Share.

6 Comments

  1. According to Claude it says: „The handwriting is rough in places (typical coach scribbles on graph paper), but here’s the gist. It’s a defensive plan against Barcelona’s MSN front three (Messi, Suárez, Neymar), so likely an El Clásico prep from around 2016/17.
    Left side – Opponent’s shape and general principles
    Header: “Bloque medio cuando saquen” → Mid-block when they build out from the back.
    The lineup drawn is Barcelona’s 4-3-3 with Bravo in goal, plus Piqué, Busquets, Iniesta, Messi, Suárez, Neymar, Alba, Mascherano, Rakitić and so on. Red and blue marks show runs and matchups.
    Bottom notes:
    • “Que jueguen por fuera” → Let them play out wide.
    • “Cerrar a los que juegan por bandas, sobre todo con Neymar” → Close down the wide players, especially Neymar.
    Right side – Four tactical questions / instructions
    1. (top is cut off) – something about players going wide.
    2. Who steps out to their fullback?
    • Our fullback steps out.
    • The center-back shifts across, and the other CB has to drop into the back line.
    3. Who follows Messi if he drops to build play?
    • Adjust the shape → switch markers (pass him on between defenders).
    4. Watch out if they switch and go long the other way.
    • Diagonal balls from Suárez in behind the defense.
    • Go directly at it.
    • (note about) man behind the striker.

    TL;DR
    Mid-block, force Barça wide, isolate Neymar, clear handover rules when Messi drops deep, and stay alert to long diagonal switches from Suárez in behind the back line.
    Whether the page is genuinely Zidane’s is impossible to confirm from the photo alone – it’s been circulating in Spanish media for years as alleged Clásico prep – but the content fits his era and approach.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​„