Aspire in the World Fellows Book - 2023

/49 In our context at Sevilla, the Football Lab primarily centers on the club’s methodology, emphasizing technical and tactical aspects. However, from my role as a fitness coach, our goal is to integrate the performance dimension with the technical and tactical facets, acknowledging the inherent challenges in this integration. Today’s topic is particularly compelling. There’s a limited number of players who make it to the top leagues, and we must recognize the significance of individualizing the development process for each player. In line with this philosophy, we’ve initiated a project this season to approach player development comprehensively, working in a 360-degree manner around the player. This involves aligning all departments within the club with a central focus on the player. Although it’s a bit challenging at the outset, we are committed to making this alignment work, and are confident that it will lead to positive outcomes. We assess the player’s background from the previous season and key moments, like December-January, to evaluate progress. We avoid overwhelming players with too many development areas, focusing on two or three weaknesses and strengths from each department. The goal is to strategically improve weaknesses while nurturing existing strengths for optimal player development. It aligns with the philosophy that if a player is at nine, there’s potential to reach ten, leveraging both their talent and areas for further development. Working with the first team is challenging due to a busy schedule, but in the academy, we have more time for individualized exercises. Effective communicationbetweenalldepartments is essential. Regular meetings facilitate coordination, helpingus understandeach department’s priorities and challenges. This collaborative approach ensures that everyone recognizes the shared goal of developing the player. Building strong connections and fostering a team of honest individuals who value each other’s contributions is paramount. Understanding the specific demands of football and the nuances of player positions is crucial. However, it’s equally essential to align with the coach’s model of the game. Different coaches may have varying expectations, even with the same players. For us, focusing on GPS metrics like high intensity, speed, and acceleration is vital. While small- sided games are enjoyable, we prioritize creating drills that mirror real-game scenarios. This ensures that players experience and prepare for the full spectrum of demands, such as running longer distances and making strategic moves on the field. This situation extends beyond the first team. Players often have personal fitness trainers facilitated by their agents, adding complexity to our coordination efforts. Communication is paramount in such cases to avoid redundancy in training. For instance, if a player works on specific exercises with us in the morning, it’s crucial to share this information with their personal fitness coach. This ensures that the player isn’t engaging in similar exercises in the afternoon, risking recovery time. Navigating the intricacies of the modern football industry requires intelligence and clever coordination, especially with the increasing number of staff profiles. Effective communication, both from the player to us and vice versa, is vital for the player’s holistic development, recognizing them as our priority and the future of the club. JoseRamon Collado SevillaFC: HeadFootball LAB TOPIC 2