www.elitesoccercoaching.

net JULY 2017

SOCCER
Exclusive
Training
practices from
top professional
managers

NORTHERN IRELAND

MICHAEL
O’NEILL
COUNTER-ATTACKING FROM DEEP
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

BRENTFORD LMA AMBASSADOR WEST HAM UNITED WATFORD LADIES LMA AMBASSADOR

DEAN SMITH ALAN IRVINE MARK KEITH ROBERTO

& RICHARD Improving PHILLIPS BOANAS DI MATTEO
O’KELLY defensive Directional Reacting to the Attacking
Counter-pressing compactness passing counter-attack aims

EXTRA-TIME INTERVIEW WITH ENGLAND WOMEN’S MARK SAMPSON

 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Elite Soccer ispublishedby

ISSUE 84/JULY2017: FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Green Star Media Ltd

To training sessions
Top 4
Meadow View,
Tannery Lane fr
from the best soccer MICHAEL
Guildford, Surrey,
GU5 0AB, UK coaches in the business O’NEILL NORTHERNIRELAND
Tel: +44 (0) 1483 892 894
Fax: +44 (0) 1483 894 148
Counter-
Email: Dear Coach, attacking
elitesoccer@
greenstarmedia.net Welcome to the July issue of Elite Soccer. With pre-season training
from deep
kicking off in earnest in the European leagues this month, it’s a time
Editor: to be thinking about fresh ideas for revitalising the basic skills and
Chris Hunt
Contributing Editor:
Mark Farthing
core competencies of your players. That’s where Elite Soccer comes
in. And thanks to the LMA’s network of top coaching minds, we’re able
7
Consultant Coach: to help you learn from the best in the business. DEANSMITH
David Clarke (Editor, &RICHARD
Soccer Coach Weekly) We begin this month’s issue with a session on counter-attacking
Illustrator:
O’KELLY
from deep, written for us by Michael O’Neill, the manager who led BRENTFORD
Richard Palmer
Design:
Northern Ireland to the knockout rounds of Euro 2016 last year. Counter-
AT Graphics
Customer Services:
From the Sky Bet Championship, Brentford manager Dean Smith and pressing
Duncan Heard
his assistant Richard O’Kelly have penned a training ground practice
Email Marketing Manager:
Barry Carter
that will teach players to react positively in the attacking half of the
pitch through aggressive counter-pressing and good organisation.
10
Managing Director: ALANIRVINE
Andrew Griffiths Former West Brom and Preston manager, Alan Irvine, spent the last LMAAMBASSADOR
Photos: Action Images few months of last season as caretaker manager of Norwich City. He Improving
has years of experience in the game and has shared a session on how
to improve defensive compactness.
defensive
Publishedinpartnershipwith: compactness
Mark Phillips, assistant manager of West Ham United’s U18s, has
written a session on directional passing, which is aimed at breaking

League Managers
down teams who like to frustrate attacks by parking the bus, whereas
Watford Ladies manager Keith Boanas has aimed his practice at
13
Association MARK
St George’s Park helping players to cope with the specific counter-attacking tactic PHILLIPS
National Football Centre, employed by teams who recycle possession either through a central WESTHAMUNITED
Newborough Road,
Needwood, defender or the goalkeeper by playing the ball quickly out wide. Directional
Burton upon Trent,
DE13 9PD
Finally,fromtheEliteSoccerarchivesweofferasessiononimprovingand passing
Tel: +44 (0)1283 576350 developingattackingbalancewhengoingforward,writtenforusbyRoberto
Email:lma@lmasecure.com DiMatteo,theChampionsLeaguewinningformerChelseamanager.
Chairman:
Howard Wilkinson
I hope you enjoy the coaching sessions we have selected for this 16
Chief Executive: issue of Elite Soccer, and we’ll be back again next month with more KEITHBOANAS
WATFORDLADIES
Richard Bevan inspirational training ground blueprints.
Reacting to
This publication is protected
by national and international the counter
copyright laws. Elite Soccer
will take legal action -attack
against any individuals or
organisations found to be
infringing our rights, and
HowardWilkinson,LMAChairman
will make that action public.
Elite Soccer members who 19
have purchased this report Elite Soccer is a monthly publication ROBERTO
may circulate electronic or DIMATTEO
hard copies to members of
their own club or school,
for professional, semi-professional LMAAMBASSADOR
provided this is done without
commercial gain. However,
and aspiring soccer coaches and is Attacking
no part or whole of this report
available by subscription only. aims
may be circulated elsewhere
or displayed on any website
or distributed commercially To subscribe email
except under licence from the
copyright owners. duncanh@greenstarmedia.net 21 EXTRA-TIMEINTERVIEW
© Green Star Media Ltd. All
with England Women’s
rights reserved
or call on +44 (0) 1483 892 894 Mark Sampson

2 JULY 2017 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

ELITE SOCCER JULY 2017

MANAGERPROFILES
Here are the six managers and coaches we’re delighted to welcome into this issue of Elite Soccer

DEANSMITH&
MICHAELO’NEILL
NORTHERN IRELAND
RICHARDO’KELLY
BRENTFORD
Before becoming a highly respected ManagerofBrentford,Dean
international coach with Northern Ireland, Smithstartedhiscareerin
Michael O’Neill enjoyed a long career as a 2005asyouthcoachatformer
player. He made his debut for Coleraine in clubLeytonOrient,where
the Irish League at the age of 15 and went hewasswiftlypromotedto
on to play for a number of clubs in England, assistantmanager.In2009,
Scotland, Northern Ireland and the United hereturnedtoanotherformer
States, including Newcastle United, Coventry club,Walsall,asheadofyouth,
City, Dundee United, Hibernian, Wigan Athletic, andafterastintascaretaker
Glentoran and Portland Timbers. Capped managerin2011,hewasgiven
31 times at international level by Northern thejobonapermanentbasis.
Ireland, he scored four goals for his country. Hesavedtheclubfromrelegation
Bringing his playing career to an end in 2004, thatseasonandwentontolead
O’Neill spent some time working out of the theSaddlerstotheirfirstever
game before he took his first coaching job as Wembleyappearancein2015for
Mixu Paatelainen’s assistant at Cowdenbeath, thefinaloftheFootballLeague
in the Scottish Third Division. Remaining Trophy.HejoinedBrentfordas
in Scotland, in April 2006 he was appointed managerinNovember2015.
manager of Brechin City, where he won the Smith’sassistant,Richard
Second Division Manager of the Month award O’Kelly,wasformerlynumber
in both December 2007 and October 2008. twoatbothBournemouth
Moving back to Ireland to manage Shamrock andDoncasterRovers,before
Rovers at the end of 2008, in his first season in managingLeagueTwoside
charge he resurrected the fortunes of Dublin’s Hereford.Thepairpreviously
best-known club and led the Hoops to a second workedtogetheratWalsall.
place finish in the League of Ireland. The
following campaign he went one better, helping ALANIRVINE
Rovers to its first league title in 16 years. In 2011 LMAAMBASSADOR
he also picked up the Setanta Sports Cup. Ahighlyrespectedcoach,Alan
O’Neill went on to make history at Shamrock Irvinefirstmadehismarkas
Rovers by becoming the first manager of a academydirectoratBlackburn
League of Ireland team to reach the group RoversandthenNewcastleUnited
stages of a European competition after the beforeenjoyingaspellasassistant
Hoops beat Partizan Belgrade in the play-off toDavidMoyesatEverton.
round of the 2011-12 UEFA Europa League. AppointedmanagerofPreston
O’Neill was appointed manager of Northern NorthEndinNovember2007,
Ireland in December 2011 and after a slow heledtheclubintotheplay-offs
start, he gradually transformed his squad into inhisfirstfullseason.Aftera
a winning team. Most notably he guided the spellinchargeofChampionship
Northern Irish to the finals of Euro 2016, the sideSheffieldWednesday,
country’s first major tournament appearance hereturnedtoEvertonas
since the 1986 World Cup, when the legendary academydirectorin2011.
Billy Bingham was in charge. To recognise the IrvinemanagedinthePremier
achievement, he was given the BBC Sports LeaguewithWestBrominthe
Personality of the Year Coach Award. 2014-15season.Healsospentthe
At the finals of Euro 2016, O’Neill masterminded finalmonthsofthelastcampaign
ascaretakermanagerofNorwich
a surprise victory over Ukraine that helped the
City,steppingupfromhisroleas
team to the knockout rounds of the tournament.
theclub’sassistantmanager.
MARKPHILLIPS
WESTHAMUNITED
Currentlyassistantmanagerof
WestHam’sU18s,innearly10
yearsattheclubMarkhasworked
hiswaythroughtheagegroups.
Startingouthiscareerasa
semi-professionalfootballer,
hewasinhisearly20swhenhe
wasencouragedbyhisfather
totakeaninterestincoaching.
PriortojoiningWestHamin
2007,heworkedbothwiththe
PremierLeagueandatArsenal,
wherehecoachedtheU10s.
KEITHBOANAS
WATFORDLADIES
AppointedmanagerofWatford
LadiesinFebruary2017,
KeithBoanasisaninfluential
coachinthewomen’sgame.
FormerlymanagerofCharlton
Ladies,heledtheAddicksto
threeFAWomen’sCupfinals
andliftedthe2005trophy.
Afterspellsasassistantdirector
oftheDavidBeckhamAcademy
andasmanagerofMillwall
Lionesses,inJanuary2009hewas
appointedasmanagerofEstonia
women’snationalfootballteam.
ROBERTODI
MATTEO
LMAAMBASSADOR
DiMatteobeganhismanagerial
careerwithMKDons,whohe
ledtotheLeagueOneplay-offs
inhisfirstseason.Hethen
tookWestBrom backtothe
PremierLeaguein2010,before
returningtoformerclubChelsea
asassistantmanagerin2011.
Ascaretakermanagerofthe
BlueshewonboththeFACup
andtheChampionsLeaguein
2012.Thissuccessearnedhim
theChelseajobonapermanent
basis.Hesubsequently
hadspellsasmanagerof
Schalke04andAstonVilla.

3 JULY 2017 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

NORTHERN IRELAND Overview system and style of play.

Michael O’Neill This is both a defensive In the lead up to one of our
international fixtures we would
Counter-attacking shape session and a counter-
attacking session. Away typically have four or five days
fromdeep from home in international of preparation, so we would
football we always have a tend to do this session twice
SET-UP in that preparation period.
AREA deeper defensive position as
Three quarters of a pitch a team and, therefore, to have
EQUIPMENT attacking threat, we use this What do I get the players to do?
Balls, bibs, cones, 3 full size goals session for both purposes. Main session
NUMBER OF PLAYERS
The session is a good Set up on half a pitch plus ten
18 players + up to 3 goalkeepers
SESSION TIME
alternative to an 11v11. The yards, with a 20x20-yard zone
KEY
Total: 62mins overload creates situations marked out around the centre Ball
Main session: 20mins you are liable to face in a game circle, and with the wings movement
Player
Progression: 24mins and you can tailor the session coned off diagonally on each movement
Counter-attacking game: 18mins Dribble
to mirror the opposition’s side, tapering from the halfway

1
Supporting players make
On the coach’s call, fast penetrative runs to open
the team in possession up opportunities to score
counter-attacks the two red
defenders, starting with a
pass to their forward

The coach feeds

a ball into the 3v3
zone, where it is
passed between
the two teams
under no pressure

Progress by adding
recovering full backs in
the marked wide areas
using the waiting subs The objective is to use
the wide players to help
attack the goal

Main Session: the blues or the yellows attack, depending on who has
possession when the coach signals the start of the counter. The reds defend.

line, as shown [1]. Create
two teams of six, each
with three players in the
centre zone, a supporting
wide player to each
side of the centre zone
and a forward to attack
the goal. Additionally,
create a third team made
up of two defenders
and a goalkeeper to
protect the goal.
Play starts with the coach
feeding a ball into the
centre zone where it is
passed around in a 3v3
between the two teams
under no pressure. On
the coach’s call, the team
in possession at the time
counter-attacks against
the two red defenders.
The pass out of the centre
zone must be linked with
the striker to initiate the
attack and the objective
is to use one of the
supporting wide players
en route to scoring.
The main purpose of the
drill is to get your wide
players and midfielders
to recognise counter-
attacking opportunities
and to react quickly, with
fast penetrative runs,
good decisions on the ball
and a quick resolution
with an attempt on goal.
You can progress the
session by adding
recovering full backs
starting in the marked
wide areas using the

4 JULY 2017 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

MICHAEL O’NEILL: COUNTER-ATTACKING FROM DEEP

KEY
Ball
movement
2 Player
movement
Dribble

The blues must try to win the

ball and counter-attack

Having two
goals to defend
makes it more
difficult for the
yellows

The bluees cann sccore in either

goal or by hitting
g loong passes into
the keeperr’s
s haands s to encourage
higher preessing fro om the yellows

Se
et up the yellows
as you
u expect your
opponnents to play.
Here they are 4-3-3

Progression: this is a 10v8 plus keepers. The 10

yellows attack the single goal at one end and the
eight blues counter-attack the twin goals at the other.

“We did this drill in our preparation for Euro 2016. We had to defend deep a
lot, so it was realistic to our play, launching counter-attacks from deep”
substitute players. Or
you could adapt the
session by turning the
passing square into
a possession square,
where the counter-
attack is triggered after
four passes by the team
in possession. In this
adaptation the team
out of possession can
also serve as recovering
defenders in wide areas,
with one as a recovering
central midfielder.
Play for 20 minutes with
coaching intervals and
good recovery. Ensure
play is at a high intensity
when attacking.
How do I progress
the session?
Progression
Set up on three quarters of
the pitch with a full sized
goal and a goalkeeper
at one end and two full
sized goals with keepers
at the other, as shown
[2]. If you don’t have three
goalkeepers, use two
small, unattended goals
at one end instead of the
two full sized goals.
Play 10v8 in the main
area. Set up the yellow
attacking team in the
shape of your expected
opposition (here we’ve
set them up in a 4-3-3)
and they attack the single
goal. The eight blues must
try to win the ball and
counter-attack the two
goals at the other end.
They can be rewarded
by scoring or by getting
the ball into the hands
of a goalkeeper with
a longer pass, which
will encourage higher
pressing from the yellows,
of the kind you may expect
from the opposition.
If your intended
opponents play through
the middle of the pitch
a lot, an area can be
marked to mimic this in
the drill – and instruct
the blues to aggressively
press this area.
We did this drill often
in our preparation for
Euro 2016. We had to
defend deep a lot in the
tournament, so it was
realistic to how we would
have to play, launching
counter-attacks from
deeper areas. We rotated
teams and players in
preparation, so everyone
had a good exposure to
how we intended to play in
the tournament games.
Play for 18-24 minutes
in six-minute intervals.

5 JULY 2017 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

MICHAEL O’NEILL: COUNTER-ATTACKING FROM DEEP

KEY
Ball
movement
3 Player
movement
Dribble
Encourage counter-attacks
The red flooaters play for using the floating wide players.
the team in possesssion, so Heree a quick co
ounter sees the
when teams s win the
e ball and floater score for the yellows
counter, the
ey go fro
om being
outnumbere ed to havving a two-
man overloaad

The defending team

mus st make a quickk
tran
nsition to attack on
gain
ning possession

Counter-Attacking Game: play an 8v8 game plus keepers, with

two floating players who must play in wide areas of the pitch.

How would I put this into

a game situation?
Counter-attacking game
Set up on three quarters
of a pitch, with a goal and
a goalkeeper at each end,
and with the wings coned off
on each side, as shown [3].
Play an 8v8 game with two
floating players (the reds)
who must play in wide areas
of the pitch. The floaters play
for the team in possession,
so when teams win the ball
and counter-attack, they go
from being two men down
to having a 10v8 advantage.
The objective is to find
the floating players on
turnover of possession.
Look for quick transitions,
good decisions and quick
outcomes – play at high
intensity with minimal
coaching. It is important
to rotate the floating wide
players, as they generally do
most running in wide areas.
Play for 18 minutes in
six-minute intervals.
What are the typical
mistakes that players
might make, and how
do I avoid them?
In the main session, typical
mistakes include players
making a poor choice of pass
or making too may passes
to conclude an attack.
In the progression, players
have to deal with an overload
so they must be disciplined
in their shape and press
at the right times, not over
long distances. It’s key
for them to find a pass or
solution to overcome the
attacking team’s press when
“The counter-
possession is turned over. attacking
The final part, the counter-
attacking game, is designed game is
for quick transitions and designed
quick attempts on goal, so in
this phase of the session it is for quick
key not to overplay due to the
numerical advantage teams
transitions
have when in possession. and quick
What are the key things
attempts on
to look out for? goal, so it is
The keys thing is to see that
the players are fully aware
key not to
of their opportunities to over play”
counter-attack, making
forward runs at pace
particularly in wider areas.
They should show they are
capable of making good
decisions on the ball.

6 JULY 2017 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

BRENTFORD Overview freedom to swap positions if

Dean Smith & The object of this session is to needed. By making rule changes
the coach can emphasise
Richard O’Kelly react positively in the attacking
different aspects of what is
half through aggressive
Counter-pressing counter-pressing and good required in various scenarios
organisation. Inevitably during – for instance, with a team that Team A
SET-UP
AREA a game possession is lost and sits in and defends deep, or a
Up to two thirds of full pitch this encourages players to work team that leaves two up top, or a Team B
EQUIPMENT
intelligently in possession and team that builds from the back.
Balls, bibs, cones, poles, 2 full size
goals aggressively on the breakdown. Players are encouraged to solve
problems during the session. Floater
NUMBER OF PLAYERS It is a session that works on a
Up to 20 players + 2 goalkeepers number of levels, and coaches They will learn that it is okay
SESSION TIME KEY
Total: 48mins
can adjust player numbers and to lose possession by trying Ball
Possession practice: 12mins area size according to ability. It something positive and will movement
Player
Score through the gates: 16mins can be organised in a structured realise that the most important movement
Dribble
11v11 game: 20mins way or can allow players thing is what they do next.
When should I run this session?
This session is usually The coach starts play by passing out to Team A
performed on a day when the
coaches want the players to
1a 18
train with high intensity. It
can be effective for any type of Team A must keep
opponent. hold of the ball with the
aid of the two
o floaters

“Thissession
encouragesthe 12
playerstowork
intelligentlyin Te
pres
eam B must
ss to gain
posssession. Here
possessionand theiir pressure
payys off when they
aggressivelyonthe inte
ercept the ball

breakdown”
What do I get the players to do?
Possession practice
Set up an area of 18x12 yards. 1b 18
Play 4v4 with two floaters
who only play for the team in The quick counter-
possession, as shown [1a/b]. pressing soon
n works and
If you have 20 players, set up Team A interce
ept. Now Team
B must counterr-press
two adjacent areas and run the
activity in both areas.
Play starts with a ball from the
coach into Team A, who must
12
keep possession with the help
of the two floaters, effectively
making it 6v4.
This is a possession practice
Afte
er losing the ball, Team A must
with all players limited to quicklly counter-press to stop Team B
two-touch, which encourages from establishing good possession
good technique. If Team A lose
possession, they must react and
press immediately to prevent
Team B from establishing Possession Practice: play 4v4 with two floaters who play
good possession. If the team in for the team in possession. It’s two-touch for everyone.
possession plays the ball out
of the area, a ball is played into

7 JULY 2017 www.elitesoccercoaching.net


DEAN SMITH & RICHARD O’KELLY: COUNTER-PRESSING
Team A by the coach. Play three
sets of four minutes.
How do I progress the session?
Score through the gates
Set up an area of 80x60 yards
with a halfway line and mark
out four small gate goals in
each half, as shown [2]. Split
your players into two teams
of nine, plus two floaters.
Play a directional 9v9 game
with players in their normal
positions – the object of the
game is for teams to score in
the half they are attacking by
passing the ball through a gate
to a team mate. All players are
two-touch.
2
On losing the ball, the
reds become the defe ending
team and must reactt quickly
but here they fail to stop the
blues scoring
8 JULY 2017
The session encourages the
attacking team to move the
ball quickly up the pitch to
score. Due to the tight area, the
defending team will regularly
intercept and then attempt to
attack the other half.
The coach should be looking
for an instant positive reaction
from all players and should
encourage play to be at a high
tempo. Play four sets of four
minutes.
How would I put this into a
game situation?
11v11 game
Set up an area between the two
penalty boxes of an 11v11 pitch,
60
Here the reds lose
the ball and face a quick
counter-attack by the blues
Score Through The Gates: this is a directional 9v9 game
with two floaters who play for the team in possession.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
using the full width and with a
goal and a goalkeeper at each
end, as shown [3]. It’s an 11v11
game (including goalkeepers)
but now play is all in, so players
are no longer restricted to two-
touch.
The aim is to score as normal
in the goal that the team is
attacking, with the condition
that the whole team (except
the keeper) has to be in the
attacking half when the team
scores. If not, the goal doesn’t
count. Similarly, all players on
the defending team have to be
in the defending half when the KEY
Ball
goal is conceded, or else the movement
Player
goal will count as double. movement
Dribble
With the players all in the
Teams score by
passing the ball
through a gate at the
end they are attacking.
It must be received by
a team mate to count
80
Players shhould be in their
normal positiions and they are
limited to two
o-touch when
keeping posse ession
Play starts
with teams
collecting a
ball from the
end they are
defending and
then attacking
the other end
www.elitesoccercoaching.net
 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

DEAN SMITH & RICHARD O’KELLY: COUNTER-PRESSING

same half of the pitch,

if there is a turnover of
possession then the
moment of transition
will occur when there is
limited space on the pitch,
making it more important
to counter-press. If the
defending team wins the
ball and counter-attacks
quickly enough they will
have a whole half of the
pitch open to attack into.
The counter-press will
stop this and it is vital to
protecting the team from
conceding.
Conclude the session by
playing two games of 10
minutes.
What are the key things to
look out for?
As this is a pressing and
counter-pressing session,
look for aggressive
reactions from players
who are nearest to the ball
on turnover of possession,
with the rest of the team
staying organised and
ready to intercept or press
the next pass.
In addition, look for good
support play, angles and
distances, with teams
using both depth and width
in the attacking half. You
also want to see quick ball
circulation and players
looking to penetrate lines.
What are the typical
mistakes that players
“Ifplayersbecome
might make, and how do I frustrated,their
avoid them?
During the session decision-making
players may become maybecome
frustrated and their
decision-making may lesseffective,
become less effective,
which can negatively
whichcan
affect communication and negativelyaffect
organisation. Stopping
the session for a drinks communication
break and discussing how
this situation occurred
andorganisation”
and how it can be resolved
and used as a learning KEY
Ball
tool can overcome this. movement
Player
movement
Dribble

When a goal is scored, the Teams must attack the

whole attacking team (except the opposition goal and players are
keeper) must be in the attacking all in with unlimited touches
half or the goal is disallowed

The defending
team must also all
be in their half of
the pitch when the
goal is conceded or Players must move
it counts double. quickly into the attacking
half when the team attacks.
Encourag ge a hig
gh temppo

11v11 Game: complete the session with this game, played in a area
between the two penalty boxes and using the full width of your pitch.

9 JULY 2017 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

LMA AMBASSADOR Overview lines and it provides a great

Alan Irvine Defensive compactness is shape from which to pressure
opponents, regain possession
vitally important to the success
Improvingdefensive of any team. This session is all and start your own attack.
compactness about ensuring your defensive I would suggest running this
and midfield units remain session in pre-season and then
SET-UP compact and that they do not working with it throughout the
AREA allow your opponents to break season, especially if playing
Up to two-thirds of full pitch KEY
these lines by playing through opponents who are good at Ball
EQUIPMENT movement
them. If your team can remain playing through teams. I would Player
Balls, bibs, cones, six small goals
compact, it makes it difficult for also use it if I was unhappy with movement
NUMBER OF PLAYERS Dribble
opponents to play through your team shape in a previous game.
Up to 20 players
SESSION TIME
Total: 55mins
Players in the
Practice 1: 15mins
Practices 2 & 3: 20mins each
1a 13 11 13 end zones are
two-touch and
must try to pass
What do I get the players to do? through the
middle zone
Practice 1
Start with a 10-minute warm-
up (not shown). Next, set up an
area of 37x36 yards, with the
length split into two 13-yard end
zones and an 11-yard centre 36
zone, as shown [1a]. Use 18
players divided into three teams
of six, with one team in either
end zone and a defending team
starting in the centre zone.
The players in the end zones
are two-touch and they must
try to get the ball through the
centre zone. The defending
team in the centre zone can The four remaining red defenders keep The red defending
release two players into the end compact and attempt to block passing lines. team in the middle zone
This time they fail to stop the pass release two players into
zone to press the ball and make the end zone to press
the play predictable. These
pressing players should try to 1b
force the possession team into a
corner while the four remaining 13 11 13 Here the
two pressing
defenders attempt to block defenders
passing lines, as shown [1b]. work hard to
make play
The ball cannot go above head predictable for
height. Play for 15 minutes. the middle four

“Ifyourteamcan
remaincompact,it 36
makesitdifficultfor
opponentstoplay
throughyourlines
anditprovidesagreat
shapefromwhichto
pressureopponents”
By forcing the yellow possession player into a corner, it is
harder to make a good pass and the ball is intercepted

10 JULY 2017 www.elitesoccercoaching.net


ALAN IRVINE: IMPROVING DEFENSIVE COMPACTNESS
How do I progress the
session?
Practice 2
Mark out an area using
the full width of your pitch
and the space between the
18-yard line and the halfway
line, placing three small
goals at each end, as shown
[2]. Play a directional
10v10 game, with each
team attacking the three
small goals at one end and
defending the three small
goals at the other.
The aim for the players in
2 Each team has three goals to
attack and three goals to defend
KEY
Ball
movement
Player
movement
Dribble
11 JULY 2017
possession is to work the
ball until they can quickly
switch play to create an
overload in attack. The team
out of possession should try
to remain compact on the
side of the ball to prevent
opponents either scoring
by creating an overload or
making a penetrating pass
into an open goal. If the
defending team win the ball
they should look to switch
play quickly in the moment
of transition and counter-
attack. Play for 20 minutes.
When out of possession, teams must
remain compact and move as units to cover the
overload and block any direct shots at goal
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
How do I put this into a
game situation?
“Amistake
Practice 3 playersmake
Using the full width of your isnotmoving
pitch and the space between
the two penalty areas, play together,so
a 10v10 game with target lookforthe
gates in the four corners, as
shown [3]. Teams score by defensiveand
setting up a player to dribble midfieldunits
through the target gates.
Look for players to use all
tomoveatthe
of the coaching points from samepaceand
the first two practices and
encourage a quick passing
inthesame
tempo. Players should be direction”
The po ossession team tries to open up
the game by switching the ball quickly to
exploit the space on the other side
www.elitesoccercoaching.net
 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

ALAN IRVINE: IMPROVING DEFENSIVE COMPACTNESS

aware of switches of play
from both a defending and an
attacking point of view. Play
for 20 minutes.
What are the key things to
look out for?
Make sure the movement of
the front players is quick and
effective in order to make the
play of your opponents more
predictable. This will give the
units behind more of a chance
to block any pass.
A common mistake players
make is not moving together,
so look for the defensive
and midfield units to move
at the same pace and in the
same direction, keeping a
small distance between the
individuals – this will help
them block any through balls
and react quickly as a unit to
cover a switch of play. Beware
of the players furthest away
KEY
from the ball not moving as Ball
quickly as those closest to it, movement
Player
resulting in gaps appearing movement
Dribble
between players and units.

The blue defender presses but

3 can’t stop the through ball

The defence
has not been
quick or compa act
enough and the e
re
ed attacker
dribbles thouggh
th
he gate to scorre
Itt’s 10
0v10, with
the
e poss sessionn
teamm en ncouraged
The bluee to paass quickly
defending team and sw witch play to
should be aware of where th he space is
switches annd must
move as a unit to
cover the attack

Practice 3: play a 10v10 directional game, with players dribbling through

the gates to score. Encourage teams to incorporate all of the coaching
points highlighted in the first two practices of the session.

12 JULY 2017 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

WEST HAM UNITED Overview This practice is fast paced and

This session is about working the
Mark Phillips ball patiently but quickly in order
Directional passing to create openings to pass into the
to break lines middle zone. Quick, short passes
are required to cause the defence
SET-UP to be stretched and to create space
AREA to play into. Once the pass has gone
40x40 yards into the middle, the players have
EQUIPMENT
to be on their toes and moving off
Balls, bibs, cones, poles the ball in order to create angles
NUMBER OF PLAYERS
to receive the ball again. The
12 players + 2 goalkeepers
SESSION TIME
defending side need to move well
Total: 44mins as a unit, communicate, and hold
Keep possession: 20mins their shape with discipline so as
Progression 1: 12mins to prevent any gaps that could
Progression 2: 12mins be exploited by the attackers.
requires that the players on both
teams are alert and constantly
switched on. As the attacking
players have to work together
as a unit to create openings, this
practice promotes communication
within the team. This is something
that is crucial on the pitch.
The session would predominantly be
used to prepare us to play against a
side that are hard to break down and
whose defensive tactic is to create a
block and to frustrate attacks. The
session can also help our defenders
maintain a solid defensive shape
that is hard to get through.

KEY

40
Ball
1 movement
Player
movement
Dribble
Play starts
with a ball
from the
coach to the
attacking team
15 The attackers keep
possession by getting
the ball to the keeper,
who must pass
out to the furthest
attacker to keep the
possession going

24 40
The
defenders
press and
block. If they
win possession,
they become
the new
attackers

Keep Possession: adapt the size of the main area to suit your numbers.
Here we play a 6v6 plus the keeper. The long side of the central area
should be the width of a goal.

What do I get the

players to do?
Keep possession
Set up a large area, the size
of which can be adapted
to suit the numbers you
have in the session. Here
we’ve set up an area of
40x40 yards. Inside this
area, mark out a rectangle
of 15x24 yards (making
13 JULY 2017
the long side of the inner
rectangle a similar size to
that of a full size goal). Place
poles at the four corners of
the inner rectangle. Here
we’ve used two teams of
six in the outer area, plus a
goalkeeper in the central
area, as shown [1].
The session starts with
the coach playing the ball
to the attacking team,
who try to play into the
“Thispracticeis
goalkeeper in the central fastpacedand
area. If they manage to get requiresthat
the ball to the keeper, he
has to make a pass to the
theplayerson
attacker furthest away from bothteams
him. This is to promote arealertand
movement on and off the
ball and to create space and constantly
angles to receive passes. switchedon”
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 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

MARK PHILLIPS: DIRECTIONAL PASSING TO BREAK LINES

KEY
Ball
movement
2 The attackers pass the ball and look to create an
opening to shoot past the keeper and between the poles
Player
movement
Dribble

40
Goals can be

15
scored through
the poles on
either the long
or the short
sides of the area

24 40

The defending team

must try to block the shots
and press to win possession

Progression 1: the attackers must keep the ball but now must also beat the keeper with a
shot. The team that scores receives another ball from the coach if the shot goes out of play.

The job of the defending
team is to try to block all
passes going into the
keeper – to do this they
will have to communicate
to keep their shape and
press effectively to narrow
routes into the central
area. If the defenders gain
the ball, they become the
new possession team.
How do I progress
the session?
The progressions add
a different dimension
to the session, making
the players have to alter
their tactics to suit the
new stimulus given.
In the first progression,
the possession team keep
hold of the ball as before
but now, rather than
passing to the goalkeeper,
they must try to beat him
with a shot and score
between the poles in the
inner area, as shown [2].
This can be done through
either the long or short
sides of the rectangle.
The defenders act just the
same and should keep
their shape and defend
well as a unit, with the
added function of blocking
shots. Play for 12 minutes.
Progress the session
further by adding a
second goalkeeper
into the central area,
as shown [3]. Now the
possession team has to
get the ball past the first
keeper and into the hands
of the second keeper.
If the second keeper
collects the ball cleanly,
a goal is scored and
possession is retained.
Play for 12 minutes.
What are the key things
to look out for?
For the success of this
session, look for players
to use the correct weight
of pass and a good first
touch. They must also
possess vision and
awareness, and should
be able to tell when they
should be playing with one
touch. Communication,
shape and awareness of
opponents are also key.
Tactically, players
should have good spatial
awareness, tempo
control and be able to
disguise their passes. The
defenders should impress
at touch tight marking,
as well as demonstrate
an ability to tenaciously
press and engage.

14 JULY 2017 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

MARK PHILLIPS: DIRECTIONAL PASSING TO BREAK LINES

KEY
Ball
movement
3 Player
movement
Dribble

40
The attackers only score if
the second keeper manages to
then gather the shot cleanly

After the

15
attackers
The attacckers have scored,
have to pas ss the second
the ball to keep keeper
possessio on and passes out
try to beatt the first to maintain
keeper with a shot possession

24 40

Progression 2: now there are two keepers. The attackers have to beat the
first keeper with a shot that is then collected by the second keeper.

What are the typical mistakes

that players might make, and
how do I avoid them?
Having too many touches on the ball
is a common mistake that players
make, as well as not seeing pictures
early enough of where to play the ball.
Poor decision making and a lack of
quality in passing are also problems.
To avoid these mistakes, try leading
an initial unopposed practice with
just the possession team in order
to increase the effectiveness of the
specific skills required. This lead up
session will stimulate the brain and
trigger the individual player’s muscle
“Theprogressions
memory of the kind of short, quick addadifferent
passing required in this practice.
dimensiontothe
How would I put this into session,making
a game situation?
A small-sided game in a tight area
theplayershaveto
could be used, as this would be altertheirtactics
applicable to the practice. The good
traits developed in the session could tosuitthenew
then be taken into the small-sided
game, just now with a goal at either end.
stimulusgiven”

15 JULY 2017 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

WATFORD LADIES Overview Because this kind of counter-

This session will rehearse your attack can be so effective in
Keith Boanas players to deal with specific today’s game, it’s important to
Reactingtothe counter-attacking tactics utilised teach players to recognise the
counter-attack by an opponent – specifically, triggers and react accordingly.
in instances where the ball is I would run this type of session
SET-UP probably on a monthly basis, or
AREA
regained either through a central
defender or the goalkeeper. It’s all directly before playing opponents
Up to full pitch
about the defensive transition and that rely on this form of attack.
EQUIPMENT
Balls, bibs, cones, poles, 2 full size reacting to the counter-attack.
goals, 2 mini goals It is relevant to a tactic often used What do I get the players to do?
NUMBER OF PLAYERS by opposition teams to target a Preparation game
Main session: 14 + at least 1 specific player as an outlet for a Set up a 50x40-yard area with a
goalkeeper quick counter-attack. If they get
11v11 game: up to 20 + 2 goalkeepers halfway line. Mark out a 5x6-yard
SESSION TIME
the ball quickly out to the wide end zone at each end, and place a
KEY
Total: 65mins
areas, opponents then have the 10-yard target gate on each side Ball
option of switching, or playing movement
Preparation game: 20mins of the pitch on the halfway line, as Player
Small-sided game: 25mins down the channels, or playing shown [1]. We are using 14 players. movement
11v11 game: 20mins Dribble
inside to the feet of the forwards. Place a neutral player in each of

1 The red attackers pass in the attacking half

to create an opening to play the ball to the
neutral in the end zone. This scores a point

Theneutral
then plays the
ball to one of
the blue target
players on the Two reds from
halfway line the team being
countered go
to the halfway
line gates and
become the
target players
when play goes
the other way

50
The blue The other four
target starts a reds recover
counter-attack to defend the
and his team- counter-attack
mates quickly
change halves
to attack the
other end zone

40
Preparation game: play 6v4 in the attacking half, with two blue defenders
positioned to counter attack from the side gates. The red attackers score by passing
to the neutral in the end zone, who then serves out for the counter-attacking team

16 JULY 2017 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

KEITH BOANAS: REACTING TO THE COUNTER-ATTACK

the two end zones as targets and

split your remaining players into a
team of six red attackers and a team
2a
of six blue defenders. Play 6v4 in
the attacking half of the pitch, with
two of the blue defenders placed On his team losin
ng possession,
the nearest blue muust immediately
on the halfway line in the gates. press the wide playe
er on the ball
Start with a ball played from the
coach to the attacking team, who
must pass the ball around the
attacking half to create an opening
to play to the neutral in the end
zone. If successful, they score a
point. The neutral then passes to
one of the blue defenders on the
halfway line, who starts a counter-
attack, and his team-mates quickly
change halves to attack the other
end zone. Four of the red attackers
also change halves to defend, while The keeeper throws
the remaining two reds drop into The blue atttacking out so the red wide
team have a sh
hot on players cann counter-
the gates on the halfway line, ready goal saved attack quickkly
to drive the next counter-attack.
If the defenders win possession
back by good pressing before
Small-Sided Game: in this 7v7 game the blues attack the main goal and the
the attackers have been able to reds score in the small goals or by dribbling through one of the pole gates.
score, they can play a back pass
to the same neutral to instigate
their own counter-attack. The nearest blue delays the counter, making
To progress this activity and play predictable. This allows his team mates to
recover their shape, balance and compactness
to prolong the possession you
can set a target number of 2b
passes to be achieved before
the attackers are allowed to The recoverin ng blues get back
pass to the neutral to score. to cover the atttack. Here one reads
the pass and ge ets tight

How do I progress the session?

Small-sided game
Play this 7v7 small-sided game on
two-thirds of an 11-a-side pitch
with a goal and a goalkeeper at
one end (who can rotate with a
second keeper if you have one).
Place two small goals and two pole
gates at the other end, as shown.
The blue attackers must attack
the main goal [2a], while the red
defenders counter-attack the
other end [2b] – scoring by either
shooting into the small goals or by
dribbling through one of the gates.
If the blue attacking team lose
possession, their red opponents
should be conditioned to counter
quickly by spreading the ball out
to the wide players – allow a good “This session is all about the KEY
Ball
defensive transition and
movement
amount of free play in this game but Player
it’s important that the defending movement
team have specific instructions reacting to the counter-attack” Dribble

17 JULY 2017 www.elitesoccercoaching.net


KEITH BOANAS: REACTING TO THE COUNTER-ATTACK
3 Ball
The blue wide man has
anticip
pated the move and
interce
epts the pass
11v11 game: encourage one team to attack with the keeper or the centre back playing out to a
wide player in a high position. Look for the other team to react to the transition accordingly.
to try to play out in the
manner you wish to practice
competing against.
It’s also important to coach
the blue attacking team
to react quickly to losing
possession – on transition
they must immediately
press the opposition
wide players and delay
the counter-attack using
pressure from the player
nearest to the ball and
the assistance of team-
mates who can recover and
track to provide support.
Work with individuals and
units of players to ensure
they react and position
themselves correctly to
either intercept, delay or
regain possession in a duel.
As the small goals represent
forwards, you can progress
this practice further by
replacing the two small
goals with target players.
How would I put this
into a game situation?
The final progression would
18 JULY 2017
be to play a full game, as
shown [3], with one or both
teams encouraged to play
in the way you are trying
to defend against, with
the keeper or the centre
back playing out to a wide
player in a high position. You
could start with 9v9 (using
full width and shorten the
pitch by up to 10 yards at
each end), and work up
to 11v11 on a full pitch.
You can focus your coaching
on one team with your key
defensive players, as long
as you ensure that their
opponents play realistically.
What are the key things
to look out for?
The most important thing is
getting players to anticipate
and see the movement of
opponents and read the
body shape of the player
on the ball – are they under
pressure or able to play the
ball easily? Look for your
forwards to press back
passes to the keeper or
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
KEY
movement
Player
movement
Dribble
Herre the keeper
has th
hrown to a red
defendder, who tries to
get the
e ball out wide
to the full back
Now the
counter-
attack is on
and players
must look for
a goal scoring
opportunity
the centre backs, hoping
to force a rushed pass or
“Getplayers
maybe even enabling them toanticipate
to steal the ball. If not,
make sure they get close
andseethe
enough to the ball to make movementof
the pass predictable to
your supporting players.
opponentsand
The session can be easily readthebody
adapted to work on other shapeofthe
elements of dealing with a
counter-attack at different
playeronthe
points of the attack – for ball”
instance, following the
second pass if made between players.
successfully, ensuring You should coach against
receiving players are denied poor decisions on
space and not allowed to positioning, which could
receive and turn, or picking include not recovering
up late and blindside runs. behind the ball quick enough
or getting dragged out of
What are the typical position by an opponent’s
mistakes that players clever movements.
might make, and how These mistakes can be
do I avoid them? countered by staying
alert and anticipating
Typical mistakes include
danger. Players should
poor or slow reactions
caused by ball watching. move together as a unit/
A lack of movement will team and mark players
also damage play, as will or space in relation to
poor communication the player on the ball.
www.elitesoccercoaching.net
 E
FROM TH
ARCHIVe
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

LMA AMBASSADOR
KEY
Roberto Di Matteo 1a Ball
movement
Attackingaims Using their ‘floating’ player
at the side, the reds must
Player
movement
Dribble
string four passes together Optional
SET-UP before they can switch play movement
AREA to their target man
45x40 yards
EQUIPMENT
Balls, bibs, cones, 2 full size goals
NUMBER OF PLAYERS
18 players + 2 goalkeepers
SESSION TIME
Total: 50mins
Main session: 25mins
Progression: 25mins

Overview
This session improves and
develops attacking balance
when going forward. Often you
have to switch play or break
out at pace, and it’s important
to retain structure and don’t
become one-dimensional. To 1b
help achieve this you can adopt
The switch to the target
the philosophy of utilising the man is made, and
full width of the pitch when players move to the
attacking. You can practise other half of the pitch
this in training in the same
way that you construct it in a
match situation, ensuring that
players understand how and
when to move the ball from one
side of the pitch to the other.
This session can lead to the
creation of numerous goal
scoring chances, so you
can practise it in training
at least once a week.

What do I get the players to do?

Set up an area of 45x40 yards
with a small box marked
out in each corner. Splitting 1c
the playing area in two, all The target man is now ‘floating’,
players begin in one half of helping his side construct
another four passes. At the
the pitch with the exception other end, the floater moves
of two target men – one for into the target box
each side – who are located
in the other half. The team
starting with possession must
complete a minimum of four
passes [1a] before transferring
the ball to their target man
[1b] who is positioned in
the small box at the other
end of the pitch. Defenders
must close down space to
try to prevent the switch.
In making their passes, the
attacking team can utilise a
‘floating’ team-mate, who is
positioned off one side of the

19 JULY 2017 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 E
FROM TH
ARCHIVe
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

ROBERTO DI MATTEO: ATTACKING AIMS

pitch and is free to play along KEY

the touchline up to the halfway 2a Ball
movement
Player
mark. He cannot be tackled. In the progression, with movement
When a switch is successfully goals and a keeper added, Dribble
the ball again reaches the Optional
made and the target man target player
movement
receives possession, all
players move to the other half
[1c]. Here again, four passes
must be made before a switch
to the original half, where
the former floating player
is now locked in the boxed
area. Should an interception
be made though, it is now the
turn of the defenders to build
‘pass and switch’ moves.

How do I progress the session?

We progress the session by
adding a goal and goalkeeper 2b
at each end. Now, when four He is allowed two
passes have been completed touches before playing
and the switch made [2a], in an assist for his
the target player has two strikers
touches to deliver a ball into
the middle [2b], which is then
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 [2c], because
four quick passes can trigger
a counter-attacking pass
to the their target man.
Progress this further by
restricting play to three-
touch or two-touch.

What are the key things 2c

to look out for? Some red players have held
back to guard against the blue
Awareness is everything team winning possession
in this session. Any player and switching at pace with a
receiving the ball needs to counter-attack
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.

20 JULY 2017 www.elitesoccercoaching.net


EXTRA-TIME INTERVIEW: MARK SAMPSON
THE LION’S
SHARE
Ahead of the 2017 UEFA European Women’s Championship,
manager of the England Women’s team, Mark Sampson,
talks about his journey through the world of soccer coaching
H
aving sailed through their
World Cup qualifiers
shortly after Mark
Sampson’s appointment as
manager of the England Women’s
team, the Lionesses returned from
the World Cup finals in Canada in
2015 with a bronze medal, a new
level of respect and an army of fans.
Given Sampson’s auspicious
start as manager – his team
also won the Cyprus Cup shortly
before heading off to the World
Cup finals – it’s little wonder that
expectations around the 2017
European Championships are now
high. Sampson, though, is confident
that the incredible performances
seen two years ago were just a
glimpse of what’s to come.
“We’ve put a lot of hard work in
over the last three or four years
to build on the progress already
made by the team,” he says.
21 JULY 2017
“Central to that has been giving
the athletes as much information
and support as possible so that
they can be even more independent
in their decision making.
“We’ve tried to involve the players
as much as possible, because we
want them to develop a strong sense
of ownership, to be able to identify
what the best thing is for the team at
any given moment and then to take
responsibility for those decisions.
When you play like that you can be
incredibly adaptable, and whatever
your opponent throws your way, no
matter what the context is and with
whatever players you have available,
you’ll come up with the answers.”
This willingness to engage and
involve his players is now a key
part of his leadership style, but
it’s something that has developed
with experience. Like many
young coaches he was keen in his
early career to make his mark
and do things his own way.
“As I’ve got older and have had the
chance to work with a much higher
calibre of players, I’ve learnt how
important it is to take a back seat
sometimes to allow the players to
contribute,” he says. He adds that
he always wanted to be the kind
of manager that nurtured a close
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
As I’ve go
ot older and have
work ked with a much higher
calibre of players, I’ve
learnt how important it is
to take a back seatt to alllow
the players to conntribute
family feel
at his clubs,
something he’s proud to have
achieved not only with the national
side, who have an incredible work
ethic and togetherness, but also
as manager of Taff’s Well and
WPL side Bristol Academy.
NEW BEGINNINGS
When Sampson joined Bristol
Academy in 2010 it was a relatively
new club and he relished the
opportunity to help shape its
future. He also knew that the
responsibility that came with
the role of head coach would be
invaluable experience. “During my
first two years at Bristol Academy
I made some poor decisions on
and off the field, but it was such a
powerful experience to have the
www.elitesoccercoaching.net
 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

EXTRA-TIME INTERVIEW: MARK SAMPSON

We also use our breaks wiselysely so are no excuses,” he says. “The

“TThe
he
that we’re well prepared, and have players have everything th they
heyey
created a training environment
ment need to be the best they cacan
an
for the players that is both highly be, so it’s down to each pla
player
laayer
challenging and enjoyable. e. The to make the most of that.
camp should be somewhere ere After all, you can have thee
people want to come back to.” best training ground in ththe
he
Another challenge unique ue to world, but still not achieve e
national team managers iss ensuring success. Ultimately, it
that players remain connected
ected to mentality
comes down to the mental alit
al ityy
the team and its vision even
en when of each athlete and ththe
he te
team
am
buck stop at me and I knew it would they are ‘off duty’. “Becausese we’re as a whole to push the
the
he
be important for my development.” effectively borrowing playersers boundaries where theyth
he
hey
The early period in a role is rarely from the clubs, we need to o ensure haven’t
easy, though, and Sampson’s they still hold onto that sense
nse
was no exception. Bristol had just of responsibility and
finished bottom of the old Women’s purpose,” says Sampson.
Premier League and were about to “It also means we have
become one of the eight founder
to be even more clear
clubs of the new Women’s Super
and concise with our
League. “We knew the standard
messages, so that when
would be higher, so the challenge before.”
the players return to the England
ngland
was to attract players not just of While further investment
inve
in estm me entnt
camp they very quickly understand
derstand
the right calibre but also with the would, of course,
course e, be
be
what we want from them and can
right characters,” says Sampson.
make the switch from a club ub mindset welcome, Sampson
Sammpson on isn’t
issnn’tt
“It was incredibly difficult to field
to an international mindset.”
et.” hanging his hopes
hoope es and
an plans plla
p anns
a competitive team and in the first
on it, preferring g too focus
foccusus
couple of years, as much as we
enjoyed some success, we worked GROWING THE GAME instead on thinking
think ing outside
kin outs tsiidde
During Sampson’s time ass England the box and on thethe side’s
sid
ide e’s USP.
e’ US
U SP.P.
very hard on and off the field to shape
manager, the Women’s Super uper “With the team m, w
team, we ep icctu
ture
picture re
the club in the way that we wanted.
League has witnessed year- ar- what the perfect
perfeect game
gam me would
wo
w ouulld
“Change is always difficult,
especially when your ideas and on-year growth in attendances nces look like, and think
th
hink k about
abobou utt
ways of working are quite different and gone from being semi-- what keeps spectators
specctat ator
at orrs
to those of your predecessor,” he professional to professional, nal, interested in watching
wa atchi
chhiing g usus
adds. “Sometimes you have to take a which has also presented new play and what encourages
en
nco ourrages
ages
few steps backwards before you can challenges for Sampson and nd young girls to take
takke ofof its
itss main
main aiin
move forwards. When you’re coming managers throughout the league. drivers. We’re conscious
coonsci
scious us o off tthe
he
into a role, especially as a young “Players and managers in the fact that if we can n win
wi football
wi fooot
otbaballll
manager, the players WSL now face a much higher her level matches and be e competitive
coompeti
om titi
titi
tive
ve atat
may not know that of scrutiny than in the pastt and need tourname
major tournaments, entts, the th
he e impact
imp
mpac act
ct
much about you, to be more aware of how to o deal on women’s football
footb baalll could
cou
co ulld
so you’ve got to edia, in
with the media, be enormous. The Thhe knock-on
knoc
nocck
no k-o on
demonstrate Ultimately,it ms,” he
all its forms,” effect of winning g a bronze
brronze
bro
says. “My staff and 20
medal at the 2015 015 5 World
Worl
Wor
Wo rld Cup,
Cup, p,
your knowledge
and competence
comes downto ked hard
I have worked for example, waswa s g reater
re
greater er than
tha
han
and show them that
you’re the right
thementalityof ctures
to put structures
in place to support investment, idea or
ach
could have been achievedchhiieved ed by
or initiative.
inittia
by an
iattiive
ve.
any
ny

person to take the eachathleteand the playerss and to poten

We have the potential ntia
nti ial toto change
chang nge
team forward.” hem about
educate them womom
the shape of women’smenen’s ’s football
fooo
otbtba alll
Sampson had to theteamasa onsibilities
their responsibilities in this country over
overer thehe next
the ne exxt few
few
fe
deal with his own
fair share of change
wholeto pushthe lers and
as footballers
dels.”
as role models.”
years and we’re
we’rre prepared
work very hard d to
prepa
eppare
to achieve
achihie
edd to
to
evve that.
thhat
at.
when he left women’s boundariesw wherre n’s football
Women’s “We want to be e the
th
he b best team
esst tteea am m inn
club football has alsoo seen the world and we we know
know that that if if we
we
to become the theyhavenn’tbeffore ant
significant were to achieve e that
tha at goal
goal al we’d
we’d d see
see
England manager ment from
investment a whole new generation
geenera
nera atitioon of
on of young
yoouunng
ng
in December 2013. “The role of FIFA andd The FA, girls inspired to o play
playy the
the e game,”
gam
ame,”
ame
national manager requires a certain with more e in the says Sampson. “That “That wouldwoul uld then
thhen
en
amount of patience, because you pipeline, and Sampson’s hopefully see the e women’s
women
wom n’’s game
game me
don’t always have access to the England side has benefited d from move to the next
nexxt level.
le
evveell. It’s
It’ss not
not
o
players when you need them,” he the comprehensive state-of-the of-the often that a group
grooup p of
of young
you
yo unng
says. “We try to see this less as a art facilities at St George’ss Park. people has the opportunity
opportu unniityy
challenge, though, and more as an “There’s not much more e that to achieve something
sommetthing ng
opportunity, because when they an athlete could want and that’s like that, so we
we’ve
e’vve
don’t have to deliver day after day important, because we want ant to got to embrace
they can reach for a higher standard. create an environment where here there it and enjoy it.”

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