PREPARATION OF THE GAME WEEKLY

Author: MAURIZIO SARRI

UEFA Pro License Course: Maurizio Sarri’s Weekly Game Preparation Masterclass

Introduction: The Science Behind Sarri’s Match Preparation

Maurizio Sarri’s UEFA Pro License thesis, “Preparation of the Game Weekly”, reveals the meticulous approach that transformed Napoli’s football and Chelsea’s style. This comprehensive guide breaks down Sarri’s revolutionary weekly preparation system that blends:

Tactical periodization
Opposition analysis
Player management
Psychological preparation

For additional pro-level resources, visit Elite Coaching Hub.

The Sarri Weekly Blueprint

1. The 7-Day Microcycle Structure

Sarri’s system divides the week into distinct phases:

pie title Weekly Focus Distribution
    "Recovery & Analysis" : 15
    "Tactical Implementation" : 35
    "Physical Conditioning" : 25
    "Match Simulation" : 25

Key Features:

Monday: Video analysis + active recovery
Tuesday-Thursday: Tactical immersion
Friday: Light rehearsal + set pieces
Saturday: Match day
Sunday: Complete recovery

Download Sarri’s microcycle template: Pro Session Planner.

Core Components of Sarri’s Preparation

1. Opposition Analysis (Sarri’s 3-Layer System)

Structural Analysis (4-3-3 vs 4-2-3-1 weaknesses)
Individual Profiling (Key player tendencies)
Set-Piece Mapping (Defensive/offensive dead-ball patterns)

Case Study: Sarri’s Napoli exploited Juventus’ zonal marking with tailored overloads.

For analysis templates: Opposition Scout Kit.

2. Training Session Design

A. Positional Play Circuits

8v8 in 60x40m zones
Conditioned to 2-touch maximum
Focus: Vertical progression

B. Defensive Restarts

Immediate counter-press drills
6-second recovery rule
Triggers: Bad first touch, back passes

C. Jorginho Role-Specific Drills

Scanning exercises pre-reception
Diagonal passing gates
Press resistance scenarios

See full sessions: Sarri Training Library.

The Physical-Psychological Balance

1. Sarri’s Fitness Principles

Pitch Geography Training: Players cover specific zones rather than arbitrary distances
Football-Specific Endurance: High-intensity intervals mirroring match tempo
Recovery Protocols: Cryotherapy + hydrotherapy for quick turnaround

2. Mental Preparation Techniques

Visualization Sessions: Players mentally rehearse tactical scenarios
Leadership Groups: 3-player units responsible for tactical communication
Pre-Match Rituals: Consistent music playlist in dressing room

For sports science resources: High Performance Hub.

Implementing Sarriball at Different Levels

1. Elite Team Adaptations

Full implementation of vertical tiki-taka
Positional specialization (regista, mezzala roles)
45-minute video analysis sessions

2. Amateur/Youth Modifications

Simplified build-up patterns (3-pass rule)
Focus on 2-3 core principles per week
10-minute video highlights instead of full analysis

Get adaptation guides: Non-Pro Implementation.

Technology in Sarri’s System

Essential Tools

Video Analysis: Hudl for opposition breakdowns
GPS Tracking: Monitoring “effective kilometers”
Tactical Boards: Magnetic boards for in-game adjustments
Recovery Tech: WHOOP bands for player load management

For budget alternatives: Affordable Tech Stack.

Common Mistakes & Sarri’s Solutions

❌ Mistake: Overloading players with complex tactics
✅ Sarri Fix: “Teach one concept perfectly rather than ten poorly”

❌ Mistake: Neglecting psychological fatigue
✅ Sarri Fix: Implement “mental recovery days”

❌ Mistake: Rigid system without adaptability
✅ Sarri Fix: Build 15% flexibility into game model

Conclusion: The Art of Weekly Preparation

Sarri’s thesis teaches that successful game preparation requires:

🔹 60% Tactical Clarity
🔹 20% Physical Readiness
🔹 15% Psychological Preparation
🔹 5% Adaptability

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Final Thought: “Football is 90% preparation, 10% improvisation. Train the 90% so the 10% becomes genius.” – Maurizio Sarri

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(English) Maurizio Sarri Download