Talking with Garry Littlefield

September 12, 2007

Via email Garry Littlefield and I did an interview as I am interested to know about the views, interests and cultures of our members. Gary is coach in Italy, originally from London and has recently become an Ambassador from Ziga-Zoga. So, here are a few questions I asked of Gary and I’m thankful for his participation - I hope you will get something out of this conversation as I will be featuring more coaches very soon.

Who are you and what do you do?

My Name is Gary James Littlefield, I’m 32 and I am football coach based in Italy.

Note: Gary’s coaching experience is as follows:

Serie D, Italy 2006/2007
Serie D, Italy 2005/2006 (under 20)
Semi-Pro, UK 2004/2005
Academy Youth Development officer, UK 2003/2004
Tottenham Hotspur Community Coach, UK 2002/2003
Amatuer Coach, UK 2001/2002

What can you tell us about the Italian football culture, style and unique attributes?

Over the last few seasons Italian football has had it’s fair share of up’s and down’s, scandals and World cup victories. All of which has happened in the time I have spent here. To understand the football culture is to understand life in Italy. Italians are excitable, passionate, reckless (in both positive and negative ways) and very social orientated.

In my opinion the football culture here has a unique blend of technical ability, tactical understand right down to the fans and a social network so intricate that it in enters all into every sector including the church and dinner table. Each week in the football stadia all over Italy controversial decisions and scandals erupt soon to be forgotten with wonderful individual performances or a particular excitement for an up and coming game.

The general aspects of the game here are tactical patience, opportunism in and around the penalty area including faking fouls to get an advantage and great technical ability (rather than physical prowess) throughout the team. Most of all I have found a magnificent ability to cope with stress and nerves, it doesn’t seem to affect their performances.

What type of game do you coach your players to play?

Ideally I prefer to play a particular way 4-2-3-1 but you have to be particularly adaptable in Italy, during the pre-season period you need to assess your players strengths and weaknesses as for the most part the Director of Sport has control over the players brought in to the side. The coach has an input but really has no chance to spend a budget.

When the squad has been assessed the main tactical game plan can be worked upon. If you have all players fit for selection then your able to field a strong side and perhaps dictate the match. This does depend on the opponents, how they play, what their weaknesses are and where their strengths lie.

I choose to play a free flowing short passing game in ideal conditions (pitch, weather etc) utilizing a strong forward who can score with both feet and head, who also has the ability to hold the ball, lay off to the three attacking midfielders whom are the better technical ball players, especially dribbling at pace in one on one situations. The rest of the team have set positions on the field depending on where the ball is and who has possession. Defending as a team I prefer to deny space by backing off into my own half and then pressing when a bad pass has been made. I don’t like to press to high up the pitch as it expends an exceptional amount of energy.

Talk about your training regime, How do you help your players stay fit and ensure they are healthy?

I hold six training sessions weekly, five if there is a mid-week match.

Monday 3pm-4pm recovery session, light jog and stretching.

Tuesday 3pm-5pm fartlek or endurance based session with tactical period at the end to express positive and negative points from the previous match.

Wednesday 3pm-5pm lots of ball work, small sided games with a certain emphasis on tactical preparation for the next game.

Thursday 3pm-5pm Internal practice match

Friday 3pm-5pm tactical and speed circuits DINNER TOGETHER

Saturday 10am-12 noon practice defensive and attacking set pieces (free kicks, corners, penalties) LUNCH TOGETHER

Sunday GAME (LUNCH AND DINNER TOGETHER)

What sorts of things do you do to get your teams mentally focused?

Keeping the criticism positive constructive, allowing time for group discussions. Gradual intensity of training throughout the week, information on opposition players. One to one meetings once a month for self/team assessment, problem solving tasks.

Occasional breaks from the norm to stimulate training possible guest coaches in specific areas. Prepared music or prepared talks on teams, players etc.

Tell us anything that you’d like to share that you think would add value to the Ziga-Zoga community.

I would like to thank the Staff of Ziga-Zoga for the time put into making this opportunity happen. I also hope the members of Ziga-Zoga will freely comment on my opinions and style of working on my home page. I have an open mind and am willing to listen and learn.

Talking with Garry Littlefield

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