ROBERTO DE ZERBI

TRAINING STUDY

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 ABOUT THIS PDF
In this ebook page, you can gain insight into
one of the most respected coaches in the
world of football, Roberto De Zerbi's training
methods and tactics.

In this ebook, you will learn De Zerbi's key

tactics and some training methods that have
helped him achieve success as a coach.

You will receive this free resource when you

download Keepitonthedeck Coaching Pack 1
from www.keepitonthedeck.com, and much
more to come!
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 ABOUT ROBERTO DE ZERBI

De Zerbi retired from playing in 2013 and began coaching.

Among his previous clubs are Darfo Boario, Foggia, Palermo, Benevento, Sassuolo, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Brighton &
Hove Albion

The attacking style of play and tactical innovations of De Zerbi are well known. In order to defeat opponents, his teams
often prioritize possession-based football and use creative attacking patterns. His ability to develop young players and
willingness to take risks have earned him praise for his success on the pitch.
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 ABOUT ROBERTO DE ZERBI

During an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, De Zerbi discussed his early years as a coach and his approach to the
game. As a player, he began studying tactics and strategies while aspiring to be a coach. Furthermore, he spoke about
his admiration for Marcelo Bielsa and Pep Guardiola, who have influenced his attacking style of play.

According to an interview published by Il Messaggero, De Zerbi took inspiration from his former coach, Gigi Cagni, who
gave him his first coaching position at Virtus Bergamo. De Zerbi said Cagni was an important mentor and taught him a
lot about managing players and building teams.
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DE ZERBI TALKS
"Coaches like Marcelo Bielsa and Pep Guardiola have always
fascinated me because they have a clear vision for how they
want their teams to play.

The attacking patterns I try to build with my team are

important, but I am also aware of how important it is to be
solid defensively. Finding the right balance is key.
Coaching is difficult, but also meraviglioso [wonderful]. Being
able to work with players every day and help them improve
is a privilege.

Building a strong team culture is most important to me.

Every time my players step on the pitch, I want them to feel
part of something special.

I'm always looking for new ways to improve my tactics and

innovate. The game of football is constantly evolving, so
staying on top of the latest trends is essential"
 TACTICAL DESCRIPTION

Throughout his coaching career, Roberto De Zerbi has been known for his innovative and attacking style of play. Using
possession-based football, quick transitions, and creative attacking movements are hallmarks of his tactics.

It is typical for De Zerbi's teams of the past to play 4-3-3 formations, with an emphasis on building play from the back.
Under pressure, his defenders are encouraged to play short passes and maintain possession. By doing this, his team is
in control and can dictate the pace of the game.

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 TACTICAL DESCRIPTION

De Zerbi's teams are known for their fluid movements and interchanging positions in attack.

His attacking players are encouraged to be creative and take risks in order to create scoring opportunities through
combination play and individual skill. The teams he coaches often employ a high press in order to win the ball quickly
and launch counterattacks with speed and precision.

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 TACTICAL DESCRIPTION

A key aspect of De Zerbi's tactics is his high defensive line. The result is that his team is able to push up the field and
put pressure on the opposition.

Furthermore, De Zerbi is known for using full-backs as attacking options. Full-backs are encouraged to provide width in
attack as well as contribute defensively when necessary. As a result, the full-backs provide an additional threat in the
final third of the pitch, resulting in a more dynamic and fluid attacking style.

Roberto De Zerbi's tactical approach emphasizes possession, creativity, and attacking flair to create a dynamic and
entertaining brand of football.
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 STUDY

The Roberto De Zerbi tactics are complex, so let's

simplify them. De Zerbi's approach is the subject of
thousands of articles online, but few break it down in
simplistic terms. Roberto De Zerbi generally sets up in
a 1-2-4-2-2 formation these days. when building play.

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 WHAT IS DE ZERBI
BALL AT IT'S CORE?

De Zerbi's team builds play from the back, inviting the opposition to
press them high. Through slow approach in build, he encourages
this, which is often emphasized by the center backs remaining on the
ball. As the opposition engages to a high press, it leaves space in
advanced areas of the pitch which De Zerbi's team exploits by
playing through the pressure with intrigue combinations they will
relentlessly work on in training. In the attacking phase, the tempo of
play increases significantly.

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 CHANGING THE GAME WITH 1-2-4-2-2 BUILD UP

Brighton are known to play from the back in a unique 1-2-4-2-2 system set up by
Roberto De Zerbi. In this system of playing from the back, there are two boxes.
One box is formed by the two centre backs and the deep lying midfielders.
While the two deep lying midfielders an attacking midfielder and a centre
forward form the other. Many teams these days seem to be abandoning
single pivot structures in favor of double pivot structures.
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 HOW TO BUILD UP IN 1-4-2-2-2

In football, the 1-4-2-2-2 formation consists of one goalkeeper, four defenders, two central
midfielders, and two attacking midfielders supporting two forwards. Because of its shape on the
field, it is also called the "diamond" formation.

Teams often use this system to control the midfield and create chances through quick passing and movement. A pair
of attacking midfielders create chances for the forwards, while two sitting central midfielders provides support in
defense and attack. In order to maintain the defensive structure of the team and prevent the opposition from scoring,
the defenders play an important role.
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 HOW TO BUILD UP IN 1-4-2-2-2

With any formation, success depends on the quality of the players and their ability to work
together. Players should understand their roles and responsibilities within the formation and
be able to adapt to different situations during games.

Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton is one of the best case examples in the world right now. There
have been numerous Brighton games this season in which the diamond formation
has been used expertly.
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 STRENGTHS OF THE 1-4-2-2-2

Two central midfielders and two attacking midfielders provide the team with a strong midfield presence, allowing them to
control the game and dominate possession in central areas.

Two attacking midfielders support the two forwards, who are both capable of creating and scoring goals. Attacking
midfielders who are adept at making quick passes, creating space, and shooting on goal are particularly effective in this
formation by exploiting spaces between lines.

Four defenders provide a strong defensive structure, which makes it difficult for the opposition to score or counterattack.
Both central midfielders can also assist in defense, making it difficult for the opposing team to break through.
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 WEAKNESSES OF THE 1-4-2-2-2

The formation can be vulnerable to counter-attacks down the flanks because there may not be enough defensive
cover to defend against overlapping wingers or full-backs.

It is often criticized for its lack of width, which makes it difficult for the forwards to exploit the opposition defense.

The success of this formation depends heavily on the quality of its midfielders. The team may have difficulty
creating scoring opportunities and concede possession if the midfielders are not able to control the game.

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STUDY VIDEOS ATTACHED

Videos with this download provide some insight into De Zerbi from a
tactical perspective, as well as a closer look at some training methods.
To view the video, please open the video folder in this download.
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VIDEO 1 & 2
BODY ORIENTAION
A fundamental aspect of Roberto De Zerbi's football
philosophy is body orientation. On the pitch, it refers to
where a player's body is in relation to the ball,
teammates, and opponents.

De Zerbi's possession-based style of play involves

players constantly looking for opportunities to move
the ball forward. In order to do this effectively, players
must always be aware of their body orientation. Ideally,
they would position themselves in a way that allows
them to receive and distribute the ball quickly and
accurately, while also keeping an eye on the
surrounding players and the ball's movement.
VIDEO 1 & 2
BODY ORIENTAION
In De Zerbi's philosophy, body orientation is also
important for defensive play. It is imperative that
defenders position themselves in a way that allows
them to anticipate passes, intercept them, and be
aware of where their teammates and the ball are at any
given moment.

For De Zerbi's style of play to succeed, body orientation

is essential. In addition to maintaining possession of
the ball, it allows players to move forward effectively
and defend against the opposition's attacks. De Zerbi
develops technically proficient, tactically aware, and
attack-minded players by focusing on body orientation
in training and during matches.
VIDEO 3-11
TRAINING PRACTICE
A look at some of
Roberto De Zerbi's
training practices at
Brighton can be
found in Video 3-11.
VIDEO 12
USING THE SIX

Training insight
into how to break
opposition arching
runs with the six.
VIDEO 13
TRANSITION FROM BALL
BEYOND TO BUILD UP

Training insight
into transitions
from a long ball to
build up play.
VIDEO 14
ATTACKING COMBINATIONS

Five minutes
of attacking
combinations.
VIDEO 15
1-2-4-2-2 BUILD UP EXAMPLES

Build up play
examples
Roberto De Zerbi.
VIDEO 16
1-2-4-2-2
BYPASS BEYOND

Inviting the
press to
bypass example.
VIDEO 17
1-2-4-2-2
TACTICAL INSIGHT

Tactical Insight
Video Analysis.
THANK YOU
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