Spain U15 pre-match team talk: Emphasising a game model - FIFA Training Centre

During the Spain boys’ U15 national-team training camp, the players are shown several video presentations focusing on their upcoming match. Head coach David Gordo, prepares his side based on their own qualities and philosophy. His pre-match team talk comprises a review of the team’s principles in attack, defence and transitions, as well as a discussion on set pieces.

Ahead of a game against Mexico and with no video analysis of the opposition available to him, Spain boys’ U15 national-team coach David Gordo focuses on his team’s own qualities and the most important elements of their philosophy. He reiterates the importance of maximum concentration levels and staying constantly alert. Spain will set up in their customary 4-3-3 formation and look to press high, win the ball back quickly and keep possession.

1:30
Defensive organisation
In the defensive phase of the game, Gordo expects his players to know their roles in every zone of the pitch.

(1/4) Pressing set-up in a high block, Spain should focus on setting up its press to force Mexico to play on one side of the pitch: preventing a switch of play at all costs.

(2/4) Pressing in a high block, the centre midfielders making sure passing lanes in the middle of the field are blocked. If anyone gets caught out of position or loses his mark, they should recover towards the centre of the field and position themselves between the ball and the goal

(3/4) In the mid-block, the priority for Spain is to close off the middle of the field, by staying compact. The backline is ready to drop back in case the opponent is playing a long ball.

(4/4) In a low block, defenders should ensure they have body contact with their opponents, especially in the penalty box.

7:15
Offensive organisation
The key attacking principles the coach underlines in the pre-match meeting include:

Play forward and through the lines: Focus on advancing the ball quickly and breaking through defensive lines.
Make the field as big as possible: Utilize the full width of the pitch to stretch the opposition and create space.
Play with speed: Limit the number of touches to maintain a high tempo and keep the defense unsettled.
Finish the attack: Aim for shots on goal, deliver crosses, or win set-pieces to maximize scoring opportunities.

9:10
Set piece organisation
After naming his starting XI, Gordo goes over another key element: set pieces. Each player is given clear instructions on how to mark at defensive corners and free kicks as well as their role on offensive set pieces.

Defensive corners: Gordo wants one player on the near post, his two centre-backs attacking the ball from the six-yard box and two players on the edge of the penalty area to contest any second balls. The rest of the team are instructed to stay tight to their markers in a man-marking system.
Offensive corners: Two players are assigned to take – one on each side – and the rest are given specific areas of the box to attack.

Spain U15 pre-match meeting: Emphasising a game model

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Mexico U15: Matchday-1

Spain U15 pre-match meeting

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