How Roberto De Zerbi is changing football

Get a 9 minute bonus podcast on Roberto De Zerbi by becoming a member on Patreon - / thepuristfootball
---
Is Roberto De Zerbi the next football mastermind?
By controlling space, manipulating time and chasing a dream, De Zerbi has created an entirely unique footballing method.
Here, I present that method to you.
Sections:
0:00 "The most influential coach in the last 20 years"
1:36 I. Space
4:29 II. Time
7:07 III. Dreams
9:56 End: Contradiction

[@YoJesusMorales]

This feels more like a mini-documentary. Pretty nice.

[@Lindxni]

I would do anything to see Barça play with such cohesiveness in attack and defence. Love him or hate him, De Zerbi ball is exciting.

[@feliperodriguez3972]

They have draw or lost their last 5 games. If people are already asking for Xavi's head, can't imagine what his present would be after a 6-1 defeat.

[@omaari155]

​@@feliperodriguez3972 they have many injuries always coach can't solve problems and he didn't get replacement players who left if he was in barce his excisting ball and barce players wouldn't left as they are left nw brigthon

[@danielmontoya2494]

Also hes coaching brighton not barca. They are on completely different levels and expectations

[@rickiesgucci4814]

ngl brighton's defense is kinda shite

[@danbo967]

@@omaari155 you are acting as tho barca didn't have a lot of injuries going on so far in the season (Sergi Roberto, Pedri, De Jong, Kounde, Raphina, Iñigo, Lewandowski). We are 3rd in la Liga (4 points from being 1st) and 1st in our champions league group despite all that and yet the fan base is crying that Xavi should leave.

[@flynn8068]

I'm a Brighton fan and watching De Zerbi has completely changed my view of the game, he makes football make sense as well as making it so fun!

[@dinosgura]

One of his most influential teachers is surely Zdenek Zeman, you can see the same geometry in his offensive football.

[@frederickrich7393]

U.T.A

[@markoconnor4380]

I've been so impressed with dunk .....his easily the best English centre half

[@Nursilmaz]

Damn I thought that it will be just tactical analysis but I witnessed work of art that got me emotional. Great stuff

[@God.Real.Account]

At times it was even a poetry in slow-motion.😌

[@majukun]

I think there has been something lost in translation about what de Zerbi call 'solutions'. From what I get from the video author, it seems like he interprets them akin to mathematical solutions 'if this happens do that', but in Italian 'soluzioni' has also the meaning of 'alternatives ', aka de Zerbi tries to give the men on the pitch a series of alternatives always ready to be exploited, so not really a mechanical series of passages in response to the opponent, but the chance of the players to freely express themselves because of the abundant alternatives of play given by occupying the spaces well.

[@tadtomd]

100% agree I also don’t find that his system is as rigid or mechanical as described in the video. The build up phase certainly is but there’s lots of room for individual creativity and flair from the wingers and forwards to choose how they attack

[@mariadanielalavia8877]

It's the same here in Argentina when we talk about coaches or teachers giving you solutions "soluciones" is about making your team or pupils to have more tools and ways to solve a problem, more knowledge, know more about what they're doing, unleash creativity, etc. Also I remember watching him in his first season at Sassuolo and just knew he had something special bcs of how well tactically but also creative his teams are. I watched every Sassuolo game for lots of seasons and I'm just a fan of AS Roma. The rationality of positional play concepts applied to other styles of play in italian or south american teams (like Scaloni) is less about rational decisions on the pitch and more about having more tools and ways to break the opposition defence, instead of having to rely that much on each individual player taking the best optimal decision for a pass or a long ball which at the end kills creativity, dribbling, one-twos and all what players like to do which is just play and having fun.

[@thepurist_]

This is great to know, thanks. It’s clear De Zerbi, and other positional coaches, aim to give their players a feeling of comfort so they can express themselves, as you say. However when both the positioning of the players and the timing of the actions is dictated by the system it undeniably limits the scope for creativity. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but certainly in buildup you can see the repetitive patterns that have been designed by De Zerbi himself.

[@majukun]

@@thepurist_ true, but I guess it depends on the player, some players given freedom would not know what to do with that, other thrive in it. For de Zerbi the latter are usually the wingers (Berardi or boga back at Sassuolo as an example, one with his passing skills, the other with his dribbling prowess) that are given much more freedom. Anyway, great video.

[@dantebrolin5971]

I agree I look at it as a mathematical solution with specific rules, yet those rules shift depending on how you choose to go at it. its less of following the equation (his structure and rules) the way you are taught and more of following those rules and sticking to the structure but going at it from a different methodology. they are given that structure but with that they have a multitude of different ways to attack the problem. Follow those rules without breaking them to get to the answer not follow the rules exactly to get to your answer, as long as they get the right answer within the confines of the equation and the concept the means of doing it doesn't particularly matter because you still got to the answer. In that sense de zerbi's structure of football is extremely rigid but at the same time free flowing and extremely flexible in different situations. but it allows for everyone to almost instinctually know when the ball is coming, where it will go and where they need to be for the best chances.

[@bradd__]

Watching everyone build up with two midfields just shows you how great and clever Busquets was that he didnt need a partner to build up, completely press resistance

[@bellerophon6897]

Busi was a genius, however teams are pressing way better right now, not sure if he could fulfill the same single pivot role at the same level in nowadays football

[@bradd__]

@@bellerophon6897 you cannot press prime Busquets

[@sigfigronath]

they did tho, prime real and many teams tried to press but then decided to not press and cut the options @@bellerophon6897

[@user-mw6ec4pf7u]

@@bradd__Bayern did press him and totally out played him in 2013

[@bradd__]

@@jamesmccaul2945 He was the best at it for me because he had no pace or power, like the best of the modern day like Rodri just pure intelligence and elite positioning. Most teams use to build up with two deep midfielders and still do but Busquets intelligence cannot be explained he was special not very eye can see how he beats the press on his own and solves build up problems on his own

[@ibrahimel-rafie5239]

This is a really well detailed analysis of De Zerbi’s philosophy and methods, from neutral a perspective they play a such an elegant yet aggressive way which is so entertaining to watch. Thoroughly enjoyed watching this video thank you Purist.

[@thepurist_]

Glad you enjoyed :)

[@fnbwski8610]

"...the static becomes the dynamic, slow becomes the fast, the calm becomes the storm..." Hell yeah! Although it's a tactical analysis video, you managed to catch the emotional aspect of De Zerbi's style by your choice of words. I can see that you are genuinely passionate about making these videos, and you are good at it.

[@Wolfsong27FlyHalfFullHeart]

He help us finally break into Europe and progress to the round of 16, this man will always be remembered as an honourable seagull in my eyes

[@Valedaar]

Im a big fan of italian football. This man made me love watching Sassuolo Calcio and love the club itself. Roberto, I miss you in Sassol but wish you great success! ⬛🟩

[@ezekmt]

I am not an avid commenter, but this video was so well structured and edited that deserved one for sure. Congrats and thank you!

[@thepurist_]

That’s very kind, thank you for commenting :)

[@dobiqwolf]

What a time to be a football fan, we have De Zerbi, Alonso, Xabi evolving the tactical game. And we have you to explain their philosophies to us, so thank you.

[@BigRenz13]

Did you mean De Zerbi, Xabi Alonso and ANGE? 😛

[@angyieharry2256]

Xabi and Alonso are the same person. WTF ???

[@dominiceuanbyrne]

This was fantastically well written, congrats on a great video.

[@zeyadmahagna1394]

The cinematic twist of this makes it your best video ever! Thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish 10/10

[@Derrimam3roufch]

Brilliant work but what i loved the most was the last part, the contradiction. It is a real footballing matter to discuss, because as much as we love watching that cohesion and understanding of space, of each other positions.. you have to ask how much improvisation and creativity is left to the main protagonists

[@paulie-g]

That's really the question with all "positional play"-heavy systems, and what Diniz's relationism ideas are meant to counteract (in terms of culture). This is why Alonso's playstyle is so interesting - he tries to integrate them both. I certainly wouldn't want everyone playing pure positional - it can feel very sterile even if it gets results.

[@dominique046]

I’ve played 2 seasons behind Rob on the midfield as a defensive midfielder. Everybody that knew Rob as a player can tell the way Brighton is playing is a reflection of how Rob used to play. I’m from the Dutch football school so it was nothing new to me. Great to see how he translated it to his players 👏🏿👏🏿

[@God.Real.Account]

I've played for him as a LB, great guy.👏🏿

[@trevorlewatle1886]

Its such beautiful footballing philosophy. Everyone who comes on board including the fans share the dream so its not just his happiness prioritized. Great video n thanks

[@Daewonnni]

I think he is the best to take the Barca job. He has shown he can do a lot with lesser players. Barca has a young squad that needs to overachieve. Beautiful video by the way !

[@Fabii2000]

As if anyone wants to join barca lel

[@EnormeEkoH]

i hate the fact that in italy hes either loved or hated (and heavily) as an italian im ashamed, how you cant love him and his playstyle

[@162tsb7]

Ive watched the Premier league since it started and football long before it. Every now and then a team comes along that plays with pace technique togetherness and a freedom that only a coach can allow them to have. Brighton are a joy to watch a real breath of fresh air.

[@Xavi_ball]

Imagine Frenkie De Jong being coached by De Zerbi.

[@yeah_1261]

I see De Zerbi video, I click

[@ahoffman2011]

Brilliant video. I love how you weave together narrative with examples that illustrate your points. I will say, De Zerbi ensures his team plays really well during build-up, but I don't think it's always at the cost of individuality or moments of brilliance. Mitoma still gets plenty of opportunities to showcase his exceptional dribbling. There are still chances for the exceptional solo long goals (I'm thinking specifically of Enciso's screamer from last season). It's a bit like being an actor in a play or a movie: just because everything has been intensely rehearsed and is guided by a director doesn't mean there are no opportunities for individual expression. Plus, if you have prepared really cautiously for a game and choreographed the crucial parts of team play, it might mean that players know even better when there are good opportunities to express themselves.

[@skg4050]

Good stuff, I love seeing your editing style progress!

[@GooseSpam]

That was an elite watch, so beautifully written and edited, better than typical media pieces on sky sports or whatever have you

[@rashid6223]

I’d love to see him coach this current Barca team. I’m sure we’d see a monster version of the team

[@jun1art]

if he goes to barca, he would end up getting sacked because barca fans dislike to lose and they will always think losing one game is a death sentences 😂 , even if they won , each of em know how to critize a small flaws. also some fake fans also lid and manipulate the scenario. Trust me, at this point, this present, xavi is the perfect coach that would get good players ( lewa, kounde, joao, raphinha, kessie , auba, adama) because his name and barca reputation combine, and also he trust la masia without hurting their financial problem at this point.

[@Victor-wc2vf]

@@jun1artbro, adama plays in Fulham

[@SirBloxy]

​@@jun1artkessie auba and adama don't play anymore😂😂😂

[@jun1art]

@@Victor-wc2vf yes,but adama was willing to play w barca even with a small salary at that time

[@jun1art]

@@SirBloxy its true, but they did came and play for barca, if barca has no problem with ffp, they will stay, they know the situation and they still glad that they become part of rebuilding barca again

[@donnel234]

I like the final chapter however I think it’s completely misunderstood when De Zerbi mentions “solutions”. The ultimate aim is to create players who are capable of making decisions. It’s not as rigid as is suggested. There’s still lots of room for individuality. For Example, Pascal Gross plays very differently from Billy Gilmour even when given the same role.

[@gleaden10]

you make the best football documentaries/youtube essays you there mate. wonderfully told and very clear a pleasure to watch. Always come away even more fascinated and in awe of the individuals you talk about. none more than De Zebri.

[@dominicwyartt3598]

I love this man’s passion I’m a Liverpool fan and I think he really could thrive with us

[@jaimecarrionmaldonado904]

Beautifully done. Great job.

[@C_98.]

because of guys like him, Pep, Klopp, Cruyff, Mourinho and many others I still love football. Maybe someday I'll gonna can work with this game and build my own history, in my right proportions.

[@PazLeBon]

GL

[@dhamovjan4760]

Mourinho is an interesting and successful Coach but his football philosophy does not fit between the other names at al.

[@lyonkennedy4892]

I’ve been here since the beginning.;Happy to see you’ve come so far.

[@hehaguy]

Lovely to see you back. LEGEND

[@josephadigwe26]

This is beautiful to watch, very well done. From the words to the clips to the background music...it's very appealing. I love it!

[@mahdisoleymani660]

Great job with the new style of video. Very enjoyable to watch.

[@JoOVL7]

This is an incredibly high quality video. Great work.

[@velusl]

Excellent done....thank you.....reminds me of a quote I read somewhere: "Playing football with your feet is one thing, but playing football with your heart is another. To some, football is the best sport in the world. To others, it is their world."

[@zergnub7426]

The fact weve got injuries all over the shop but still able to compete in the PL and Europe proves your point about players playing positionally. We'd be a right mess now if we couldnt swap one player for another within the system. When you dont have a budget for half a team of flair playera, then this philosophy is crucial

[@katsonjones5551]

Fantastic quality. Thank you for this!

[@emijabali8945]

As a young person who has seen mostly the more modern era of football, I am a little sad that I did not live in the era where football tactics were less "mechanical and rigid" and were more dependent on the creativity and individual skills of the players, obviously. These aspects are still important for football systems to function, but they no longer play as important role as they did before.

[@susogozu]

Totally agree, it has taken out the element of surprise alot and def makes the game a little less exciting majority of the time. Also creating a whole different type set of players in these current generations

[@sphalush8261]

this also comes with an unintended advantage=less serious injuries

[@CryptoZillian]

I grew up with the great Italian teams of the 80s and 90s and the Johan Cruyff philosophy here in the Netherlands and those were more tactical than the modern teams. In the youth teams in the Netherlands we were drilled with build up play all day long. I think people in England just woke up to these tactical principles in the last 20 years. I do remember a game against Graham Taylor England in the 90s and the dutch team completely dominated them. Tony Adams kept hoofing the ball and gifted possession away which made it easy to control the game for the dutch. I think Venables was the first English coach who had some tactical principles because he coached in Spain.

[@trio1023]

Love this format. It is your best video IMO

[@untotendaniel]

The quality of videos have made a jump. Good job!

[@yonesabiri7187]

man the level of story telling in this video really feels outstanding. Great job @thepurist for such quality content

[@lbrtvlldr]

Brilliant video! Especially your final remarks. Thank you!

[@dubemmenakaya9624]

Excellent video, drew me in with the intirguing perspective and analysis, beyond the football and tactics theres a real philosophy that one can learn from in life in general. Thank you for your work 🙌🏾

[@dorian8047]

Definitely your best video thus far

[@amandabenger]

Really excellent. Love your analysis, insight, and eloquent wording. Your in-depth knowledge is easily apparent, and you are gifted with words. Probably the best explanation I have heard of this more modern, structural, tactical game of today. Very impressive. 👏

[@ambasingh6315]

This probably the greatest football related video i've ever seen in my life

[@realdoritosman]

love the new style of edits. phenomenal video :)

[@marvinschneider9309]

Is it possible to see another video about tactical developments in the brazil national team after the following games this weekend?

[@moratgurgeh]

I like most of your videos but this one really raised the bar, especially at the end. Felt also like you were echoing some of Jamie Hamilton’s laments on positionalism.

[@gouemoregis195]

I came here as soon as I heard that Xavi was leaving Barcelona at the end of the season

[@kuyonza94]

Just announced Barca are aiming to sign him to replace Xavi

[@broceedwin]

Wow, this video is very well written 👍 Keep up the amazing videos! 😊

[@no.w77]

the work is monumental, keep going

[@thebabyjesus]

Brighton being the protagonist is so true.

[@dh5363]

Do you think this rigid structure will help simplify the game for Ansu and help him not trying so much to over do things he isn't capable of, and in turn get back his confidence? Or does it take away individualistic flares that Ansu has been trying regain since his injuries and in turn eliminating what made him the type of player he was/wants to be and perhaps, won't be successful without a system in the future? Either way, I just hope he continue to develop well and return to Barca soon.

[@danielmontoya2494]

Imo the system will help ansu as it gives lots of space to attackers and the n10 is one of the most involved in De zerbis team

[@Eanakba]

he chose brighton himself and he seems like a smart player, i think he went there for specific things and felt confident he could get something out of it.

[@JacoboSnake]

Barca knows what they’re doing

[@herclesmiguelsumbanejr.100]

Just imagine De Zerbi as Barça coach and Xabi alonso as Real Madrid coach... el clasico would be on another level 🥵

[@shaquillethomas1544]

So true

[@alitiz8672]

Roberto will come to Milan next year mark my words

[@ryanfinnerty6239]

Facts

[@FadlyH23]

In your dream

[@MatthewBAlhamdu]

I really enjoyed your work on De Zerbi. Weldon 💐

[@flywire76]

Thanks to the algorithm for suggesting this video. I really appreciate your style and substance.

[@sayantanchakrabartty179]

Excellent video mate ! Pls keep up the good work 😍

[@skellyslife9]

de zerbi coaches an exciting brand of football. he makes his way up the pitch in layers with the third man facing forward and playing an aggressive pass or dribble. it breaks defenses down real quick.

[@soufianesoufiane2826]

one of your best videos if not the best. I thought it was gonna be like the other tactical videos but instead i felt like it was a documentary. I hope you keep creating the same work of art eventually.

[@shuvoroy6692]

Beautifully done video Keep on growing brother

[@user-nd3ks4mi7b]

Amazing video mate.

[@lucasalvesalcantara9191]

Really glad you made something in the essay format. It is something missing in this niche

[@Ah-jw7dv]

Thank you very much for this ode to such an artist.

[@user-mq5ou3tq5j]

amazing video. watched it multiple times these last couple of weeks

[@formula1313]

12:39 idk if it was intentional but to pick Marlon when talking about the restriction necessary to De Zerbi's game when Marlon just recently joined Diniz's Fluminense which is appointed by many as the "opposite philosophy" is genious

[@kongkongterton9805]

Mate. I love watching your videos.

[@paulthurston9391]

This is excellent, have just subscribed and look forward to more of your videos. Up The Albion!

[@thepurist_]

Welcome aboard!

[@CoachSoti]

Probably one of if not your best videos!

[@markoconnor4380]

Such a impressive breakdown of De Zerbi football philosophy..... really enjoyed watching it

[@benharmon7369]

Excellent video!

[@DrSiddha]

I'm totally for this football philosophy. Organisation and not reliance on single individuals is the secret of any collective success. Football or not. Very pleasent to watch and I guess to play

[@Vnavas10]

Dude what a video thank you for your effort.

[@quinten3628]

There is the brighton vid i was waiting for. Thanks!

[@arifinrohan8595]

Your channel is amazing! Instant sub.

[@Ben15-zj5wm]

Wow this was amazingly done video great work

[@homeless471]

Outstanding work, mate

[@lmccreesh8859]

Incredible work👏

[@TimothyUmeme]

Good training coach..am currently the youth coach in my country Kenya and am a vivid follower of your trainings.

[@Local-vr6ji]

Excellent video. I thoroughly enjoyed that. Keep up the good work.

[@thepurist_]

Thanks, will do!

[@xaviershawn5863]

this was top...i liked the last part especially...😅ik that comes frm the paradigm change that dinizmo is bringing to the world of football...certainly a good conversation to have

[@khalidcr9]

Beautiful video my friend! I really want to play under De Zerbi and absorb everything !!!!

[@tonatoussaint2858]

THAT WAS BEAUTIFUL ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL

[@andrew_j_weber]

Fantastic piece of work here. Every video of yours is a delight :) Thank-you.

[@thepurist_]

That’s very kind of you. Glad you enjoyed :)

[@francisnyalali]

Loved the video, GREAT content

[@thegreathadoken6808]

after all the bad times Brighton have gone through, they Di Zerb this time of glory.

[@blueboi15_]

great video man! keep it up!

[@Ditubah]

Make a video about Fluminense in Libertadores pls

[@aijeonline8574]

Great content ! Thanks for breaking it down

[@vfljqkndsgphsjn]

that was a beautiful video

[@shanecloete32]

The storytelling is this video is exceptional. Well done lad

[@josemarques9794]

His style of play made me a fan of brighton, i love to watch them play this beautiful game

[@ElPabloDelDiablo]

Best video to date!

[@maximehedde3648]

Beautiful video thanks !

[@FaraazAhmad]

Had to pause the vid to comment this: that was an amazing intro!

[@Marickian07]

very nice. Your work is amazing !!

[@enes110]

Extremely good video keep going

[@guimouro26]

What a great job you did!