Jobs4football meets Lorenzo Santoni

This week we join Unlimited Jobs4football member Lorenzo Santoni for the Jobs4football meets interview.

Lorenzo  brings a wealth of experience and a unique coaching philosophy to the world of football. As a UEFA B licensed coach and match analyst for the FIGC, Lorenzo has successfully managed and trained elite players, from seasoned professionals to young talents, across various international clubs and academies. His career is marked by significant achievements, including working in the Gulf region with teams like Al Okhdood and Damac F.C. and spearheading the launch of the Juventus Academy in Ras Al Khaimah, U.A.E.

His coaching philosophy centres on empowering players through the development of their technical, tactical, and mental skills. He emphasizes decision-making autonomy and critical thinking on the field, fostering a cohesive team environment and a positive atmosphere crucial for success. Another string to his bow is the extensive experience with football-related technologies and video analysis tools enhances his ability to optimize team performance and develop effective game strategies.

In this exclusive Jobs4Football Meets feature, Lorenzo Santoni shares insights into the pivotal moments that shaped his coaching style, the strategies behind his successful relegation battles, and his innovative approach to youth development.

Join us as we delve into Lorenzo’s journey, his experiences across various cultures, and his aspirations for the future in a detailed session.

Q: You have a wealth of experience in football coaching and analysis. Can you share some of the pivotal moments in your career that shaped your coaching philosophy and style?

A: During my career, I have had the privilege of accumulating extensive experience in the world of football, both as a coach and as an analyst. A crucial moment that shaped my coaching philosophy was my time with Juventus, where I learned the importance of balancing a technical approach with a human touch, creating an environment where players can grow not only as athletes but also as individuals.

Q: Your coaching philosophy emphasizes empowering players through the development of technical, tactical, and mental skills. Can you elaborate on how you implement this philosophy in your training sessions?

A: My coaching philosophy focuses on improving players by developing their technical, tactical, and mental skills. In every training session, I strive to create targeted exercises that not only enhance individual abilities but also promote game understanding and teamwork. As an analyst, I believe it is essential to work collaboratively with the staff, stimulating discussions to find effective solutions. I believe in numbers and statistics, which are crucial for the improvement of a club.

>Q: You have a track record of helping teams avoid relegation, such as Al Okhdood and Damac F.C. What strategies and approaches did you use to achieve these successes?

A: With Al Okhdood and Damac F.C., I adopted strategies focused on detailed analysis of opponents and improving game principles. Developing training and video sessions with the staff allowed us to achieve significant results, avoiding relegation and establishing a solid foundation for the club’s future success. At Damac, we avoided relegation with an average of 1.4 points over 22 games and laid strong foundations for the future. At Al Okhdood, we quickly improved players’ performance levels, as evidenced by the exponential improvement in the team’s expected goals (xG).

Q:  In 2018, you initiated and spearheaded the launch of the Academy Juventus in Ras Al Khaimah. How did you approach the development of young talents, and what were some of the challenges and successes you encountered?

A: The launch of the Juventus Academy in Ras Al Khaimah in 2018 was an exciting moment for me, as were my experiences in the academies in Australia and Kuwait. The challenges were numerous, from managing the coaching group to identifying the best locations and proposing training sessions increasingly aligned with the needs of young players. Seeing them grow has been incredibly rewarding.

Q: Throughout your career, you have worked in various countries and cultures. Can you discuss one of your most positive experiences and one challenging experience, and how they impacted your coaching?

A: of the most positive experiences was working in Australia, a multicultural environment where I learned a lot and met many important people who contributed to the development of my skills. One of the most significant challenges was managing pressure in high-intensity situations, such as the first season at Damac in 2019, where I had to collaborate in creating the team during the January transfer market. The season with Al Okhdood, where we had little time to achieve safety, was also a significant challenge, culminating in the opportunity to play against Ronaldo and Al Nassr.

Q: You have expertise in handling various football-related technologies and video analysis tools. How do you integrate these technologies into your coaching and match analysis to enhance team performance?

A: The integration of technologies has been essential for improving match analysis and optimizing team performance. I use advanced tools to analyze statistical and video data, including drones, identifying areas for improvement and strategies to tackle opponents more effectively. I also monitor training and matches, focusing on new technologies as they emerge.

Q: With qualifications such as the UEFA B License, FA Talent Identification, and Junior Match Analyst, how do you continue to stay updated and further your education in the evolving field of football coaching?

A: My commitment to continuous learning is evident from my qualifications, such as the UEFA B License, the FIGC course for Match Analyst, with the publication of my thesis on the federation’s portal, and the FA Talent Identification certification. I continue to attend seminars, courses, and conferences to stay updated on best practices in football coaching and to constantly improve my skills.

Q: What are your next steps in your coaching career? Are there specific goals or aspirations you aim to achieve in the near future?

A: Looking ahead, my goal is to continue growing as a coach, working with ambitious teams that aim to achieve significant goals both nationally and internationally. I aspire to contribute to the development of football through innovation and to be an added value for clubs, preparing future generations of players to excel at the highest levels of competition.

Throughout this interview, Lorenzo  provided invaluable insights into his extensive career and innovative coaching philosophy. His dedication to fostering technical, tactical, and mental growth in players, coupled with his adept use of modern football technologies, sets him apart as an individual who can add value within multiple areas within a club environment.

We are grateful for Lorenzo’s time and the r knowledge he has shared with us. His passion for continuous learning and his commitment to player development are truly inspiring. As a Jobs4football Unlimited member, we look forward to collaborating with Lorenzo and supporting his future endeavours in the world of football.

Thank you, Lorenzo, for your enlightening contributions to this interview.