Today’s football is going through a crucial moment in which more and more voices, such as Jorge Sampaoli, highlight the disconnection of footballers and the growing commercialization of the sport as threats to its collective essence. However, this disconnection is not only due to an excess of individualism or commercialism, but rather reflects a structural problem: the inability of many clubs to adapt to the needs of the modern player, both individually and collectively. It is not enough to identify the footballer as the center of the equation; it is necessary for his environment to reflect this approach at all levels.
Player Personalization: Necessity and Not Luxury
Personalized player development should not be seen as a luxury, but as an indispensable requirement for football to evolve coherently. From the Pons Method Institute, Innova Football and Pons Football, we promote a comprehensive approach that balances individual development with collective
development. For a footballer to reach his full potential, clubs must offer an environment that prioritizes his personal needs in methodology, technology and training.
1. Collectivization of Personalization: Fragmentation of Training
The principle of “Individualized Collectivization” maintains that the development of the footballer must be simultaneously personalized and oriented to the collective good of the team. It is not enough to improve the player in isolation; it is essential to integrate him into the tactical scheme and the dynamics of the team. The phenomenon described by Sampaoli, where players feel disconnected by their individualized preparation, reflects this structural disconnection. The fragmentation of personalized loads and training allows the development of each player to be adjusted to his needs, strengthening his role in the collective.
Proposal of the Pons Method: Establish specific and gamified training phases that address the individual needs of each player, while strengthening the synergy with his teammates. This creates more complete players who are better integrated into the team plan, reducing the need to seek external resources.
2. Technology and Personalization: The Footballer at the Center
Technology must be used to enhance the development of the player in all its aspects. This includes real-time monitoring systems, tactical analysis using AI, and spaces dedicated to mental training and visualization. However, for this strategy to be effective, it must be integrated into the club’s day-to-day operations. It is not enough to have state-of-the-art facilities; these must be designed to adapt to the specific needs of the footballer.
Key Implementations:
Performance Monitoring: Real-time assessments to adjust workload and prevent injuries.
Personalized Spaces: Areas dedicated to specific training, visualization with mirror neurons and constant feedback.
Process Gamification: Dynamic and interactive elements in training to improve motivation and knowledge retention.
3. Continuous Training: Success Through Details
Stillness and the idea that “everything has been invented” are enemies of progress in modern football. Constant training must be the norm for sporting directors, coaches and technical staff. Only through continuous learning can competitiveness be maintained. At the Pons Method, we are committed to integrating neuroscience, data analysis and innovative methodologies so that every football professional can offer the best of themselves.
4. Beyond the Result: The Purity of the Game and the Enjoyment of the Footballer
The final result is only a reflection of constant and meticulous work. Clubs must remember that their role is to create an environment where the player flourishes both individually and collectively. From gamified training to tactical simulation and recovery spaces, the focus must always be on perfecting every aspect of football development.
Conclusion: Internal Revolution for Modern Football
Football needs a revolution that frees it from immobility and brings it closer to its essence: the player and the ball. Everything else must exist to enhance this pure relationship and offer an environment that maximizes player development. Clubs must lead this change, investing in technology, customization and constant training. Only in this way will football continue to be the most beautiful sport in the world, adapting to the challenges and demands of the present.
Our Commitment: At the Pons Method Institute and Innova Football, we are dedicated to offering a comprehensive approach that allows each player to reach their best version, from the structural improvement of clubs to individual customization. Innovation and dedication to detail are essential to inspire and enhance the development of each player.
Breathe Football,
Football Unites the World.