Responsibility and freedom: Milan Futuro coach Navarro talks through tactics meetings with players

By: Oliver Fisher

An intriguing video has emerged which demonstrates how Milan Futuro coach Sergio Navarro wants players involved in tactical meetings.

After Massimo Oddo departed at the end of last season, Milan decided to go with a continental influence for the new coach of the Futuro, just as they went from Massimiliano Allegri to Ruben Amorim in the first team.

While waiting to see if the B-team can get themselves out out of Serie D following their relegation in 2024-25 and play-off defeat last season, it seems that the new manager is taking a different approach to preparing for games.

Milan Futuro’s Instagram profile published a very interesting video featuring coach Navarro, who explained how the self-managed technical meetings work. Players are encouraged to make suggestions about formations, player roles and specific plans for opponents.

“We aim to instil in the players the concept of responsibility, combined with the freedom to decide what’s best for them and the team at any given moment,” Navarro said.

“With this work, the first input they’re receiving is: how do I prepare before the match? Normally, it’s a coach who tells me what to do. With us, however, the coach isn’t important before the match. You are important.”