Possession-based vs. Kick and hope.
Sarri is back.
In an interview, he talked about the direction Italian football is heading:
"Right now, Italy is promoting the idea that winning football means direct football — that you have to immediately play a pass into the final third, even if it means hitting a long ball.
But then you look at the top national teams in Europe: Portugal, Spain — two possession-based teams. You look at the Champions League winner: a possession team. PSG: a possession team. So what are these coaches watching?
This isn’t meant as criticism — it’s just a realization: we’re off track.
What are they looking at? I feel like they’re watching the wrong things.
The direction is different if you look at the kind of football that’s actually delivering results across Europe — both at national and club level.
That seems pretty clear, doesn’t it?"
I am not here to talk about Italian football.
But I see this "illness" everywhere.
I call that "Kick and hope" football.
Every pass forward. No matter what.
And then they hope something will happen.
To be clear: do whatever you want.
But because you're reading this, chances are — you don’t like that either.
I prefer to attack together.
Relentless attacking. But always together as a team.
Not for nothing I call my idea of football 'vertical possession'.
It may sound basic to discuss, but it's truly important.
Everything starts with how we play as a team.
That leads to specific actions and behaviors.
Therefore, it shapes our players.
What do players learn when they "kicks and hope"?
The CB improves his long-ball technique.
The striker learns to chase after the ball.
And the midfielders learn to watch the striker run.
And worse than that: Hectic football becomes a habit.
Players execute the first idea that comes to mind.
Not the best.
They “pass and hope” the ball gets through.
“Direct” football is football without thinking.
It takes the decision away from the players.
No need for creative solutions.
No need to use feints to open up passing lines.
Just play forward. And hope.
By playing together:
Players have no time to switch off.
Everyone gets touches. Not just a few.
Primary actions are passes and dribbles.
The most important aspect is to control the ball.
The ability to not let the opponents near the ball.
Controlling the ball allows the players to make DELIBERATE decisions.
It allows them to find active, creative solutions under pressure.
Build a team that attacks and defends together.
A team that provides each player with the opportunity to pass, to dribble, to express their unique talent.
But that's our job as a coach. We determine the direction.
The players just try to win.
And we have to channel this energy in the right direction.
Thanks for your time,
Bene.
P.S. Learn the “vertical possession” methodology step-by-step: Click here.