A Guide to Weekly Game Preparation
Author: MAURIZIO SARRI
7 Essential Steps on The Road to Excellence: A Guide to Weekly Game Preparation
Weekly Game Preparation is the invisible engine that drives footballing success, and mastering this process is the definitive road to excellence for any modern coach. When we examine the high-level methodology of Maurizio Sarri, specifically his 2006-2007 UEFA PRO LICENSE COURSE thesis, we see a level of detail that transcends basic training. This guide expands on his philosophy, providing a comprehensive deep dive into how elite preparation turns tactical theories into match-day dominance.
Table of Contents
The Philosophy of the Weekly Microcycle
In professional football, the week is not just a countdown to the game; it is a structured “microcycle.” Weekly Game Preparation involves a delicate balance between physical recovery, psychological priming, and tactical installation. For more on how these cycles are structured, you can refer to the official UEFA Coaching Competence Framework.
Why Preparation Trumps Formation
As Sarri notes, while many coaches obsess over formations like 4-3-3 or 3-5-2, the truly elite focus on the process. A perfect Weekly Game Preparation ensures that players are not just physically fit but cognitively aligned with the coach’s vision.
1. The Monday Diagnosis: Match Analysis vs. Game Reading
The first step on the road to excellence is understanding that Weekly Game Preparation begins with an autopsy of the past. On Monday, the coaching staff engages in “Match Analysis.”
Sarri makes a critical distinction: “Reading the game” happens live, but “Analyzing the game” happens in the cold light of Monday morning. This phase involves verifying if the team’s movements matched the prepared strategy. This data-driven approach is similar to the methods discussed in our previous guide on Tactical Periodization Models.
2. Tuesday’s Psychological Blueprint: The Video Report
By Tuesday, the focus of Weekly Game Preparation shifts toward the players’ cognitive state. Sarri is a pioneer of the “10-minute rule.” Long, grueling video sessions lead to mental fatigue.
To achieve excellence, Tuesday’s video report must be surgical:
- The Motivational Swing: If the team lost, highlight “positive flashes” to rebuild morale.
- The Perfectionist Approach: If the team won, focus on “minor lapses” to ensure complacency doesn’t set in.
3. Wednesday: Corrective Field Work & Verticality
Wednesday marks the transition from theory to execution. This is the “correction day” within the Weekly Game Preparation cycle. Using data from Monday, the coach designs “Themed Games.”
For example, if the team struggled with slow circulation, Wednesday’s session might involve an 8v8 game where a goal is only valid if it involves a “vertical break.” This methodology is a core component of the FIGC Technical Sector education which Sarri attended.
4. Thursday: The Masterclass of the Defensive Line
Thursday is often the most important day in Sarri’s Weekly Game Preparation. It is dedicated to “Departmental Training,” specifically the synchronization of the defensive four.
The “Covered” vs. “Uncovered” Ball Theory
- The Covered Ball: When the opponent is under pressure, the defensive line stays high.
- The Uncovered Ball: The moment the opponent has time to pass, the line must drop in unison.
Excellence is achieved through repetitive drills where defenders move as if connected by a wire. This creates a “defensive block” that is nearly impossible to penetrate. You can explore our deep dive into Defensive Positioning Drills for more practical examples.
5. Friday: Strategic Scouting & Opponent DNA
As the match approaches, Weekly Game Preparation turns its lens toward the enemy. Friday is about “The Strategic Script.” The coaching staff identifies the opponent’s pressing triggers and defensive gaps.
By the end of Friday, every player should have a mental map of the game. For advanced scouting techniques, we recommend checking StatsBomb’s Analysis Resources for modern data integration.
6. Individualization: The “Compensation” Phase
No two players are the same. A 32-year-old center-back and a 19-year-old winger have different needs. Sarri’s Weekly Game Preparation includes “Individual Compensation Sheets.”
- Physical Compensation: Extra mobility for veterans.
- Technical Compensation: Specific finishing drills for strikers. This personalized attention ensures that when the team steps onto the road to excellence, no one is left behind.
7. Saturday: The Final Taper & Set-Piece Mastery
The final step on the road to excellence is “Tapering.” Physical loads are reduced to ensure peak energy. However, the mental intensity remains.
Saturday’s Weekly Game Preparation is dedicated to set-pieces. Over 30% of goals come from dead-ball situations, and mastering these “choreographed moments” is vital. The day ends with a tactical walkthrough, leaving the players fresh and focused.
Conclusion: Preparation is the Ultimate Advantage
As outlined in the UEFA PRO LICENSE standards, excellence is a disciplined process. Weekly Game Preparation is not about working harder; it is about working smarter. By dividing the week into these 7 essential steps, you remove the element of luck and replace it with a calculated display of tactical brilliance.
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