychologically when they win and when they lose, so it’s a daily job. With a national team, the job UEFA is completely different.

Your teams are usually quite intense and physically well So, you have to be I had two spells at Real Madrid, the second the key role that psychology plays in prepared. Do you regard specific mentally flexible … of which was after they had gone a few the minds of experienced players … fitness training as something You can have your own ideas about years without a trophy. That second spell or how it can block them. Our last match important within general training? football and your own way of managing, gave me the greatest satisfaction, as we was against RCD Mallorca. We were level You need to find the right balance. In my but you must also understand the won the title in 2007 despite having been on points with Barcelona, but having opinion, the most important thing is the place that you’re working in – because some way behind FC Barcelona with only a drawn in Barcelona and won at home, work that you do in pre-season. I have if you don’t, then you’re going to have few matches remaining. we were top of the table. We just needed always stressed the importance of good huge difficulties. to win the match. However, in the first pre-season preparation. But this depends Quite an achievement … half, international players – experienced on the league that you’re coaching in. If you’re coaching abroad, Tell us more about that. players – were playing with fear. They In England, they are always playing. communication must be I told the team that they were as good weren’t doing anything right. And we They don’t train as much because they extremely important … as Barcelona, both in terms of strength were one goal down at half-time. have to recover. In Spain and Italy, you It can create certain problems, I must say. and in the way they played. I told them that can do more. It also depends on what When I was with Russia, two players we had to play each match as if it were a So, what did you do at half-time? competitions you’re in – if you’re taking spoke Spanish and two spoke English. final – and if Barcelona still ended up ahead I usually asked the players not to say a word Presse Sports part in European competitions and playing My communication with the players was of us, so be it, we would applaud them. for the first four or five minutes. They could a lot of matches. I keep saying that you always through an interpreter, so you change their kit, wash themselves and do can plan, but the most important thing can’t always really express what you’re You must have created a fantastic whatever they needed to do. Because if You’ve managed big clubs and Top left: Fabio Capello’s first senior coaching is the manager’s eye – his ability to feeling inside and wanting to get across – team spirit on that late run … you start talking as soon as you enter the national teams. What is the major experience came at AC Milan as assistant to understand the team’s level of fitness whether in difficult times or when things There was a unique team spirit – a level dressing room, you risk saying stupid things Nils Liedholm. difference for a coach between Above: European Cup-winning coach Helenio and understand whether it’s a physical are going well. of commitment that was almost crazy. because you are nervous. It’s important coaching a national team and Herrera (right, holding glass) who Capello played issue or a mental one. And nowadays, It’s very important to tell you about that a coach stays calm. I used those four or coaching a club? under at AS Roma. Below: Capello during his you obviously have to work on things Which of your achievements have playing days in 1976. It’s a different job. Managing a national like technique and speed as well. given you the most satisfaction? team has nothing to do with managing Well, one team that gave me many a club. A national team manager is lucky How do managers adapt trophies and great feelings of satisfaction if he has a consolidated block of players when they coach teams was Milan … but that was a team that who come from one or two clubs, have a in different countries? had already been put together. I changed winning mentality, have desire, can carry I can say from experience that in Italy, a few things, but the team had already other colleagues along with them and, you have to adapt to the city where you been built. The biggest struggle for me above all, can quickly apply your style work. There are significant differences was at Roma, because I had to bring a of play on the pitch. You also have to between coaching Roma, Juventus and winning mentality to the team. find leaders in the squad. If you don’t, Milan. If you change countries and go it’s very difficult. to work in Spain, you have to understand where you are going. The players are You only have a short period to used to doing things in a certain way, work with players for national the football is different, the culture is ‘That second spell at Real team matches … different, the media are different … Madrid gave me the greatest If you’re playing on a Thursday, the players There’s a big difference in Italy between satisfaction, as we won the arrive on the Monday after playing a Rome and Milan, and there’s a bigger title in 2007 despite having league match, so you do nothing that day. difference between Italy and Spain. On the Tuesday, you have a ‘half’ training If you go and work in England, you been some way behind session; on the Wednesday, you prepare need to understand where you are, FC Barcelona with only a Getty Images for the match; and on the Thursday, Getty Images what their customs are, and so on. few matches remaining.’

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As coach of the all-conquering AC Milan side of the 1990s, Capello lifted the UEFA Champions League up selling him at Real Madrid! He was so Getty Images trophy, masterminding a 4-0 technically skilful at speed – like no other victory over FC Barcelona in the 1993/94 final. player that I’ve seen. Over 30 metres, he did things at full speed, starting and stopping, changing direction …

You’ve come to UEFA for the UEFA Youth League Coaches Forum. At the clubs where you’ve worked, have you been able to dictate the philosophy and decide how to develop young players? At every club where I’ve coached, when I arrived, I always asked for four or five youngsters from the academy to train with the first team. Sometimes, we would speak with the person responsible for the youth system to assess who deserved to be training with the first team. In this way, ‘I have never accepted compromises. The team is my you would find out about young players’ responsibility. You need to have a strong personality. characters and how they would adapt. You have to be fair, but you need to have the strength of Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images character to stand your ground when you’re in the right.’ What if they had difficulty adapting? If, after training with us, they behaved Where is the limit for a coach in advanced in the area of statistics, and the best. A manager has to be able to five minutes to think about how to change And on this particular occasion? arrogantly, we would react by not calling making such compromises with through things like heart rate monitors, understand the potential of his team. things around, because a tactical switch You can’t always act the same way to them up for first-team training. They then owners and players? and especially with the use of video is simple, but there are also times when change things around. There are times understood that if we did call them back, I have never accepted compromises. technology, which allows you to watch Finally, what would you say is you have to work on the psychology of when you have to shout to wake the they would have to give more – that they The team is my responsibility. You need and prepare your team, and then helps the hardest thing for a manager? the team. players up … but in a moment of fear, had to change. What happens, therefore, to have a strong personality. I think you you to sell your ideas to them. Choosing the starting 11, deciding who what do you do? What do you say? is you find out that one player is ready have to be fair, but you need to have the will sit on the bench and who will be in I used that time to think. Should I get for the first team, while another might strength of character to stand your ground What about playing systems? the stands – that’s the hardest thing. It’s upset? Should I laugh? Should I talk perhaps need to be sent out on loan [to when you’re in the right. Because if you I don’t believe that you can play just a matter of courage and having a winning quietly? Usually, I would stand up and another club] to gain experience. There give in – with the players, as well – you one system. It depends what players mentality. The coach has to have the tell the players to do this or that. This are young players who have character show your weak points. We’re judged you have. I always say that you have to courage to choose. He must be brave and time, since the players were showing fear, and go out on the pitch with no fear, on how we treat the star players, how make your wine using the grapes that understand why a player who is perhaps I asked one of them to make space for me and there are others that don’t have we treat the young players, how we you have. You can’t produce champagne only at 85% might – or might not – and I sat down. I was sat at the same level such self-confidence. behave after a loss or a win, what our or a Bordeaux with every kind of grape. perform better than another player. as they were. I simply told them that we’d reactions are, and so on. You’re constantly So, you have to look at the grape that you And you have to understand players’ done something unbelievable and asked How different is managing players under scrutiny, so you need to be have, and you have to be smart enough worth. If you don’t understand the real why we should gift Barcelona the title now in comparison with the past? extremely careful and prepared. I treat to understand it. You have to find the value of your players, you can’t help them now. I said: “Go out on the pitch and The difference is huge. Many things need stars and youngsters the same way. formation that makes your players perform to improve. play like you do in training.” That’s all. to be taken into consideration. In some No one has ever asked me: “Why aren’t I didn’t say anything else. And we came respects, managing the group was easier you saying the same thing to that guy?” back to win, meaning that we were then. There were no agents, so clubs or “Why can that guy do that?” In a team, crowned champions. could manage all of the whims that today’s we’re all equal – all of us – if we want to players have under the influence of their win. If you don’t want to win … then Are there any players you agents. They were also more relaxed times: accept compromises. have coached that stand out? there was a president who took decisions, The greatest player I’ve ever coached is and the manager was in charge of the How do you see the game evolving the Brazilian Ronaldo, although I ended team. Nowadays, you have agents, and in tactical and technical terms in club owners come from countries with the future?

different cultures. The rules have changed, I believe that football will be more tactical Getty Images Left: Capello coached Brazilian great Ronaldo and that makes life difficult for a coach. in the future, so we need to be more at Real Madrid during the 2006/07 season. tactically aware, better prepared and Bottom right: His most recent coaching role was as Russian national team manager between 2012 At some stage, a coach may technically faster. There will be a need for

Getty Images and 2015. have to make some compromises. much more focus on the pitch. We’re very

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JESÚS VELASCO

“AS A COACH, YOU SHOULD ALWAYS BE TRYING TO IMPROVE AND REINVENT YOURSELF”

Having been pipped at the post in the final last year, Jesús Velasco led Inter FS to victory in the UEFA Futsal Cup this season, earning the Spanish club their fourth European title. Velasco looks back on his team’s road to success and offers his take on the evolution of the indoor game, drawing on a wealth of experience both in Italy and his native Spain.

nter FS last lifted the UEFA Since you joined Inter in 2012, the playing three matches in three days in Futsal Cup in 2009. After falling club has won countless trophies the Spanish Cup. It’s a very useful way at the final hurdle in 2016, in Spain without ever managing of helping us prepare for the challenge how do you explain your to lift the UEFA Futsal Cup. Did of the finals. success this season? your recent victory fill you with IOne of the main reasons is that, this more relief than joy? The 2017 finals were played season, virtually all our players arrived From a personal point of view, it made in Almaty, Kazakhstan, more at the final tournament in good physical me very happy. It was a great moment. than 8,000km from Madrid, shape, in contrast to last season. The But from a professional perspective it also with a four-hour time difference final that we lost in 2016 also helped felt like a huge weight had been lifted. between the two cities. Did us enormously to prepare for this year’s The club has UEFA Futsal Cup ambitions this make the journey and comeback, when we were determined virtually every season and to have finally preparing for the competition to take our revenge. won it is a huge relief, both for me and for more difficult? the club as a whole. Inter FS is a club made Given the distance, we tried to find Was the team better equipped to win titles, and the Futsal Cup is the the quickest way of flying between to win this season? most prestigious there is, so it was about the two cities and looked into chartering We were able to prepare better in time we won it after several years of a direct flight to Almaty. But we gave numerous ways. We approached the missing out. up on that idea in the end because it competition differently, with a clearer was too expensive. We took a regular idea of what we had to do to win it. The UEFA Futsal Cup finals are flight in the end, with a stopover in The fact that the players were injury-free a unique tournament, with two Frankfurt. We arrived in Kazakhstan was also a major factor. matches – semi-finals and final – three days before the semi-finals, to in the space of three days, against give us time to recover from the journey the best clubs in Europe. How do and get used to the time difference. “All coaches know they you prepare for such intense, Everything went as planned and the have to win matches, but high-level competition? players were in perfect physical Our training method is fairly intense, condition for both matches. it’s even more the case at which means that our players can recover Inter than elsewhere. Here, very quickly. Playing two high-level Do you think the standard at if you lose three matches matches in three days is not a problem the UEFA Futsal Cup finals is

Sportsfile in a row, it’s a disaster.” for our team because we are used to the highest in the world?

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I don’t think you’ll find a better standard “I would like to see the coached him for a number Ricardinho and his team-mates took it to the anywhere else today. It’s the moment of seasons now? wire against Kairat in the semi-finals in Almaty game get faster in the but snatched a 3-2 win. when the top clubs reach their peak, all future. However, I’m afraid It’s the type of goals he scores that aiming to become European champions. it’ll become slower unless makes Ricardinho so special. He has it all: As winners, we will never forget the 2017 the physical qualities needed to make quick on this system a lot in training. Because we edition, of course. On both technical and the rules change.” changes of pace, technical skills that enable win most of our matches, our opponents tactical levels the standard was very high him to beat three opponents in one move, often play without a goalkeeper towards and all four teams stood a genuine chance and tactical intelligence that helps him to the end, in an attempt to get back into of winning. For all these reasons, I believe Do you think he’s on a different find space on the pitch. I’m used to seeing the match, and we’ve developed strong this year’s edition was the best so far. level to the rest of your squad? him score goals like that now and pull off tactical discipline that helps us to take He’s a player like any other, in the sense other incredible moves. advantage of our opponents’ mistakes Portugal’s Ricardinho was that he’s part of the team, but at the same and score from a long way out, as we man of the match in both your time you can say he’s on a different level He’s a very creative player. did in the final against Sporting. games in this year’s finals. What because he does extraordinary things on As a coach, do you try to give role did he play in your victory? the pitch. He’s extremely creative, which him as much freedom as possible? With four titles, Inter have won Ricardinho played a vital role in our – combined with his intelligence, technical I give him very general instructions. the UEFA Futsal Cup more times success. When he’s at his best, he can skill and physical strength – makes him a He assimilates our game plan perfectly, than anyone else. What is it like make a huge difference, especially in very special player. He plays for the team, both defensively and in attack, but he to work at such a prestigious club? attack. He’s also able to defend with fits in perfectly with our style of play and also has plenty of freedom to do what Firstly, I have an advantage over other high intensity. He was determined to often finds ways of breaking the deadlock he wants. Sometimes, this can cost us coaches because our club has greater shine and to finally lift the UEFA Futsal when matches are tight. goals, because he makes a mistake and resources than the others, which means Cup with Inter. He showed that he loses the ball in a dangerous area, but we we can build a large squad of high-calibre could be relied on when it mattered When he scores an outstanding have to let him take risks so that he can players. I have the privilege of being able and was one of our keys to victory. goal like the 2-2 equaliser produce those game-changing moments. to choose from a squad of 15 players, all against Kairat Almaty in the of whom are capable of being first-team He has already been voted the semi-final, are you still taken regulars. But it’s also a huge responsibility, In last season’s final, Jesús Velasco and his team world’s best player four times aback or does nothing he does lost out to Russian debutants Ugra Yugorsk, because the team is expected to win titles Sportsfile (in 2010, 2014, 2015 and 2016). surprise you any more, having who beat the hosts 4-3 in Guadalajara. every season. All coaches know they have to win matches, but it’s even more the case at Inter than elsewhere. Here, if you In this season’s final, after a lose three matches in a row, it’s a disaster. tight opening period, Inter dominated against Sporting CP, The Spanish championship is very coming out 7-0 winners. In the last competitive, with a large number few minutes, you got three goals of teams competing for the title. with long-distance shots from Is it an advantage at European your own half, while your level to be playing high-level opponents were without a matches on a regular basis? goalkeeper. Is this a tactic you Playing in a tough league is an advantage work on a lot in training? as long as it doesn’t mean your players It’s something we’re working on more suffer injuries as a result, as has been and more. In futsal, you can put an the case for us over the last two seasons. outfield player in goal, which is something In a very competitive league, you have that a lot of teams often do to give them tighter games, they’re more physical a numerical advantage on the pitch and injuries can mount up. It’s tricky if when they have possession of the ball. four or five of your players are injured Personally, I’m not a big fan of it, but for important occasions such as the we have to be adaptable and we work UEFA Futsal Cup finals.

“I think opportunities to bring the goalkeeper out should be limited and it should only be done by teams that want to score goals rather than those that just want to keep hold of the ball, which is sometimes the Sportsfile Sportsfile case at the moment.”

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“At the top level, futsal Championships are also being and football are very introduced in 2018. Are you different. But there are pleased to see UEFA doing some areas in which we more with futsal? These are very important decisions, and can learn from each other: ones that have been well received in the training methods, technical futsal world. UEFA wants to develop our work, individual tactics, sport and, in the years to come, there attacking play, and so on.” should be more and more teams not only in the men’s competitions but also in the women’s and youth events. It’s our job to make futsal a spectacular sport that You coached in Italy for a number attracts spectators. Futsal is already a of seasons. Is there a real cultural fascinating sport to watch when it’s played difference between Italian and at a fast pace. When it’s slower, it’s much Spanish futsal? less interesting for everyone. Futsal needs Italian futsal is more physical and the to be spectacular to keep everyone happy. playing systems there are less flexible than in Spain. The players are very disciplined Inter have links with Club and have less room for manoeuvre, Atlético de Madrid. Do you have whereas Spanish players have more any contact with Atlético coach freedom and can be creative. Also, the Diego Simeone and his staff? Sportsfile standard of goalkeeping in Spain is the The two clubs are linked at administrative With nine domestic titles under his belt – six from Italy and three from Spain – Velasco had his sights best in the world, which makes it more level and they’re working on a cooperation firmly set on European glory. difficult to score goals. agreement, but I don’t know yet what exactly it’s going to involve. I’ve never What have been the biggest spoken to Diego Simeone, but he’s “In my 20-year career, I’ve the work of football coaches, changes in futsal since you clearly someone I would like to talk to. never run the same training and vice versa? began coaching in the 1990s? He’s a coach who can instil a lot in his session twice. You always At the top level, the two sports are The rule changes have had a big impact. very different. But there are some players, so it would be great to establish have to keep the players Before, the goalkeeper wasn’t allowed professional links with him. areas in which we can learn from each to leave the area and there was a lot on their toes and guide other: training methods, technical more room in the attacking third. Generally speaking, can futsal them towards achieving work, individual tactics, attacking play, Now, goalkeepers can come out, there’s coaches draw inspiration from the club’s objectives.” and so on. less space, and that’s made it easier to defend. The opportunity to attack Do you watch other indoor with five outfield players against four team sports, such as handball also makes the closing stages of or basketball, for inspiration? matches more exciting. The main reason I watch these sports is because I enjoy sport in general. In what areas have futsal I think you can learn things anywhere players improved the most and it’s important to always be in recent years? Sportsfile thinking about what you can learn They have improved both strategically from watching a coaching session and physically. These days, players are at youth level, or one in handball, tactically very disciplined and much take advantage of dead-ball situations I think opportunities to bring the volleyball or some other sport. If you stronger physically; they’re quicker, and have strong ‘5 v 4’ [flying goalkeeper] goalkeeper out should be limited think creatively, you can get ideas more resilient and more powerful. tactics. Futsal is a great sport to watch and it should only be done by teams from almost any sport. As a coach, when it’s fast-moving, when there that want to score goals rather than you should always be trying to improve How do you see the game of are plenty of one-on-ones, when the those that just want to keep hold of and reinvent yourself. In my 20-year futsal developing over the next ball moves quickly from one end to the ball, which is sometimes the case career, I’ve never run the same training few years? the other … at the moment. session twice. You always have to I would like to see the game get faster in keep the players on their toes and the future. However, I’m afraid it’ll become What rules would you change In 2018/19, the UEFA Futsal Cup guide them towards achieving the slower unless the rules change. At the to ensure that futsal develops will be renamed the UEFA Futsal club’s objectives. Coaching is a great moment, coaches can do little more in the way you would like it to? Champions League. European way to spend your days. I love what

than make sure their teams defend well, That’s a difficult question. For example, Women’s and Under-19 Futsal Sportsfile I’m doing right now!

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88% FOOTBALL’S NEW FRONTIER 29 pass completion explosive The flood of data and statistics into football has been one of the big changes the sport has witnessed since the turn of the century. But how do coaches and clubs make sense of it all? sprints 7,225m covered n football there’s an overflow of more at our internal model rating, which Palacios-Huerta, for advice on playing “ useless data, like pass completion is a better indicator of how the team is games at Athletic’s new-but-not-quite- rates and possession stats. Part of the developing than a snapshot of the table. finished San Mamés stadium in 2013/14. problem is that people start with the We know there’s so much randomness Behind one goal, a new stand was not 2.6 data, not with the questions, and as in football that you rarely get what you ready and, contrary to the expectations of 8 goal attempts Ia consequence they end up answering deserve, and the head coach knows this. Valverde and his players, they learned from goals questions no one has asked.” He understands that being number one Palacios-Huerta that statistics – some These are the words of FC Midtjylland in the table while performing as number taken from Rayo Vallecano’s experience per game chairman Rasmus Ankersen. Midtjylland five in our model rating is not acceptable. of an identical situation – suggested 4 Off target are a club whose analytics-based approach “We look at what all football teams they would have more success attacking not only won them a first Danish Super seek to do – to create as many high- the wall of the unfinished stand, League title in 2015 – it has also placed probability scoring opportunities as than the spectator-filled end of the them at the forefront of what some would possible and reduce the number of ground opposite. call football’s quiet revolution. Some of it scoring opportunities conceded,” he adds. “Getting that answer was crucial to may be “useless”, as Ankersen puts it, but “We know there’s a lot of randomness in us because the stand was going to take amid the reams and reams of data now conversion rates and, as a consequence, most of the season to complete and the out there, there is much that is useful – a team’s ability to consistently get into information would help us plan which and fewer clubs across the continent work positions where the probability of scoring goal we chose to attack in the first half,” harder than Midtjylland to apply is high and prevent the opponent from Valverde later recounted. “We talked it it to their benefit. doing it against you is, over time, more over with the players and they said that If analytics is football’s brave new predictive of how a team is doing and is if we were more likely to score in the goal world, then Midtjylland are out there in likely to do in the future than its league against the wall then that’s the direction the advance party, exploring uncharted position at that particular moment. they’d like to be going in the first half. territory. “Being able to collect and Results can easily swing between 10 And it must have worked because by interpret data is a key skill in recruitment, and 15 points over a season solely down the end of the season we had qualified sports science, coaching and medical to randomness.” for the Champions League.” departments,” says Ankersen as he The Midtjylland approach is undeniably begins to underline the Midtjylland ethos. different, but all around Europe clubs are The first steps The club’s majority shareholder is Matthew increasingly influenced by analytics. Just The Numbers Game, a thought-provoking Benham, owner of the English second-tier take this example from Ernesto Valverde, book by Chris Anderson and David Sally, team Brentford FC, and a man who earned the new FC Barcelona coach. During his describes analytics as “football’s newest his wealth as creator of Smartodds, time in charge of Athletic Club, Valverde frontier”. Mapping the early milestones, a company which used mathematical consulted an econometrics professor at it notes the arrival of Opta Sports in models to predict football results. the London School of Economics, Ignacio English football in the mid-90s, followed This approach is quite at odds with by such early market leaders as Prozone, traditional thinking, explains Ankersen, also in England, and Amisco in France. and it involves far more than, for instance, Paul Boanas remembers those early days at the employment of a specialist kicking Prozone when the company worked with coach to work with players. “four or five teams” in the Premier League “Fundamentally we believe that ‘the and he and his colleague would sit in front league table lies’,” he elaborates. “When of TV monitors “tracking the movement we’re evaluating progress, we’re looking of the players on the field and inputting whether it was a shot, cross or pass.” Today, Boanas is director of sales of Catapult Sports, a provider of scientifically validated metrics for clubs around the

At each UEFA match, a venue data coordinator UEFA collects all the match statistics. world, via its GPS tracking devices. Getty Images

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He reflects on the boom his industry and helps assess an individual player’s has witnessed: “There are so many data workload to reduce the risk of overdoing it. analytics companies, tracking companies, It is not just the biggest clubs who etc., looking at football and thinking, benefit. AFC Flyde, a club in the northwest ‘We’ll develop something now that will of England, newly promoted to the fifth revolutionise the world. Frankly, it will not’.” rung of the English ladder, recently For Boanas, revolution may not be the signed up for a GPS system. “Clubs in right word – yet he believes the technology lower divisions can wear a device and available today does make a telling impact get accurate monitoring of their players “At every training session and quotes Arsène Wenger, who once in a game, whereas before they couldn’t said, “There are 22 players on the field and afford a ProZone or Amisco tracking they wear the vest and I have two eyes”. This naked-eye view has system that was based on a camera and every player has an been enhanced, he says, following FIFA’s video system,” Boanas explains. Indeed electronic card, where all 2015 decision to permit the wearing of GPS one of the company’s systems, Playertek, their training session data devices in matches albeit with the proviso even caters for “sub-elite players” as is kept.” that the resulting data could not be viewed Boanas puts it, sending ten metrics – such during the action. “Managers can now as distance covered, sprint distance, players’ Oleg Yarovinsky Getty Images get data at half-time and full time about power output, etc. – to their mobile phone. Sporting director of CSKA Moskow how a player has ‘performed’,” adds Boanas, those inverted commas his own. Daily gains “It does help bring some accountability. Xabier Ruiz de Ocenda works as an analyst Moskva and he explains: “We have to injury, for example, we can show him at CSKA they still believe in the human Just because you’ve run better doesn’t at Real Sociedad de Fútbol in the Spanish keep the training intensity at least at 85% whether the intensity he’s training at is eye also, particularly when it comes mean you’ve performed better but you top flight, and he offers an insight into the of the playing intensity and to understand enough. If there’s a problem we speak to recruitment. “I strongly believe live can look at a heat map and say, ‘Are you day-to-day application of technology within that you have to use the data. During to the player; if there’s no problem we observation cannot be replaced by any in the right position? Is your high intensity “As well as the GPS and the club’s first-team squad. a training session where there’s a high don’t need to put something extra into TV observation,” says Yarovinsky. “It’s like work in the right areas of the field?’” Match data is far more complex than intensity, your eyes cannot see how intense their heads.” with dating – a live conversation cannot be Today Catapult Sports provides GPS heart-rate data … we try mere ball possession – “it’s also, for each player’s work is so we use the data In CSKA’s case, they receive their data replaced by anything, but social networks systems for some of the world’s biggest to link the objective example, whether the play is more for that. from InStat, a popular provider for Russian somehow help young people to get more football clubs – Real Madrid CF, FC Bayern performance output with a direct or possession-based or involving “At every training session they wear top-flight sides. “InStat provides us with information. In any case you want to meet München, Paris Saint-Germain and player’s feeling so that we counterattacks,” he explains, and there the vest and every player has an electronic information about opponents,” he adds, the person and see them in real life.” Celtic FC. At this elite level, a club’s GPS have the whole picture.” are also metrics to help with the players’ card, where all their training session data explaining that this goes to all core Back at Midtjylland, Rasmus Ankersen equipment is tailored according to their conditioning. is kept. When a player is coming back from members of the coaching staff. And yet takes a different view. Data is vital, he needs and can include such metrics as Xabier Ruiz de Ocenda “As well as the GPS and heart-rate data, PlayerLoad, which measures explosiveness Analyst at Real Sociedad we also want to know, with RPE [Rating of Perceived Exertion], how a player feels before, during and after training and A COACH’S VIEW time and how they’re doing their job without the ball, competitive matches. We try to link and that’s also really important for me. Statistics showed that Athletic Club would have Getty Images more success attacking the wall of the unfinished the objective performance output with Lars Lagerbäck “Our team meeting is normally not more than 40 stand at their new-but-not-quite-finished San a player’s feeling so that we have the Norway national team coach minutes long. As well as looking at the opposition, when Mamés stadium. whole picture. it comes to our defending, I use some PowerPoint clips “Before each training session we ask from the last game or two – this could be 10 or 25 minutes the player about their psychological “It was around 1998 or ’99 that we started working with depending on the opponent or how well we’ve been and physical condition,” he continues. PowerPoint presentations with the Swedish national team and doing things. “Whenever we detect an anomaly, a year or two later, our then analyst, Paul Balsom, introduced “Regarding data, I find all statistics are useful to me as we talk to the player and medical computers to our work. a coach. I do look into it but there’s very little I use for the department, to understand it better and “Today, working with the Norway national team, my analyst players – it’s more helpful to give me as clear a picture as to adapt the workload of the session for takes all the defensive and offensive set-pieces of our opponent’s possible of our performance. I don’t go into it with the that particular player. In short, we talk last seven matches, along with all the scoring chances, and from players unless it’s something really special – like the with them regularly and show them the that we pick out the examples we want. one v one situations, as this is a decisive part of the game. data that’s put up on the dressing-room “Sometimes we pick out other things. When I was coaching “Perhaps the most important thing for me with data is wall. And if it’s a more individual matter, Iceland and we played the Netherlands in EURO 2016 qualifying, I can give players feedback and they don’t just think it’s my we’ll call them to discuss it.” we did something special on how to play against Arjen Robben. opinion. With statistics and video analysis you can easily Getty Images Oleg Yarovinsky concurs that the capacity With the Dutch style of playing, it’s so important that you don’t pick out different situations and show them to the players to measure a player’s workload is one of sell yourself one v one so after the first game we took out a lot and say, ‘You did this right and that wrong’. Overall, my the big pluses of this new technology. of clips of one v one situations and we emphasised this. experience is if you give players too much information it Yarovinsky is the sporting director of “As for my own players, we film each match ourselves with can have the opposite effect and be too much so they Russian Premier League side PFC CSKA a wide picture where we can see all the outfield players all the don’t take it on board.”

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2016/17 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

says, when assessing potential new signings. The players of Danish club For a start it helps to measure the merits of FC Midtjylland wear GPS IN NUMBERS devices during matches. teams from different countries and so allows for a better understanding of the level that would-be signings are performing at. “Primarily we use it to compare the strength of teams in different leagues,” he explains. they could identify players who have midfield at Wolfsburg, had similar stats “That’s very hard to do with the human similar attributes. You go through the but in Germany, where he was in a very 833 eye, and good models are often a lot more process, look at which attacking attacking team and where the average The number of passes accurate. It’s important to know if we’re midfielders score 15 goals a season, goals per game at that time was made by Real Madrid’s recruiting a player from a team at a higher make five to ten assists per season, can something like 2.9 per game. In the TONI KROOS, level or a lower level than us, and run 11–12km per game and can average Premier League the average was about the most of any player during we believe that we’re very good at 70–80 passes per game. You can come 2.6 and Chelsea were not creating to the the campaign measuring that.” up with a list of players that fit within same degree. So there’s nothing to say Midtjylland also carry out detailed that sphere but you’re looking at different that Diego can do those things as well checks on the character of prospective leagues and different teams. That is if you put him into a team that doesn’t signings. “Personality is a huge thing difficult and there’s also the context have as many chances and doesn’t play for us,” he adds. “We don’t want any FC Midtjylland of what happened around Lampard at as open. There are just so many variables cultural misfits. The best way to find Chelsea so you need to look at the data but context is key and using techniques 601’ out the real character of someone is to around two defensive midfielders sitting like cluster analysis to look at units The number of minutes speak to people who’ve played with him ‘We’re behind the US’ behind him that enabled Lampard to do within a team can be vital to project played by Salzburg’s and experienced him when he’s at his best “Historically you don’t have people with what he did. player performance when recruiting. CHRISTIAN SCHWEGLER and his worst. We don’t really believe too a mathematical background at football “So you have to look at what those “Everything with data and small during the qualifying stages, much in interviewing the player himself clubs; certainly on the technical side that is around him did to allow him the freedom gains is about minimising your risk,” the most of any player because he’s likely to give us the answer very rare,” he adds. “There are weaknesses to do the attacking side of things. he continues. “It is giving you a slightly he thinks we want to hear. In my opinion, within the data and a lack of expertise That was one aspect. Then you look at better chance of succeeding. It might be the best way to do a job interview is on the technical side helping us to other countries and other players and, 1% or 2%but you’re not changing the when the person doesn’t know he’s being interpret the data and make meaning for instance Diego, the Brazilian attacking whole system. There’s no magic formula.” interviewed, and that’s why we do a lot out of it. It still feels like we’re five or ten of work collecting confidential references years behind North American sports in from people who know him very well.” terms of how we are using data for 142,345m Midtjylland’s approach may appear decision-making.” UEFA SUPPLYING THE STATS The distance covered extraordinary but there is no doubting According to Esteva, the long-term by KOKE for Atletico, the increasing belief in the importance approach required for data – big samples “We’re up to around 2,300 games each Europa League finals and the Super Cup. the most of any player during the campaign of analytics across the football world. take several years to accumulate – means season,” says Andy Lockwood, UEFA’s Lockwood explains: “We work with In England, Arsenal FC went so far as this can be overlooked by some coaches, data services manager, as he reflects a company which deploys an optical to buy the Chicago-based sports analytics whose job insecurity leaves them thinking on the European governing body’s work tracking system at these matches. company StatDNA and bring it in-house. in the short term only. Yet his own work in gathering data for each match played There’s an operator at the game and Last November, Liverpool FC appointed includes helping more curious clubs find in its competitions. “UEFA has a when the teams come out on to The highest number of as their sporting director Michael Edwards, specific answers. He explains: “We will go venue data coordinator (VDC) at the pitch they tag each player successful crosses made who had arrived at the club originally as to a team and say, ‘What theories do you every match and the minimum and the cameras follow 27 by one player, Juventus’ DANI ALVES head of analytics. have that you want to support or blow data gathered is the the players. Every player And yet according to Rob Esteva, director out of the water?’ If we look at the high line-ups, yellow and red is followed in terms of of The Stats Zone, we are still just at the press, for instance, we’ll ask, ‘Are your cards, substitutions and distance covered, speed, beginning of the process of mining this players chasing the ball down efficiently goalscorers – the key events sprints, and passing. There’s rich seam of information. Esteva, who from the time the opposition defender that the referee validates Getty Images a heat map and a plan once worked with Matthew Benham gets the ball? How many seconds does it after the game,” he showing where their passes at Brentford, says even the biggest clubs take the nearest man to close him down? adds,– “together with shots, went on the pitch. The clubs are still finding their way. “Elite clubs are Is he positioning himself correctly so he corners, offsides and fouls. receive PDFs of this tracking data beginning to recognise the fact that the can stop the defender from playing an Information such as the timings of for all their players, and we also send Getty Images 22 mainstream data available to them does easy pass?’” events and the reasons for bookings is the feeds to the clubs so they can 98% The highest not necessarily fully cater to their needs. Another example he proffers concerns used by the administration and the integrate them directly into their The highest pass average number I fully expect that more will follow the the use of data in player recruitment: disciplinary unit.” systems. This is private. It is beyond what completion rate of any of attempts on goal trend of building their own data collection “I worked on a project with Chelsea This is the bare minimum, and UEFA the broadcasters and other media are player who made more per game during than 100 pass attempts, the qualifying systems and working to their own sets of several years ago as they knew they had collects rather more extensive data from allowed to use and is reserved for the achieved by Real Madrid’s stages, achieved by definitions that suit their style of play, to replace Frank Lampard at some point Champions League and EURO matches, clubs’ performance analysts to look at.” MATEO KOVAČIĆ PORTO FC and players.” and wanted to use data to look at how

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of the participants at EURO 2016, the transitions into attacking mode. There report adds: “The flow of goals in the “It was were other examples and overall, just 2016/17 season contradicted the theory refreshing below 20% of the goals scored in open that today’s exhaustive levels of scouting play in the Champions League could be to see so many and match analysis might encourage directly attributed to counterattacking. coaches to focus on pre-empting the teams playing As for the Europa League, the fact that opposition’s attacking play.” high-tempo only four of the ten teams who had most football with great changes possession in matches reached the last The direct route of play. We saw lots of 16 of the competition highlights this As regards the specific brand of attacking goals, and I hope that this is same tendency. In the final itself, winners football on display in 2016/17, Fabio a trend that will continue.” Manchester United had only 33% of Capello, speaking in Cardiff, described a the ball against Ajax. move away from the Barcelona-inspired Thomas Schaaf Another of UEFA’s technical observers, possession game. “We are certainly seeing UEFA technical observer the former Finland striker and coach an evolution in that the teams who opt Mixu Paatelainen, says in the Europa for the Barcelona possession-based style League report: “Teams have that fast that set the trends a few years ago now transition when they win the ball and seem to be running into difficulties,” said pass it forward, instead of taking their the Italian, a Champions League-winning time, and I think the onus now in football, coach with Milan in 1994. “This is normal. for success, is: ‘What happens when you Any successful model – the elements win the ball? Can you win territory, can implemented by Arrigo Sacchi, Johan you beat men early and quickly?’ Possibly Cruyff or Pep Guardiola, for example – there will be an increase of long balls in is analysed in depth. I would say that, the future, because if you just pass it short Getty Images now, the trend is that if you win the ball, or sideways, teams will throw themselves you immediately run at the opponents into their compact unit, and it’s very while they are out of balance and can be difficult to break that.” surprised. The key is to win the ball quickly As well as quick, long passes forward, and then mount direct collective attacks, one trend detected in the Champions entering the penalty area quickly.” A case League was the sight of attackers staying in point were Juventus, one of Capello’s high up the pitch to disturb their former clubs, who based their run to the opponents’ build-up and try to force TAKING THE FAST TRACK TO GOAL final on proficient defending and quick the rival goalkeeper to play long, UEFA’s technical reports on its 2016/17 elite club competitions highlight a trend for GOALS, GOALS, GOALS quick, counterattacking football – and a record number of Champions League goals. The unprecedented number of goals in the Champions League – As for the most productive time for scoring goals, in the Champions ositive attacking football is firmly for thought, with the prevalence of swift summed up by experienced German 380 at a rate of 3.04 per game – meant that the competition’s global League it was the period from 46 to 60 minutes, while in the Europa in fashion. This is the uplifting transitions just one significant trend noted coach Thomas Schaaf. audience was offered one goal per 31 minutes of play. According to League it was from 61 to 75 minutes. Yet when goals scored in message to draw from UEFA’s by UEFA’s technical observers, who also “It was refreshing to see so many teams UEFA’s technical report: “[This] balance represented an increase of added time are included in the 76–90 minutes period, this becomes technical reports on last season’s highlighted the importance of wing play playing high-tempo football with great 9.5% in comparison with the previous season but the goalscoring the most fruitful period – yielding 21% of goals in the Champions men’s club competitions, which as a route to goal – albeit a route more changes of play,” Schaaf says in the pattern registered an unusual variation. The group stage produced League and 22% in the Europa League. Pfound ample evidence that the quick and commonly taken these days by full-backs technical report. “All of us who are two goals fewer than in 2015/16. And the season ended with If that stat suggests an emergence of similar patterns in direct counterattacking football currently than old-fashioned wingers. They fascinated by football could see lots record-breaking figures because nets were ruffled on 102 occasions the two competitions, so too does the dead-ball goals tally: 24% in vogue goes hand in hand with a fast identified an increase in the use of longer of duels, one-on-one situations, deep during the knockout rounds, compared with 67 in the previous was the total for both the Champions League and the knockout flow of goals. balls too, and a changing relationship running, fast vertical attacking and an season – a massive increase of 52%.” stage of the Europa League. To underline the point, for the first time between forwards in the same team. emphasis on creating chances. We saw in the 25 years of the Champions League, UEFA’s technical reports are the product lots of goals, and I hope that this is a the 2016/17 campaign ended with a goal of the work of a team of observers who trend that will continue.” Period of the average of above three per game – a attend every knockout match in the It was a trend writ large in the identity 21% 22% record total of 380 scored at a rate of Champions League and Europa League. of the winners in Cardiff, Zinédine game in which of goals of goals 3.04 per match. The Europa League For those present at the Champions Zidane’s Madrid, who were – as the most goals scored in UEFA scored in UEFA witnessed its own scoring spike last League technical observers’ meeting Champions League report says, “the ones are scored Champions Europa League term, with 565 scored at a rate of 2.76 chaired by UEFA’s chief technical officer, that had scored the most goals in a season League per game, the highest in five years. Ioan Lupescu, the morning after the when goalscoring records were 76 – 90+ mins The technical reports for both Juventus v Real Madrid final in Cardiff, shattered.” In the wake of the more competitions provide considerable food there was also much to savour – a point cautious approach witnessed by some

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Full-backs like Real Madrid’s Carvajal their 1 v 1 skills. And one popular ploy Relationships between forwards During the three hours of the semi-final and Marcelo are equally capable of helping to create goals in the way to give them the opportunity to break Another intriguing discussion point that against Juventus, they exchanged four that wingers used to. forward, UEFA’s observers also suggested, emerged during the Champions League passes.” Instead, adds the report, while is the diagonal pass. technical observers’ meeting concerned there were exceptions, such as semi- As Sir Alex Ferguson said: “If you’ve got the way that relationships between front finalists Atlético de Madrid, a “more two wide players, then penetration from players have evolved. general pattern was for a lone striker midfield on a diagonal ball is very useful.” The report offers the example of Real to receive support from in-cutting wide The other useful diagonal ball, he added, Madrid’s front two of Cristiano Ronaldo players (the relationships between Messi thereby increasing their own team’s was to the centre forward. “If you’re and Karim Benzema in the final. “Few and Neymar with Suárez at Barcelona chances of immediately regaining building from one side and you’ve got a teams operated with a genuine attacking providing a high-profile example) or possession. Juventus used this ploy Diego Costa or Sergio Agüero, then you’ll partnership of twin strikers operating in for danger to emerge from a cluster effectively in the first leg of their quarter- use it.” parallel,” it says. “The final provided of middle-to-front players (Marco Reus, final against Barcelona, when Marc-André The statistics for the 2016/17 campaign an illustration of how even the 1-4-4-2 Ousmane Dembélé and Shinji Kagawa ter Stegen was obliged to play long on 12 lend further weight to the importance of structure did not entail a ‘partnership’ as at Dortmund) grouped behind the occasions, with only three of those long a good supply from the wide areas, given such, with Benzema and Ronaldo splitting advanced attacker”. passes reaching a team-mate. Massimiliano the increase in goals from this source. wide and rarely striking sparks off each Meanwhile, if Monaco’s front two Allegri’s team repeated the dose in the The Champions League report notes that: other. Among the 491 passes completed did not fit the convention of old, they home leg of the semi-final against AS “crosses, cutbacks and diagonal passes by Zidane’s side during the final, there still helped to make the surprise semi- Monaco, when 60% of the passes made into the box accounted for 43% of the were three by Benzema to Ronaldo and finalists from France a joy to watch, by Danijel Subašić were long. Only four open-play goals. This marks a significant none in the reverse direction. according to Giggs. “I enjoyed watching found a friendly target. increase on the 36% registered in “Much the same could be applied to Monaco,” he said. “They had pace Getty Images Getty Images 2015/16.” The same applied with the the two-pronged attack of AS Monaco, and power throughout the team. Falcao Wide boys Europa League where, in the knockout where [Radamel] Falcao and [Kylian] supplied the goalscoring instinct with Another theme commented on by UEFA’s Jérémy Morel – named in the official team such players have to do, unlike genuine rounds, 34% of the open-play goals were Mbappé formed an effective partnership younger legs all around him.” There was technical observers is a recurring one of the tournament the morning after the wingers of old, is make dynamic runs into from crosses – a figure that rose to 43% in terms of their movement but without much else to enjoy too, of course, as the from recent campaigns: the onus on Ajax v United final in Stockholm. What the spaces where they can deliver or test with the addition of cutbacks. indulging in combination play as a duo. goals flew in across the continent. full-backs to provide attacking width. The Champions League technical report includes the thoughts of ex-Man United UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE winger Ryan Giggs, a new addition to the GOALS ranks of technical observers last season and a man perfectly placed to talk about wing play. “Wingers are definitely going out of 39% 61% Percentage of goals scored by home teams* 61% the game,” he says in the report. Away Home 60% “Full-backs are now the wingers. No teams teams 58,5% matter what system you play, there are (147) (228) 56% simply not the wingers that we saw 10 or 15 years ago, unfortunately. Of course, 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 there are still players like Gareth Bale or Eden Hazard who can play the role *Percentages exclude finals which are played on neutral territory of wingers but, more or less, they play inside now and tend to look for space in the pockets. “When I played on the wing, there was a big reliance on the other players to give you A drop from the ball. Now, the star players don’t wait 2015/16 63 for that to happen. They go to look for the Goals scored 2016/17 54 ball and they tend to look for the ball in with headers 18% to 14% those little pockets where they feel the ball is going to come. This is obviously a shame

but, on the other hand, teams like Real Getty Images Madrid show us full-backs who are equally capable of helping to create goals in the Group stage Knockout stage way that wingers used to do it.” Goals generated It was not just at Madrid. Giggs’ 96 29 former team-mate at Old Trafford, after solo runs games games Antonio Valencia, was praised for his 17 11 efforts in the Europa League report as goals goals one of two full-backs – along with Lyon’s scored scored

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football pitch is – by and the eight nations regularly employed a large – 68 metres wide, but strategy aimed at increasing productivity if there is one thing the 2017 from the wingers and overlapping full- U17 right-back Mateu Morey typified the trend for fast-moving defenders pushing forward as final tournaments of UEFA’s backs. A total of 15 goals – more than one he helped Spain to victory in Croatia. youth competitions in three – were scored from either crosses Ahighlighted, it is that coaches simply or cutbacks, with excellent movement and cannot get enough width. combinations down the flanks creating They try to exploit every centimetre at numerous opportunities, with a focused their disposal. The ball may spend a team effort to create spaces. greater amount of time in the more Wingers were doing this by moving congested central areas of the field, which into the middle, with full-backs exploiting is understandable given the nature and the gaps this movement ripped open. The flow of the game, but the efficiency of Czech Republic, Germany and Portugal all wing play – making the most of the time deployed similar tactics in this area, mixing the ball does spend out on the flanks the approach with full-backs taking a more – was one of the key elements central trajectory for their runs and wingers encompassing all competitions, men’s and hugging the touchlines, before a quick turn women’s, this summer. outside by the full-back, going around his It was not purely about wingers either. winger, exploited even more space. Overlapping full-backs were one of the This was well highlighted at the Under- biggest trends observed across the board, 17s, where Spain came back from 1-0 starting – chronologically – at the down against France in the quarter-final, Under-17s in Croatia in May. with right-back Mateu Morey producing There, the prevalence of wingers a high-speed ‘underlapping’ run to gain prepared to run into the interior channels space for a left-footed shot. Minutes later, and open up spaces for full-backs to his Barcelona team-mate Juan Miranda exploit was notable. Instances of full-backs embarked on an almost identical making high-speed runs right through to underlapping run on the left to earn the the byline and delivering crosses or penalty that put his side 2-1 ahead. Morey cutbacks were also prevalent, with 10 of burst through the inside channel again the 16 participating nations frequently to equalise with another left-footed finish implementing such tactics, including during the final against England. tournament winners Spain. The powerful “This is a tactical shift,” says Savvas runs and combination moves by their Constantinou, UEFA technical observer at full-backs proved to be an important the Under-19s in Georgia. “The wing play weapon in such teams’ attacking armoury. was coming increasingly from the full-backs France right-back Vincent Collet offered and not just the wingers.” prime examples of aggressive running The technicians watching the Under-17s along the touchline, allowing right-winger in Croatia also noted that wingers were not Yacine Adli to transfer his dribbling skills to necessarily sticking to convention. Instead, the inside channels – sometimes on the there was a marked trend towards the use other flank, which was also noted as a of change-footed wingers, with England trend in Croatia – or to probe the opposition from a central playmaking position. Much the same could be said of England right-back Timothy Eyoma, whose marauding runs allowed Phil Foden to drift YOUTH COMPETITIONS inside and operate across a broad section of the attacking front. “This is a SHOW WIDENING HORIZONS Using width at the Under-17 tactical shift. and Under-19 finals The wing play This was a trend carried through to the was coming FOR FUTURE STARS Under-19s in Georgia. France were increasingly from conspicuous by their absence, but England the full-backs and not just were one of the nations who made capital the wingers.” There was an emphasis on wise wing play, defensive organisation and out of their flank play. As in Croatia, the most common – and more goalkeeper involvement in the 2017 youth tournaments, which Savvas Constantinou successful – approach to attacking in UEFA technical observer at were also used to test out a new penalty shoot-out system. Photos: Sportsfile Georgia was down the wings, and half of the Under-19s in Georgia

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s providing a striking example of the e g tendency with right-footed Jadon Sancho a “The goalkeepers have been a nice surprise. m I

on the left and left-footed Foden on the y

t England have got two really good goalkeepers, t right. Serbia and the Netherlands also e

G while the Netherlands’ number one will be regularly fielded ‘wrong-footed’ wingers, pushing for the senior team, and Scotland’s and while Hungary and Ukraine were among France’s were also very good – it’s encouraging those who switched wingers during games to mix the change-footed and orthodox for the future of goalkeeping.” approaches. Turkey did likewise, with the Hope Powell variation that both wingers were left- UEFA technical observer at the Women’s Under-19s in Northern Ireland footed. Ambidexterity was a boon. At the Women’s Under-17s in the Czech Republic, 25% of goals were scored by In Croatia, where Spain defeated England all the head coaches acknowledged wingers thanks to a greater emphasis in a penalty shoot-out – and there will be that set pieces were being worked on being placed on swift counterattacking more on that later – the Iberians’ captain in training, but it appears the emphasis and direct wing play, with players notably Abel Ruíz and Turkey’s three frontmen was more on defensive than attacking showing a greater comprehension and (striker Malik Karaahmet and the two behaviour in dead-ball situations. grasp of tactics. “There were some very, wingers) were unstinting in their efforts to “Most of the teams were using all ten very mature performances all round,” said disturb the opponents’ build-up while outfield players to defend set pieces,” UEFA’s technical observer in Plzeň, Anna team-mates completed their transitions to said UEFA technical observer Ghenadie Signeul, who reflected on the high-quality the defensive block. Scurtul in Tbilisi. “There were different tournament and its entertaining, highly The aforementioned offensive vocation approaches, with man-to-man or zonal sophisticated matches. According to of full-backs offered counterattacking marking, but whereas before there would Signeul, defensive organisation was often opportunities through the wide areas, be one player remaining up the field to equally strong, ensuring tactical battles and the top teams were adept at pre- force their opponents to leave one player in all transitions. Such a level of tactical empting penetration along the wings. back, maybe as a reaction to seeing a awareness among players aged 14 to 17 is In the construction phase, the norm was lot of goals being scored after set pieces, not to be taken for granted and illustrates for a controlling midfielder to drop into the teams are now keeping these players how well prepared the teams were in the the area between the spread centre-backs in the penalty area.” Just eight goals Czech Republic – and not only there. while the full-backs advanced. Centre- came from set pieces in Georgia, plus five In fact, detailed defensive preparation backs rarely made deep runs. Instead, penalties, perhaps as a result of the extra appeared to be another of the priorities the onus was on the midfielders and even attention afforded to not conceding from at all of this summer’s youth tournaments. forwards to drop back for possession to such situations? The old adage that attack is the best be regained, before launching themselves Scurtul also noted that defenders form of defence appears to be mutating into surging counterattacks. were not afraid to choose the long ball, somewhat into defence being the best This shift towards a safety-first approach bypassing the congested midfield areas form of attack. was accentuated at the Under-19s, where if a build-up down the wings was not possible, “because you have a risk in Netherlands keeper Daphne van Domselaar showed great promise in the Czech Republic. midfield of losing the ball when you play combinations there, so they prefer to praise, and all the more so for his active observer Dušan Fitzel, was not down to be said about the goalkeeping in the leave this part of the game”. involvement in his team’s games. to poor goalkeeping. “What we saw in Czech Republic and Northern Ireland. “He participates in the build-up and Croatia was confirmation that the job “The goalkeepers have been a nice Goalkeepers playing a shows a very good feeling for the game,” description has changed, with a much surprise,” said Hope Powell, one of greater part in the men’s Scurtul said. “He is able to regulate the greater emphasis on the keeper’s work UEFA’s technical observers at the Women’s and women’s game rhythm of the game and to take the right with his feet,” he said. “In the past, the Under-19s in Northern Ireland. “England Route one was not the predefined choice decisions.” He and his fellow goalkeepers Dutch excelled. But goalkeeper education have got two really good goalkeepers, of the first line of the defence on the varied how the games were restarted, has changed. In Croatia we saw teams while the Netherlands’ number one will other hand. The goalkeepers – no longer restricting themselves to a who didn’t hesitate to use the keeper to be pushing for the senior team, and particularly at Under-19 level – long punt forward when playing out from pass the ball. And keepers are increasingly Scotland’s and France’s were also very demonstrated to what extent they have the back was the preferred option. This is integrated into training sessions rather than good – it’s encouraging for the future now also become the first line of attack. why their decision-making and discipline sent to one end to practise on their own.” of goalkeeping.” To be an excellent goalkeeper, it is was so important and their performances The quality of goalkeeping has been a no longer enough to simply save shots. demonstrated how much a part of the bone of contention in women’s football, Jury out on ‘ABBA’ penalty This was underlined, in particular, by the overall tactical shape of the teams but both this year’s Under-17s and shout-out trial Netherlands’ number one, Justin Bijlow, goalkeepers have become, instead of Under-19s suggested that standards are Goalkeepers still had to get the basics England custodian Aaron Ramsdale and just focusing on defending their goal on the rise. While the Women’s EURO may right, though, and this in a summer when the last line of the Portuguese defence – or penalty area. have been tinged by various goalkeeping trials were undertaken into a new penalty or perhaps, one might argue, the first The same was evident at Under-17 errors, some of the highlights in the shoot-out system aimed at altering the With Phil Foden on the right and Jadon Sancho on the left, England provided a masterclass in the use of line of their attack – Diogo Costa. level, despite the record number of goals Netherlands were spectacular saves and way the players feel the pressure, the aim ‘wrong-footed’ wingers in Croatia. Bijlow was picked out for particular scored – which, according to technical there were predominantly positive things being to even out what is perceived as an

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advantage for the side that takes the first and fifth penalties of the shoot-out overall more pressure is on the team that takes penalty. It has been estimated that around and after Olaug Tvedten scored to put the first penalty because if they miss it and 60% of teams who take the first penalty Norway two up, Vilde Birkeli wasted their then their opponents score two in a row, in the habitual system go on to win the first match point with their fourth kick of suddenly you are two penalties down.” shoot-out. Under the trialled approach the shoot-out. Germany went on to lift the title after – labelled ABBA to reflect the order in The ball was back in Germany’s court another ABBA shoot-out which appeared which the teams take their kicks – it is for consecutive kicks and, had Melissa to emphasise how being first up could, in envisaged that parity could be obtained, Kössler missed their fourth, Norway truth, be a greater advantage – assuming eradicating any perceived advantage from would have won without needing to go you open the scoring. “You could see how winning the toss of a coin – a method that again. She scored, but the same pressure it became a big advantage for Germany was previously used, let us not forget, to subsequently befell Sjoeke Nüsken, who after scoring the first one,” said Signeul. determine the winner without even the had to convert hers to keep Germany’s “After Spain then missed two, Germany need to traipse to the spot. hopes alive. She did just that, bringing had two penalties to lead by three. The first experiment took place in Germany back level at 2-2, although The pressure was therefore greater on the Czech Republic, where Norway and Norway were left with a fifth penalty the second Spain penalty-taker after Germany fought it out for a place in the and their fourth opportunity to reach their first had just missed. She knew that Women’s Under-17 final. Norway had the final. Silje Bjørneboe missed and the missing would effectively offer a 3-0 lead four ‘match points’ in the semi-final psychological turnaround was complete. to Germany, who would then take the shoot-out and lost them all, raising My Sørsdahl Haugland squandered next two.” interesting questions as to how the Norway’s next attempt, providing Andrea Either way, there was certainly pressure got to them. Brunner with Germany’s first opportunity consensus that more excitement had Germany missed the opening spot-kick; to win, which she took. been provided for the fans, even if few Norway then missed the first and scored “Penalties are always exciting, but were fully aware of how the situation the second of their consecutive opening I’m not sure this made it any fairer,” said was evolving. Clear indications of who efforts. The pressure was therefore Monika Staab, one of UEFA’s technical has already taken a penalty, whether considerable on Germany’s second and observers in the Czech Republic. “When they scored or missed, and who is up Germany beat Spain in an ‘ABBA’ penalty shoot-out to claim victory in the women’s Under-17 final. third penalty takers – arguably more Norway had four chances to win the game next would be necessary to ensure all so than if the second had stepped up and they didn’t, is that fair? It’s not clear involved can follow and understand the had scored their title-winning penalty a record sixth title at that level, and the 2017 will be a year England hopes to build immediately after Norway’s first miss. where the psychological advantage would stakes of each spot kick. Even Germany’s until she saw her team-mates racing second in a row for Anouschka Bernhard, on as qualifying for 2018 gets under way, Germany missed what were the fourth be. It could actually be the opposite – that Kössler did not initially realise that she jubilantly towards her. who has now lifted the trophy on and they are not the only ones. After The experimental shoot-out system four occasions. seeing the Faroe Islands reach their first was also trialled at the men’s Under-17s, England were too hot to handle in youth finals – with their Under-17s taking where Spain showed more composure Georgia, securing their first-ever Under-19 on France, a country of 65 million Vincent Collet was to France what than their female contemporaries. title and condemning Portugal to a record compared to their 50,000 – Kosovo are Mateu Morey was to Spain: a full-back who made expert use They claimed a record third European third final defeat. The Three Lions’ victory among an even greater field of nations of the flanks to supply the attack. Under-17 Championship title in dramatic rounded off an impressive summer for bidding to reach a UEFA youth final circumstances thanks to a late goal in the them, which also included victories at tournament, which is widely considered final against England – in their record 12th the U-20 World Cup in South Korea a crucial part of player development. final tournament – earning them a second and the Toulon Tournament in France. Having previously led Portugal’s chance, which they took, in the fifth final Under-17s to the European summit in in the past six editions to be decided in a 2016, Hélio Sousa, now the coach of his penalty shoot-out. country’s Under-19s, beaten for the third As in the Czech Republic, where time in a final, confirms this philosophy: Germany were all the wiser for their “They are at an important age to catch semi-final shoot-out experience, in Croatia their dream. It is an important time in Spain latched onto their own semi-final their life, between Under-15 and Under-20. spot-kick success against Germany and “Whereas before At Under-17 you have three or four teams held their nerve better in the showpiece, there would be who develop from this and in a few years slotting away all five of their kicks while their players are stronger. Guys like Danilo one player England missed the target with back-to- Pereira, William Carvalho, Gelson Martins back efforts. remaining up the and André Silva were in the UEFA It was enough to earn Spain a record field to force their Under-19 finals in Hungary in 2014 and third Under-17 title in an impressive opponents to leave one the U-20 World Cup in New Zealand in summer for the Iberians. Their women’s player back, the teams are 2015 – I am more proud of that than Under-19s gained revenge for the now keeping these players I am of winning the European Under-17 disappointment of losing out to France a in the penalty area.” Championship.” year ago by beating Les Bleuettes 3-2 in a Their names indeed live on and there dramatic final in Belfast, while at Under-17 Ghenadie Scurtul are likely to be many more like them to level, María Antonia Is’s team lost out in UEFA technical observer at emerge from the UEFA youth tournaments the final to a Germany side who secured the Under-19s in Georgia in 2017 and beyond.

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SARINA WIEGMAN “WE GOT PEOPLE EXCITED – THAT IS WHAT WOMEN’S FOOTBALL NEEDS”

After only half a year in charge of the Oranje women, Sarina Wiegman led the Netherlands to a historic first-ever European title on home soil.

arina Wiegman, you have When looking back on the much focused on ball been head coach of the tournament, what stands out possession and passing. national team for six the most for you in terms of Was this also something months now and have tactics or technique? from which you derived already achieved so much What struck me is that during this your strength? Ssuccess. Did you ever imagine it tournament the pace of the matches Yes, we have been working on that a lot would be like this? increased: the players are getting fitter in the past couple of years. When we Well, that it would be this big and this and you also see that players from other first qualified for the Women’s EURO in fantastic is the stuff of dreams. Of course, countries are increasingly better 2009, the players started training more it’s fantastic it went like this and we put in coached. The conditions for young often and harder. The demands were such an excellent performance. It all came women and girls to develop into top, higher and the players got fitter – that together. Our performance, teamwork and professional players are getting better was the first step we did here in the a bit of luck, which we went looking for. and better, and you can see that Netherlands to make sure we made it So yes, it was a dream come true. during matches. to the EURO. But we also knew in 2009 The next step is to improve tactically that we weren’t ready yet to dominate You say you went looking for it: and also technically. The Dutch team had ball possession. In the following years, what did you personally a very good tactical set-up. We saw that we worked very hard on defending contributeas coach? against England and Norway, for example: better and using that as a platform for People have worked very hard over the last those teams are much stronger physically more ball possession. We have been couple of years to help this team and the than we are, so we have to be stronger working on that; my coaching staff players to grow, and I continued with that technically and tactically. We have to be and I have continued to work on that. the very moment I was hired for the job. clever. This is essentially the Dutch way of What happens is that the players also What I did in particular was to add some thinking about football. And that went start developing as our positional play new people to the coaching staff. Then we very well at this tournament. improves. This is linked to the fact that set up a plan leading up to 16 July and everyone knows how we want to play, prepared ourselves as well as we could for According to UEFA’s technical but it’s also down to the quality of anything that we’d come up against and observers, the trend was very the players. might possibly happen during the EURO. We addressed those matters in the months prior to the tournament. But that process had already started before I was appointed as head coach. During the tournament, it showed that Getty Images we were very well prepared, both in the way we played and what we expected on the pitch, but also in what we expected off it. Only it became much, much bigger than we had hoped for and dreamed about. One of our goals was to conquer the hearts of the Dutch people and we really did it together with them. Preparations played a very important role, but also the way in which we worked together. There was a very open atmosphere with the staff Sportsfile and the players and that appeared to be the right approach. 49 THE TECHNICIAN - UEFA Direct - November 2017 THE TECHNICIAN

Sarina Wiegman became coach of the and creating numerical superiority, The number of attempts on Oranje women in early 2017, having herself forcing the defence into a decision. goal was also a noticeable received 104 caps between 1987 and 2001. It was a combination of Lieke, Danielle trend: an increase of 18.5% van de Donk and Jackie Groenen, who compared with 2013. But in did very well in midfield when they were the end, the average number And yet, 9 out of 26 matches in possession of the ball, so it really of goals was an all-time low were won by the team with was a team effort. We have many of 2.19 per match. Is that the the least possession of the exceptional qualities in attack, but Pernille result of stronger defending? ball. England are an extreme Harder and Line Hansen can also beat I think that the pace of the game is much example: they beat Spain their opponents. faster now, the defence is more organised with only 26% of the ball. in numbers and so the demands in attack are higher. I only saw part of that match, however The technical observers That’s a development we’re going through I do know that Spain had a lot of ball concluded that the focus was on and, as I said, I didn’t watch all the possession, but mainly in their half of the defence in this tournament and matches, but when I look at how we

pitch; they didn’t go forward and attack a Getty Images teams found it difficult to break did, we played some very open matches, lot. And England, they dropped deep and through. Are crosses from the I think. If you go towards your opponent’s let Spain have the ball in that area of the wings a good alternative then? goal too slowly, then they will already pitch. I can easily imagine how Spain had Yes, and the crossing opportunity itself. have regrouped when you get there. more possession of the ball, but in the The quality and the opportunity of the So, you must do it faster and that requires end, it’s all about scoring goals. England filter that out and find out where the account the defensive qualities of the pass in combination with the player’s 2.19 better offensive play. And then you have opted for the long ball, so they had less numbers are coming from. Women’s other teams. I am curious to find out if position in front of goal. If it takes too The average number of goals to make choices: do you take a shot on possession but they reached the football is developing more and more, there’s also information on that. How long, the opponent is already back in per match was the lowest goal straight away or do you decide on ever at a Women’s EURO opposition’s goal much quicker. And that so the demands are increasing, especially did the other countries do? It was quite position, which is something you saw a lot. another pass? It’s all about quality and way they are more threatening, perhaps. when attacking and trying to score goals. difficult, but I think that we did a great job And then it becomes difficult to break higher demands because of better So those statistics are all nice, but they And for that, you need quality and if with our team as far as that is concerned. through and you have to come up with defensive play; this improves your game. are mainly useful to see what happens in you can mix it up with long balls and other things. That’s something to work football and what we’re seeing in games. possession, I think it’s a good development The technical report mentions on together and to improve. What also stood out was that And then you can link the two. If you have for women’s football. Austria as an example of a team there were quite a few errors a lot of ball possession and you’re deep in that did surprisingly well but You played on the wings too. made by goalkeepers when the opponent’s half, then it’s much harder You did drop deep every now and also played very defensively, put According to the statistics, trying to reach high balls. to keep the ball than when you are in your again, but your game was more on a lot of pressure and were you were not the most thorough That also has to do with the development own half of the pitch. So, you have to focused on going forward. Was able to counter very quickly. with regard to assists, and yet of the game. The game is faster, the that something you worked on? And they were very fit and really defended you scored four goals from the 18% quality of crosses, attackers and defenders Yes, we had starting principles in games, together as a team. I must say that I didn’t flanks. Was that something you Increase in the number of is higher and the goalkeepers need to do covering the four areas of the pitch and see many of their games, but we played worked on? attempts on goal compared better. That says a lot about the way the restarts. There were several things we against them in the run-up to the EURO, Yes, of course we did. It’s a quality we have with the last Women’s EURO goalkeepers train. For example, we now thought were important and we when they were still working on some in our team. Perhaps our assists weren’t so have a young goalkeeper who was in the continuously went back to them. We know things. On that occasion, they went 2-0 good, but when you look at the number Under-19s last year. She was part of our that with the strikers we have and the down after 15 minutes. That match was a of assists and the percentages, I think we squad last month and she was great. players behind them, if we win the ball, huge learning experience for them and didn’t do all that badly. We got behind the When she was playing with us everything we have players capable of brilliant passes they built on it during the EURO. And they opponent’s lines so often that the chance moved faster. She played some matches in but also strikers who can attack and score. were very successful there, so that was of things going the right way was quite the Eredivisie and she has to act faster in So that is a big quality in this team. We very clever. But also against us in June, big, but so was the chance of things not front of her goal. She has to think faster, had a plan about how we wanted to win they were a team that was physically very going the right way. If you have one player react faster and make decisions faster, and that ball, where and at what moment, and strong and very fit, which is a great who manages to get behind the defence then sometimes she is not in the right how we wanted to get close to the goal – achievement when it’s your first EURO. twice and chooses the right ball once, or 35% position to claim the ball. So, she has to we really worked hard on that. The players you get behind the defence ten times and of matches were won by get faster in those situations. She has to UEFA have their jobs to do, and then you have to The technical report also states play the right ball five times, then it’s the the team with less possession experience it during training, so that she make use of the quality of the players. that one of your star players, same 50% for both. But in that latter case, learns to make decisions faster. We all know that Shanice van de Sanden Lieke Martens, was one of the you’re getting there ten times and not “England and Norway, is really fast, so you shouldn’t play the ball few players who wasn’t afraid many players can do that. That was the for example, are much to her feet. Sometimes you must, but in to try to beat her opponent case with us. stronger physically than general, the starting principle is that she to create a misbalance in the we are, so we have to be always gets a long ball. other team. Plus, the most important thing: stronger technically and I have seen more players who can do that you scored four times from That is one of the things but, of course, Lieke Martens has fantastic these areas. tactically. We have to be “You need experience, that has developed since 2013: dribbling skills and can create numerical Yes, also with set pieces. And those clever. This is essentially fast switches of play were superiority by beating her opponent. assists were quite good, yes. Four times: 88% experience at the top level the Dutch way of thinking the key to success. Shanice van de Sanden can also get behind Shanice twice, Lieke once and Jackie once. of matches were won by and that takes time – years, about football” Yes, I think that you also have to take into the defence, getting behind her marker Really good. the team that scored first an age”

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“One of our goals was to conquer the hearts of the Getty Images Dutch people and we really did it together with them”

That was also the case at the EURO. The variation in tactics has experiences. That’s why it’s important that not all players were used to people. In the end, our supporters were an your opponent can score first, but you The keepers were found wanting in that increased a lot. Is that also the Under-17 and Under-19 teams play at that. How do you prepare incentive and that remained so throughout have to stick to your plan. When Denmark regard. They need to make the next step proof of the development of big tournaments – European your players mentally for the whole tournament, keeping the scored in the final, it was the first time it and that requires a certain way of training. women’s football? Championships and World Cups. that experience? momentum going. That was an advantage did not go how we wanted, but everybody Absolutely, it has been four years and a lot For the first time in history, our Under-19 In Canada, we played in front of 55,000 for us. knew that we had to stick to our plan and You just mentioned the of Dutch players have moved to top teams team [Under-20 next year] will participate people against the Canadian team. It was Pressure depends on the individual. in five minutes we scored the equaliser. Under-19s: the technical report and have become professional players. in a World Cup. This will speed up their great. We also played World Cup play-offs For one person, a situation can be We had discussed that before it happened. also concludes that there’s a They play for top clubs now. You need development and build the experience the in sold-out stadiums here in the extremely stressful and for another person, gap between them and the experience, experience at the top level and players need to play at the top level. Netherlands. Some players have also it can be really motivating. We tried to It was a beautiful tournament senior players. that takes time – years, an age. It requires When you look at what has happened in experienced the Champions League at make it motivating and we succeeded. and the final was spectacular. Yes, that’s also our conclusion here in the experience of playing at big tournaments, the last four years, when you look at the club level, so luckily they were prepared. Did the tournament and Netherlands. The game has developed in being together for a long time, being away players individually from Sweden to the What we did with the players in the 88% of matches in which goals women’s football generally a way that there’s a big gap. For the from home and achieving at a high level. Netherlands, they now have that experience build-up to the tournament was to talk were scored were won by the need a final like this? group in between, there’s a need to It requires you to keep the focus and a lot and it’s reflected in their maturity, but also with them about what they could expect team that scored first. The final I don’t know whether the tournament develop further. of players in our squad now have that in the quality of their game. and were expecting. was an exception, as there were needed it, but I know we did. We thought, We think about it with the coaching experience. You need those experiences We were comprehensive. We asked many goals. Was it a special aim ‘We’re in our own country and the only staff but also with other personnel. to keep on developing. The players can Apart from the tactical, there’s them what they were expecting from for you to score the first goal? thing we have to do is win this match. We’ve now played at four big tournaments also pass on their experience to the next also the psychological aspect. their team-mates, agents and clubs. We were looking for goals. In the We’ve already achieved so much and now – three European Championships and one generation, who also need those There were huge crowds and We managed expectations and made beginning, it was our aim to show who we can win even more!’ That is how we World Cup – and we want to belong to everything clear about what they should we were: a team that wants to fight, work went into the match. Last weekend, I was the top bracket. We achieved something expect. We talked about everything together and play good football. The in France to watch Montpellier v Lyon: the great by winning the European because otherwise you don’t know how spectators joined us in that enthusiasm. players, directors and supporters told me Championship in our own country. the players will react while under pressure. Then you have to look for goals and they really enjoyed our style of play, and But we are still developing here and we We said, ‘This is what happens. How do defend well, have a tactical set-up: you that we played the best football. Besides don’t want this to be a one-time-only you react? What can you do to achieve can’t just run around the pitch without a winning the tournament, this was the achievement. We want more. So now and keep your focus?’ We discussed those plan. We were not thinking we have to biggest compliment we could get. We got we have to decide what steps to take, things and put the players under pressure score the first goal. Fight, work together people excited – that is what women’s so that we belong in the top bracket during training. and play good football, then the results football needs. We cannot all stand in of football nations. It begins with playing good [warm-up] will follow automatically. We didn’t focus front of goal and just kick the ball away matches, for example hard matches that on the result. We also said, ‘We want to for a counter. Nobody should do that put you up against different styles of play. play like this when it’s going well and actually. We have a responsibility to aim Lieke Martens was named player of the tournament at Women’s EURO 2017 and UEFA Women’s We had a great warm-up campaign with when it’s going badly.’ You can’t have for good football. That is my opinion Player of the Year for the 2016/17 season. full stadiums and a lot of enthusiastic the whole match entirely under control, and that is what the tournament needed.

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MIRCEA LUCESCU ‘A GREAT COACH IS A COACH WHO HAS DOUBTS WITHOUT LETTING ANYONE ELSE KNOW ABOUT THEM’

Accolades are nice. But sometimes they are not enough. It would be a shame to condense more than four decades of coaching into a rosary of titles, coach of the year awards and appearances on UEFA Champions League benches. On the other hand, it would perhaps be churlish to ignore six Romanian league titles as a right-side attacker and 70 caps for Romania, including three wearing the captain’s armband at the 1970 World Cup.

oaching achievements in beyond the country’s borders, or at an believe that a good coach should, first of Romania, Italy, Turkey, Russia embassy. My aim was to find a way of all, be a very balanced person. I quickly and Ukraine reached their leaving the country. As a youth player, realised that there were talented players zenith with eight league titles, my first match outside the country everywhere and that what mattered most six domestic cups and seven had been in Turkey and I saw that the was for them to be guided, educated and CUkrainian super cups with Shakhtar reality of capitalism was not how it was organised by someone who is passionate Donetsk, along with a historic victory described by Romanian newspapers or about the sport and who manages to pass against Werder Bremen in the last-ever television. I wanted to travel, to learn some of that passion on to the players. UEFA Cup final, played in Istanbul in 2009. about different cultures. I think this is one of the most important However, when Mircea Lucescu took time After the earthquake, I moved to qualities I had, and one that has helped out from his current duties as Turkey’s Hunedoara, in Transylvania, to play for a me tremendously everywhere I have gone national team coach to visit UEFA’s team belonging to a steel plant. The team throughout my career. headquarters in Nyon, it was not to bask in had financial strength and good salaries. At Corvinul, in Hunedoara, I was a player such achievements but to share his wealth I had spare time to repair the house in and coach. Slowly, older players who were of experience with UEFA’s managing Bucharest that had been destroyed by the only there to get a salary were replaced director of technical development, Ioan earthquake. I was 30 years old, I played by talented and passionate players that I Lupescu, and a cosmopolitan audience of for the national team and I had some discovered. People started realising that I would-be coaches at one of UEFA’s Pro experience. So I also started working was able to make a difference for the licence student exchange courses. with children. In Hunedoara, children team, and I did. The communist party had nothing else to do but play football. made me return to Bucharest and within a Mircea, the first thing I would I loved sharing my experience with them, year I was a player, a club coach, the like to ask you is how your telling them stories about the matches I national team coach and head of the coaching career started. played and so on. I showed a lot of passion school of coaches, among other things. It started with a misfortune that became and I managed to get some of them so And it was all because of the passion and an opportunity. I didn’t intend to become interested and passionate about football love I had for football. a coach. But there was a huge earthquake themselves that five years later, when I that killed thousands of people in became the national team coach, seven But passion is not Bucharest. I was playing at Dinamo at of my players were from this group of kids. enough, surely? the time and that earthquake destroyed You need to love football tremendously “In football, being able to my home. We were not professionals. Is that what persuaded you that because that will enable you to get listen is as important as We were paid as amateurs by different you had the qualities to succeed through the toughest moments of your patience, as important as institutions. That is how the communist as a coach? career. Because we all have many hard confidence, as important as system worked back then. At the same We do the most difficult job. I don’t think moments. If you don’t love football, if you respect. The players should time, I was studying hard for a career there’s a harder job out there. And I’m are doing it just to make money, this is not learn this responsibility, in economics, specialising in external mostly referring to the impact it has on the job for you. Your love of football will commerce, hoping to become one of your mind, the passion that is required and make you the first to bounce back after a this professionalism, the very few students selected to work the fact that you constantly go through loss and it will make you able to motivate from their coaches.” Getty Images for a company that dealt with commerce a huge variety of feelings. That is why I your team and give your players hope.

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‘‘We do the The second most important thing is essential. I had good relationships with knowing the game and being able to most difficult Luigi Corioni at Brescia, Massimo Moratti speak about it with players, with job. I don’t at Inter, Rinat Akhmetov at Shakhtar – part journalists, with everybody, including think there’s a of the reason I spent 12 years there – Faruk the [club’s] president. There are a lot of harder job out Süren at Galatasaray, and Serdar Bilgili at coaches who hide. They don’t speak to the there. That is Beşiktaş. You need the ability to establish “Even though I didn’t press, they try to stay under the radar. No. why I believe these relationships. Unfortunately, when work with him for You should be able to talk about the game I joined Zenit I had no direct contact with that a good very long, I also and give an interview with a smile even the president in order to make my learned a lot from under the most difficult circumstances. coach should, thoughts heard the way they should have Ștefan Kovács. He A coach should also be very organised first of all, be a been. This was the hardest thing for me. – able to organise the team efficiently and very balanced If you don’t share the same philosophy, taught me what it plan training sessions and matches. And person.” conflicts can quickly arise. meant to be a citizen able to analyse matches and find ways of Presse Sports of the world.” extracting positive aspects even from the You mention the word worst games. A coach should also learn ‘philosophy’. How important is to treat players equally, whether they are it for a coach to have one? for example, will force the coaches of Other than that, my philosophy remained superstars or debutants. If he doesn’t When I was a player-coach at 30 years the future to act differently. the same. Coaches are different. There manage to do this, he will face difficulties. old in Hunedoara, I basically had the same That is why it was important for me to are coaches who build teams, pragmatic Players can be leaders in popularity, but philosophy as I have now. It just became change countries and clubs. Not too much, coaches, opportunist coaches ... Each the true leader is the coach. clearer and better because of because I am very conservative. I get has his own style. Philosophy is personal. performances and experiences over the attached to people, places; I get attached When you were getting started, years. The most important thing in the to history and many other things. But the How do you communicate your did you have any role models in world is the way we evolve as people. changes helped me because I had to adapt philosophy to your players? the coaching profession? And I think that’s about curiosity. It is each time to new places, a new culture. Education is key. My first concern is to Don’t forget that in eastern Europe there curiosity that makes us different from Because you are the one who needs to explain my philosophy and to educate was not a culture of individual values. It people who lived 5,000 years ago. change and adapt. I always had to learn my players, to show them a certain kind was difficult to stand out from the crowd. Football is no exception, it transforms new things and to bring new things to the of behaviour. Even as a young coach I became so popular that I was punished every day. Technological innovations, lives of the people who surrounded me. travelling with the team abroad, I made by the communist party – sacked as national team coach after we had beaten Austria 4-0. But I would mention Angelo Niculescu, who was our coach when we went to the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. Getty Images He was very calm and paid great attention Lucescu’s career to everything that was going on around Mircea Lucescu in timeline him. Even though I didn’t work with him my wife and she didn’t want to leave Italy. same way in industry, in commerce and Seville with Shakhtar for very long, I also learned a lot from So we let fate decide for us. We made in football. These are people who can for the second leg of their Europa League 1979-1982 Corvinul Hunedoara (ROU) Ștefan Kovács. He taught me what it some notes with a bunch of Italian clubs help you evaluate players’ potential. They semi-final in 2016. meant to be a citizen of the world. on them, with the idea of pulling one out can help you with an idea; they can give 1981-1986 Romania But I think I learned more from reading of a hat to see where we could go next. input when it comes to organising your 1985-1990 Dinamo Bucuresti (ROU) biographies of great leaders and, in But one of the notes went missing: the formation. But they should never interfere 1990-1991 Pisa (ITA) my younger days, exchanging football one that said ‘Brescia’. I couldn’t find it to the extent of telling you what to do. magazines with people in different anywhere. The next day I found it on the If they interfere once, it’s all over. 1991-1996 Brescia (ITA) countries and reading publications like El sole of my shoe and figured it was an Serie B was the division of the coaches. 1996-1997 Reggiana (ITA) Gráfico from Argentina, A Bola, France omen. I spent five years at Brescia, That was where tactics mattered; that Football, L’Équipe and World Soccer. clinching promotion to Serie A twice. was where the great games were. It was 1997-1998 Rapid Bucuresti (ROU) I also learned something important. so intense. That experience helped me a 1998-1999 Internazionale (ITA)

Did this help when you Serie A was actually a championship lot. I worked hard at Brescia, and worked 1999-2000 Rapid Bucuresti (ROU) left Romania in 1990? involving some very good [club] presidents a lot with young players. Italian football I went to Pisa because the president [of who led a lot of people and companies. played a huge role in my career. That is 2001-2002 Galatasaray (TUR) the club] wanted me. It was an amazing The best specialists in the Italian where I first learned what it really meant 2002-2004 Beşiktaş (TUR)

experience, coming from communist championship were not the coaches. to be a coach. 2004-2016 Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) Romania to a team where everything was They were presidents like Andrea Agnelli, very evolved, very well organised. At that Silvio Berlusconi, Vittorio Cecchi Gori … How important is the 2016-2017 Zenit (RUS) time, I still couldn’t understand how it guys who understood relationships relationship between 2017- Turkey was possible for people to actually make a between people, who led people. These the coach and the club’s living playing football. When I had to leave were guys with whom you were able to president or owner? Pisa I didn’t know what to do. I talked to discuss psychological and mental issues. Players may come and go, but the rapport Porto and Standard Liège. I also talked to Because organising groups works the you establish with the club’s president is Getty Images 56 57 THE TECHNICIAN - UEFA Direct - December 2017 THE TECHNICIAN

“On Sunday, your How do you reconcile your decided by a momentary decision. You encourage or to criticise. A great coach in a balanced manner. This comes with interventions can be philosophy and the long-term need thorough preparation. He also said is a coach who has doubts without letting experience. Knowledge has less to do intuitive, but everything education of players with the something else which, applied to football, anyone else know about them. A great with it than experience. you do during the week, need to produce results? translates to the fact that the team that is coach is not one who is certain about Of course, without results, any philosophy better prepared will win. The team that things; he’s the one who is not sure, How have you maintained the the way you prepare, is dead. As a coach, you need to develop wants to win. The team prepared to make but never lets it show. He needs to inspire stamina to coach for so many plays a decisive role in a playing system that depends on the bigger sacrifices. The team with the best confidence, and he needs to have a years without a break? how the game plays out.” qualities of the players you have, along substitutes. That is the team that will win. positive attitude and great optimism. Coaches’ lives are not relaxed. We live at with a series of other factors. My concept But all this depends on the coach. The Of course, it all depends on what the 100% intensity. Over almost 50 years at is based on the way the team is distributed coach should influence all these things. coach builds up in training, during match the highest level, without a sabbatical, over the playing area, the techniques of 2,500 years ago, people had the same way analysis and so on. This is what gives without a break, I have learned to progression throughout the game, the of thinking. We don’t change. Only the players confidence. A recipe for what you compensate for the stress of the profession At Shakhtar, we had players from manner of disarming the opposition and, level of civilisation changed; we are more should do during a crisis doesn’t exist. You by loving things outside the game. I have places in Brazil where school was only as a fourth aspect, the game system. civilised now. should have already built a certain always tried to strike a balance, because almost non-existent. They knew the If all this is well organised and well relationship with the players and otherwise you lose your mind. At the end bare minimum. They signed contracts controlled, the result should be positive. Earlier on, you mentioned that management even before such a crisis of a season, the players’ physical fatigue and started getting paid. They bought There is no way it will not succeed in a coach has to be a balanced occurs, which would allow you to get past passes after three or four days. They go on diamonds, watches, cars. I slowly started the long run. But coaches need time. person. Is that an easy thing their emotions. Football is a game of holiday to the seaside, in the mountains. to educate them, discussing things with It is precious. But it is difficult to obtain. to achieve? emotions, with a great emotional impact Coaches need a lot more time to rest than honesty. This is linked to discipline. I never One of the other essential qualities of When everyone is celebrating, the coach on everyone involved. Everybody has an anyone else. Because every day, every force discipline on the players. I prefer it a successful coach is the ability to read the should be the first to think about the next opinion; everybody thinks they know week, at every moment you have to bring Getty Images to come naturally. I always explain to game and make decisions that will lead step. When everyone is sad and with their football and understand it. The coach something fresh, something that catches each player that his freedom stops where the team to victory. In many cases this guard down, the coach is the one who needs to keep an open mind and a clear attention and doesn’t become routine. somebody else’s freedom begins and that is intuition. But the philosopher Henri should motivate the players to start head. The coach must never make the Something that helps the people around the players visit museums. I had Brazilian what he does has an influence on others. Bergson said that intuition is the instinct working again. Your experience is your mistake of overestimating a win or you produce great performances. That players who would try to run out With proper education, these people will of intelligence. So if you are intuitive, it’s best help with this – the need to find underestimating a loss. They are two sides is why I recommend you don’t let your immediately through another door. be grateful to you for their entire lives. because you have accumulated knowledge the right moment to say something, to of the same coin. Both should be treated profession take over your life. I always found ways of bringing them Young players arrive with a certain that allows you to make a decision. I have back in. I had this power to convince them. temperament and we have the job of won many games with an intuitive tactical In Hunedoara, I used to take the players moulding them into great people with move. But I have also had moments when Mircea Lucescu shares his wealth of to evening courses and waited for them good characters. Once they grow, you I have sent on a player and lost the game. experience with would-be coaches at outside to make sure they didn’t escape. need to transform them into personalities, On Sunday, your interventions can be a UEFA Pro licence student exchange Why? Because I realised how important into role models. From these personalities, intuitive, but everything you do during course on 2 November. intelligence is: how important it is for leaders are born. Leaders are not the week, the way you prepare, plays a players to be able to listen and understand. necessarily people with great attributes; decisive role in how the game plays out. In football, being able to listen is as they are people with great achievements. I remember reading The Art of War by Sun important as patience, as important as They are people who can pull others Tzu, the Chinese general from 2,500 years confidence, as important as respect. behind them and push them towards ago. He said, if you know yourself and The players should learn this responsibility, success. They need to be passionate, your opponent, there’s an 80 to 90% this professionalism, from their coaches. they need to push others to go further. chance you’ll win. If you know yourself, but you don’t know your opponent, you’re halfway there. You can either win or lose. “When everyone is celebrating, the coach should But if you don’t know your opponent’s be the first to think about the next step.” potential, you will lose. So games are not Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images UEFA

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TAKE-HOME MESSAGES FROM THE NETHERLANDS

With the dust beginning to settle on UEFA Women’s EURO 2017 and the Netherlands’ ending of the 22-year German monopoly that was nestling safely in the record books, national team coaches and women’s football specialists from all of UEFA’s member associations were invited to a conference in Amsterdam in November, where the brief was to pinpoint the take-home messages transmitted by the final tournament in the Netherlands and translate them into useful pointers for the coaches working at all levels of the fast-growing women’s game.

n Amsterdam, the views expressed of goals was down to effective defending Jarmo Matikainen pointed out, displaying by UEFA’s technical observers or ineffective attacking. Or both. In “greater ability to recover quickly Hesterine de Reus, Patricia González, presenting the ‘case for the defence’, after losing possession” and to execute Jarmo Matikainen and Anne Noë Jarmo Matikainen expressed the view “immediate pressing to regain possession (also recorded in the tournament that for teams [at Women’s EURO 2017] whenever possible”. Defensive efficacy Ireview published in print and online) “all attributes related to defending had was further underlined by the fact that provided a valuable glance in the rear-view continued to improve” and that “once in 23 of the 26 games which produced mirror during the steady onward drive that defensive shape, teams were very difficult victories were won by the team scoring is sweeping through the women’s game. to break down”. Austria evidently provided first. Even though the opening goal hit “To be successful in the future, we a reference point, Dominik Thalhammer’s the net during the opening half-hour need greater variety and flexibility in team implementing rapid transitions to in half of those matches – giving the our attacking options” (Martin Sjögren). defensive mode with one of the screening opposition time to find a response – “The teams in possession didn’t seem midfielders – Sara Puntigam – quickly teams were equipped to successfully to find solutions against deep defensive slotting into the space between centre- preserve (or extend) their advantage. blocks. Options in the final third were back and left-back to complete a back Hence the doubts expressed by not good enough” (Freyr Alexandersson). line of five. coaches and observers alike about whether “All teams can defend well in the box, so attacking finesse had been able to we need to find solutions. Different kinds Building from the back keep pace with advances in the art of crosses, running pathways into the box, Defensive density was further illustrated of defending. As Spain coach Jorge overloads with more overlapping players” by the fact that, even though the number Vilda commented: “When you have an (Pia Sundhage). These comments by the of goal attempts increased by 18.5% in opponent who shuts it down at the back coaches of Norway, Iceland and Sweden relation to EURO 2013, the conversion and is able to sustain pace and power over encapsulate one of the major talking rate dropped and 24% of attempts the 90 minutes, you have to cope with lack points to emerge from a final tournament were blocked by defenders. The arts of space in the final third. It’s difficult, but which, on the road to the final, posted a of defending also interlocked, with I’m convinced we can find solutions.” miserly all-time low of 2.07 goals per noticeable improvements in athletic This was one of the themes picked up by match. Even though the thrilling six-goal preparation. As Jarmo Matikainen Patricia González when she took the stage grand finale in Enschede lifted the overall commented: “All teams had invested in to discuss attacking play. Spain, along with average to 2.19, the prevalence of defence physical preparation and were able to Germany and France, were alone among over attack was a salient feature of the produce high-quality defensive work the 16 contestants to have more than 50% first 16-team event, where Austria – one of during the game and throughout an of possession in each game. All three were five debutants – laid the foundations for a intensive tournament.” A glut of late eliminated in the quarter-finals. Overall, historic run to the semi-finals by conceding goals is traditionally linked to fatigue eight of the tournament’s 26 victories one goal in 510 minutes of football. The factors – and this trend was notable by were for the team with the lesser share of goal tally at EURO 2017 was 28% lower its absence in the Netherlands. possession. The same three teams topped than the average registered at the 2015 Tournament data reveal that 55% of the the table in terms of the number of passes Women’s World Cup. goals were scored before the half-time per game and per phase of possession Although statistics do not lie, they are interval. (Spain 3.6, Germany 3.5, France 2.7) Vivianne Miedema fends off often quite good at concealing the truth. Investment in fitness levels also made an compared with, for example, England’s 1.7 Stine Larsen in the final between the Netherlands and Denmark (4-2).

So debate focused on whether the scarcity impact on game strategies, with teams, as or Austria’s 1.2. “I felt that the Getty Images

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As in the match between Austria and Switzerland (1-0), strikers often came up viable solution was to go round them. barely under way. The question for A spotlight on goalkeeping against tight defences. However, statistics related to supply from coaches is whether, with a success rate of Maybe the hottest potato was handed to the wide areas generated more questionss 1:76 (1:29 at Women’s EURO 2013), it is former Belgium keeper – and national than answers. In numerical terms, the worth investing training ground time in team coach – Anne Noé, asked to analyse moments when we opted to clear the ball possession teams – Spain, Germany and rehearsing set plays. Nils Nielsen was goalkeeping performances. In Amsterdam, out instead of passing to our transition France – delivered the most crosses, with among those who acknowledged the she followed up comments in the player.” Spain registering the highest success rate need to work on the defensive side. “If tournament review that: “In an honest On stage in Amsterdam, Hesterine de (59%) based on whether the delivery you were to lose a game because of poor review of Women’s EURO 2017, Reus’s review of player development issues found a team-mate or not. On the other defending at a corner, you would feel goalkeeping is a nettle that has to be broached the subject of players ready, hand, the Netherlands, very much a really bad.” Martina Voss-Tecklenburg grasped. But for goalkeepers’ errors, the willing and able to engage in one-on-ones mid-table team in terms of quantity and also conceded: “You have very little room goal tally would have fallen even further in the final third: “Could it be that coaches success rate, owed four of their nine for creativity at corners in attack. The below its record low. A compilation of are underestimating the value of one-on- open-play goals to supply from the wide options are limited and working on set important – many of them match- one abilities, not basing game plans on areas, largely because they were able to plays in training is not a lot of fun. changing – errors might give goalkeeper

Sportsfile them, not encouraging players to use them penetrate into the areas behind full-backs Free-kicks offer you more scope and, coaches sleepless nights. Crosses – or even discouraging players from using (notably by playing into space on the right in general, set plays can be useful if you misjudged or mishandled, shots palmed them?” “What I missed,” added Patricia to exploit the pace of Shanice van de have a specialist in delivering them.” into the net, questionable positioning of possession teams didn’t have enough Playing direct pays dividends González, “was greater bravery in going Sanden) and deliver crosses that Scotland coach Anna Signeul (now with keeper and wall at set plays, passes directly changes of pace in their attacking game,” The viability of the direct approach was one-on-one in the final third. Players like goalkeepers and back-tracking defenders Finland) agreed: “The quality of delivery to the opposition striker. On the other commented Denmark coach Nils Nielsen, underlined by the fact that 24% of the Nadia Nadim, Lieke Martens and Pernille found awkward to deal with. is everything. That’s why we enlisted the hand, the tournament was painted in “whereas teams like England were able to tournament’s open-play goals could be Harder stood out because they were By and large, they found set plays easier help of a specialist to work on kicking chiaroscuro – the errors were mixed with do a lot of damage with direct fast- attributed to fast counterattacks executed willing to create disbalance by taking on to deal with. Although dead-ball situations techniques.” Dominik Thalhammer, on a large number of outstanding saves.” forward attacking.” The three ‘possession before the opponent’s defensive block opponents.” Jarmo Matikainen added: accounted for almost one-third of the the other hand, felt that: “Set plays are an Anne Noé reviewed the contrasting teams’ scored 10 goals in the 12 matches had time to assemble. The Netherlands “We saw excellent one-on-one defending tournament’s goals, 37% were penalties. important part of the game and, during facets of a tournament which illustrated, they played – 7 of which were from capitalised on coaching-manual counters – but not so much at the other end. There The major talking point, however, was the the run-up to EURO, we focused on them as she put it, the route from hero to zero dead-ball situations. In other words, their to score crucial goals, while Austria was a tendency to be very disciplined in total of four goals from 303 corner kicks quite a lot. Not just corners, I have to – and vice versa. The 31 matches produced 1,100 minutes of football yielded only implemented a clear counterattacking applying game plans, and maybe not – two of them on the opening matchday – emphasise. We also scored a goal from 23 clean sheets, athletic qualities had three open-play goals. Efficient finishing strategy. As the tournament review enough room for improvisation.” while the scouting of opponents was a long throw …” undoubtedly improved, long-range shots was evidently a factor in the equation. indicates: “The preference was to play The coaches on stage were quick to Whereas England needed only 5.18 as directly as possible into the final endorse the importance of audacity in attempts to score a goal and the third, exploiting Nina Burger’s intelligent the final third. “I support this absolutely,” WOMEN’S EURO 2017 IN NUMBERS Netherlands 5.77, Germany required 17.6, off-the-ball running and composure on Nils Nielsen commented. “You don’t win France 21.67 and Spain 36.5. the ball. Second-ball support was provided by being careful, so the key is to go 100%. at sprint speed, with Laura Feiersinger This was our approach in the final. It was breaking out fast on the right to play certainly more interesting than if we a key transition role in an effective had parked the bus in front of our goal. defence-to-attack strategy.” In We would probably have lost anyway …” Amsterdam, Nils Nielsen, during the Switzerland coach Martina Voss- Average of

coaches’ forum session, took the Tecklenburg added: “I always ask my 24% 23 microphone to express the opinion that players to try their one-on-one skills. It’s 2.19 of open-play goals clean sheets goals attributed to in a total of Feiersinger was his prototype of the player important that they feel brave enough. per match counterattacks 31 matches of the future: “unpredictable,” he said, So it’s something that, as coaches, we “but everything she did made a should encourage even more.” contribution to the team’s collective Although it was fair to argue that play”. His opinion provokes reflections defensive qualities had the edge at on potential dividends from the Women’s EURO 2017, goals were scored development of ‘transition players’. – and, as Patricia González pointed out, Getty Images As Iceland’s Freyr Alexandersson wing play generated almost one third of admitted: “We did not use our the tournament’s open-play goals. Teams transition moments as well as were aware that, with defensive blocks we could have. There were difficult to penetrate centrally, the most

“Players like Nadia Nadim [left], Lieke Martens and Pernille Harder stood out because they were willing to create disbalance by taking on opponents.”

Patricia González

UEFA technical observer Getty Images

63 THE TECHNICIAN - UEFA Direct - January/February 2018 THE TECHNICIAN

(historically a fertile source of goals in Martina Voss-Tecklenburg spoke for a great your head is not in the game, it is very Focus on the future women’s football) were so competently The conference in Amsterdam on 6 November many of her coaching colleagues when she difficult to be successful.” Anna Signeul All of this prompted Richard Barnwell, brought together UEFA technical observers dealt with that only two reached the net, and national team coaches. said: “The biggest challenge during that explained how mental preparation coach of the Estonia women’s Under-19 and mental preparation allowed keepers transitional phase is making the jump in had been fundamental in allowing her team, to enquire about the fundamentals to rebound strongly after errors. But, as terms of athletic ability, reaction time and players to bounce back after defeats at youth development levels. “To make she pointed out, keepers often opted to levels of match intensity.” by England and Portugal. Dominik players feel comfortable on the ball, to parry or punch instead of catching the On the athletic front, a majority of Thalhammer underlined the important stress the importance of enjoying the ball even when unchallenged – and this the coaches who travelled to Women’s role played by the mental coach who game, to be prepared not to win every frequently prolonged the opposition’s EURO 2017 acknowledged that they had has been working with the Austria match, and to set reasonable targets,” attack by keeping the ball in play and worked hard on bringing fitness levels team since 2011 and who has been said Nils Nielsen. “If you don’t have a creating scenes of chaos in the box. up to international standards from the fully integrated into the coaching large pool of players,” added Martina Handling and decision-making apart, more modest parameters of domestic team. And as Spain coach Jorge Vilda Voss-Tecklenburg, “the coach has to her review of the take-away messages competitions. At the same time, they remarked: “The growth in the popularity design a playing strategy according to for goalkeeper development also included admitted that indices of serious injury of women’s football is bringing it closer the strengths of the individual players.” the fact that 34% of the tournament’s at youth development levels were to the men’s game. But the men are “To have a vision and a dream at the goals had been scored from the zone triggering alarms. As Germany coach well ahead of us in dealing with the national association and to go for them,” between the penalty spot and the edge Steffi Jones commented: “As coaches, pressures. We need to educate our said Dominik Thalhammer, “and, when of the goal area, and 29% from inside we need to achieve the right balance – players to cope with the media work, you lose, not to look at the result but at the latter. The inference is that goalkeeper we need to consider the welfare of the the sponsor work … all the trappings the process and ask whether you have coaches should not be over-reluctant to players and not just have our own that go with top-level sport.” achieved the targets you had set.” “To pepper keepers from close range on the results uppermost in our minds.” Links with the men’s game provided devise a long-term development plan,” training ground. another talking point in Amsterdam, Anna Signeul chipped in, “including all The overall impression, however, was Being in the right state of mind where Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, competition structures. And share your that, whereas goalkeeping standards had Sportsfile The coaches unanimously underlined the for example, underlined the value of vision with the clubs.” been one of the outstanding features in value of preparing players mentally for a holistic approach to football in general, In Amsterdam, it was easy to open 2013, Women’s EURO 2017 had left a life at the top. Nils Nielsen, for example, rather than treating women’s football the floor to questions. In print, that more enigmatic legacy. “Have goalkeepers “The growth in the popularity of women’s football is explained how his players had been as a separate entity. “In Switzerland,” facility ceases to exist. If readers could not made the same progress as outfield bringing it closer to the men’s game. But the men are nervous prior to Denmark’s opening game she told her colleagues, “we focus on ask questions, the first might easily be players?” Noé asked. “Or was it just a bad well ahead of us in dealing with the pressures. We need against Belgium and felt more at ease cooperation and input from everybody how it is possible to write so much without month at the office?” The second option to educate our players to cope with all the trappings when wearing the underdog label: “We – including club coaches.” Dominik mentioning Sarina Wiegman. She earned was supported, as it happened, by events knew the tournament was going to be Thalhammer spoke of regular meetings a standing ovation from her colleagues at the European Women’s Under-19 that go with top-level sport.” tough and it was important to make it with the coaches of the men’s team and with a frank, open-book exposé of all the Championship final tournament which Jorge Vilda clear that, if something went wrong, we the useful tips they had given him during meticulous planning and attention to detail kicked off less than 48 hours after the Spain’s women’s national team coach were not going to lie down and cry. If the run-up to the final tournament. which had underpinned the Netherlands’ Dutch had lifted the trophy in Enschede. run to the title – after which UEFA’s Performances in Northern Ireland managing director of technical prompted the UEFA technical observers to development, Ioan Lupescu, and Anne include three keepers in the tournament’s Rei, chairwomen of the UEFA Women’s all-star squad. England coach ‘Mo’ Football Committee, stepped on stage Marley said she had “two outstanding to present a commemorative plaque to goalkeepers” in her squad and, even the champion coach. Wiegman gave an though results went against their teams, extensive interview in issue No 172, but it the goalkeepers of Scotland and Northern is only fair to give her the last word here: Ireland were applauded for impressive “The starting point was a dream. Then performances. Anja Palusevic, one of the hard work on tasks and responsibilities observers, commented: “We are seeing among the players and the team results from good-quality coaching and behind the team. Then we focused it augurs well for the future.” on commitment and togetherness. The adjacency of the two tournaments We examined every possible scenario provided a link with two issues of concern on and off the pitch to prevent unknown to the coaches in Amsterdam: how best situations. And we pursued our goal of to bridge the gap between Under-19 getting into the hearts of Dutch society.” and senior levels, and how best to The Netherlands also set benchmarks for prepare players mentally for the jump the other national associations aspiring to into pressure-laden atmospheres at major develop champions of the future. tournaments played to huge audiences. The responses by national associations to the challenge of steering players from The Austrians were the surprise of Women’s EURO youth development levels on to the senior 2017, making it through to the semi-finals in their

stage are too diverse to be listed. But Getty Images first-ever final tournament.

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