IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
ATTACKINGAIMS
Roberto Di Matteo
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
Popular Italian Roberto Di Matteo enjoyed a hugely successful career as a player, turning out for Lazio and Chelsea amongst others. He remains the scorer of the fastest ever goal in a Wembley final when he found the net for the London club against Middlesbrough in 1997 after just 43 seconds.
Roberto was forced into early retirement at the age of 31 through injury, but despite boasting a degree and an MBA in business studies, he remained in football, enjoying his first break in management when being appointed the new boss of MK Dons in July 2008.
He led the club into the League One play-offs and, a year later, accepted the chance to become the new manager of West Bromwich Albion.
Promotion to the Barclays Premier League was secured at the first attempt, and this season the Baggies have achieved some notable scalps, including victory at Arsenal, a result which helped the former Italy international scoop the Premier League Manager of the Month award for September.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?
Awareness is everything in this session. Any player receiving the ball needs to check over his shoulder to be aware of all opportunities. Players must show good technique given the tight environment, as well as quality passing ability, particularly when the switch is made.
Tactically, this session is all about offering balance when the team attacks, ensuring that there is a good flow of forward movement while, in the progression, strong defensive cover is also factored in.
How doI progress the session?
We progress the session by adding a goal and goalkeeper at each end. Now, when four passes have been completed and the switch made, the target player has two touches to deliver a ball into the middle which is attacked. But, when a team breaks forward into the other half they must leave defensive players back to protect against the opposition turning over possession, because four quick passes can trigger a counter- attacking pass to the their target man.
Progress this further by restricting play to three- or two-touch.
1 KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
In the progression, with goals added, the ball again reaches the target player
2 KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
He is allowed two touches before playing in an assist for his strikers
3 KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
Red players hold back in the instance of the blue team winning position and switching at pace
www.elitesoccercoaching.net Elite Soccer: The Collectors’ Series Volume 1 09
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