Matarazzo leads long, tactical La Real session in Birmingham | OneFootball

Diario Vasco reports that Matarazzo led a session of more than 90 minutes in Birmingham, with a clear emphasis on tactics and playing out.

It was La Real’s first workout in the city. Aston Villa football director Roberto Olabe watched alongside Erik Bretos.

Focus fell on build-up after La Real beat Wolves on Saturday, using the same two XIs to rehearse the first phase. The English goal came from an Aguirre error in possession.

Fraga, Kita, Goti and Sucic were out early while others completed activation. After mobility work in a very windy morning, a small-sided possession with keepers wide and several neutrals inside produced slick combinations that pleased the coach.

The main block was strictly tactical, with no crossing or shooting. The New Jersey-born coach stressed patterns to play out and corrected centre-backs and pivots on positioning and release timing, praising Pacheco. He is still giving instructions in English.

At the end the players went over to greet Olabe. The Wolves match left no injuries. Kubo completed everything bar the final tactical block, then added steady runs and sprints as part of his individual plan.

Whether he gets minutes on Friday against Toulouse remains to be seen. La Real train again on Monday at Aston Villa’s facilities, then face Unai Emery’s side on Tuesday at the Bescot Stadium. Several players admit to being a little bored at the Hotel Belfry.

Source: Diario Vasco