Journalist: Thank you for accepting this interview. We would like to start by talking about one of the fundamental pillars of your methodology: collective individualization. Could you explain to us what this concept means in the context of modern football and how you apply it in your approach?
DP. What we do is design specific training sessions that address each player’s strengths and weaknesses, but with the ultimate goal of improving their performance in the overall scheme of the team. A practical example would be using tactical panels so that a player works on specific movements that he will need in a specific tactical situation, such as a ball out or a defensive transition. In this way, the player improves individually, and thanks to the panels they do so collectively, their progress is always aligned with the needs of the team.
Journalist: That sounds like a highly personalized approach. Let’s now talk about tactical automation, another key pillar in your methodology. How do you define this process and how does it contribute to improving performance in the field?
DP: Tactical automation is crucial in modern football, where reaction time is minimal. The idea is that players internalise certain patterns of movement and decision-making, so that in match situations their reactions are almost instinctive. We achieve this through controlled repetition and fragmentation of training. We break down phases of the game into smaller units that players can master step by step.
For example, we work a lot with offensive and defensive automatisms. In the offensive phase, players train repeated movements in situations such as counterattacks or set pieces. In the defensive phase, we work on organization under pressure. When a team is faced with a situation in which they must decide quickly, these automatisms allow them to act without thinking too much, which increases the team’s efficiency at critical moments.
P: It’s fascinating how automation helps reduce complex decision-making during the game. The last pillar is gamification. How do you manage to integrate this technique into football training and what impact does it have on the players?
DP: Gamification is one of the pillars that most motivates players, especially in grassroots football. We aim to make training sessions not feel like a routine obligation, but rather challenging and, at the same time, fun. We introduce game dynamics, progressive rewards and difficulty levels that allow players to stay engaged and push their own limits.
In practical terms, we implement elements of playful competition in the exercises, such as mini-tournaments within the team or individual challenges with rewards. The key here is to keep the players motivated through small successes that accumulate. This approach not only improves technical performance, but also strengthens the psychological component, because the players are constantly looking to improve and enjoy the process.
P: It seems like a very effective strategy to keep players’ motivation high, especially during long training periods. Have you noticed any differences in your teams’ performance when you apply these techniques compared to more traditional methods?
DP: Absolutely. The combination of these three pillars has generated a tangible improvement in team performance and cohesion. By individualising training, each player feels more connected to their personal development, which in turn benefits the team. Tactical automation reduces errors in moments of pressure, and gamification keeps players engaged. All of this together creates an environment of constant growth, both individually and collectively.
P: how do you see the future of football in terms of methodology and technology? Do you think these three pillars will remain relevant in the coming years?
DP: Absolutely. Individualisation and automation are not just trends, they are fundamental to the future of football, especially when combined with new technologies. Tools such as artificial intelligence, real-time data analysis and interactive simulators will continue to evolve and become increasingly accessible. These advances will allow coaches to create more personalised and effective strategies, making these three pillars even more relevant in the future of modern football
One of my main goals in the coming years is to expand the application of the Pons Method in professional football at an international level. While we have already worked in various countries and cultures, I believe there is still a lot of scope to implement the methodology in new leagues and teams, especially those that are looking for a more advanced structure in terms of player development and performance optimization.
My vision is to create training centres based entirely on the Pons Method, where we can integrate advanced technology, real-time data analysis and tactical simulation to train not only players, but also coaches who understand the value of a methodological approach. Another project I would like to focus on is the formation of methodological and sports performance consultancies, helping clubs build long-term development structures, from the youth categories to the first team.
P: It sounds like an ambitious project. Speaking of the future, where do you see the Pons Method evolving? What new areas or innovations do you think will be part of its development?
DP: The Pons Method is constantly evolving, like everything in football. One of the areas we are working on is the deeper integration of artificial intelligence and biofeedback tools into training. We are already using technology to measure players’ physical and emotional performance, but I believe that in the coming years, these tools will allow us to further personalise training in real time. For example, we could adjust a player’s workload based on their stress or fatigue levels during a training session, ensuring that they are always at their peak performance without risking injury.
Another key aspect is tactical adaptability. We want players to not only execute automated moves, but also have the ability to adapt those automations depending on the context of the match and the actions of the opponent. This is where technology and predictive analysis are going to play a crucial role in the coming years.
P: It’s impressive how you’re integrating technology in such an advanced way. Moving on to the Game Model, how has your model exponentially improved thanks to the Pons Method?
DP: The Game Model I have developed has benefited greatly from the Pons Method because, in essence, both feed off each other. The model is based on a fragmented training architecture that allows us to work on each phase of the game in a specific way, both in attack and defence. Thanks to the tactical automatisms introduced by the Pons Method, we have been able to create a more fluid and cohesive game. Now players not only understand their role better, but they know exactly how to act in key situations without wasting time making decisions.
Furthermore, gamification has added an extra layer of motivation. Players no longer train simply to stick to a schedule, but each training session is a challenge in itself, with difficulty levels increasing as objectives are met. This has made progress tangible for both players and coaching staff, strengthening the team’s identity.
The result is a team that not only has a high level of automation in its movements, but is also adaptable, dynamic and mentally strong. We have achieved better synchronisation between lines, and most importantly, a fluid transition between phases of play, which is what makes the difference in modern football.
P: So could you say that the Pons Method has not only optimized your game model, but has also taken it to another level of competitiveness?
DP: Exactly. What I’ve seen is that the Pons Method has elevated my Game Model to a completely different level. By integrating principles such as tactical automation and collective individualization, we’ve managed to get teams to not only play well, but to understand the why behind every move. This kind of understanding creates a tactical culture within the team, where every player knows what is expected of him at every moment of the match.
I think that is the next big step for football: an approach where personal training and development are intertwined with collective performance, supported by technology and a continuous improvement mentality. That is what the Pons Method seeks to achieve, and we are seeing the results more and more, both at grassroots level and in professional teams.
P: It certainly seems that the future of football is closely linked to methodologies like yours. It has been a pleasure listening to you and learning about your vision and projects. Thank you very much for your time.
DP: Thank you for the opportunity. It is exciting to be able to share my approach developed during the pandemic that I had to live through in my last destination in Thailand and to be able to continue moving forward and contributing to the development of football.
