Starting goalkeeper for the USMNT and all-around fantastic human being, Matt Turner, sits down with Rog to answer questions on balancing fatherhood and football, his high school musical theater experience, and the only thing he won't try to become a better goalkeeper (hint: it's Brad Friedel's hairstyle)
Balancing family life with a professional football career requires effective communication, support, and finding a balance of responsibilities.
Developing as a goalkeeper involves adaptability, being coachable, and constantly improving through unique experiences and facing challenging opponents.
Playing at the highest level as a professional footballer requires mental strength, staying grounded, and having a support system to navigate the pressures of the game.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Balancing Family and Football
Matt Turner discusses the difficulties of balancing his family life and his career as a professional footballer. He talks about the challenges of being away from his family due to training and national team duties, while also expressing his admiration and respect for his wife who takes care of their children. Matt emphasizes the importance of communication, support, and finding a balance between his responsibilities as a parent and a player.
Unique Goalkeeping Style and Learning Experiences
Matt Turner reflects on his unique goalkeeping style and how he developed it over the years, experimenting with different techniques and movements. He mentions the importance of adaptability and being coachable in improving his skills. Matt also shares some specific learning experiences he had while facing challenging strikers in the Premier League, highlighting the need for intense focus and constant improvement.
The Mental and Emotional Challenges of Playing at the Highest Level
Matt Turner discusses the mental and emotional challenges that come with playing at the highest level as a professional footballer. He talks about the mental strength required to handle both success and failure, admitting that he is harder on himself when things go wrong. Matt also emphasizes the importance of staying grounded and not getting too high or too low, and the need to have a support system to navigate the pressures of the game.
Personal Growth and Perspectives
Matt Turner shares his perspective on personal growth and gaining different perspectives through relationships and conversations. He encourages open communication and being willing to share and learn from others. Matt also emphasizes the value of not taking things too seriously and finding joy in every experience, as well as maintaining a positive attitude and a balanced approach to life.
Highlights and Insights on His Journey
Matt Turner reflects on some of the highlights and insights from his journey as a professional footballer, including his experience in England, the challenges of balancing his career and family life, and the lessons learned from playing at the highest level. He shares some personal anecdotes and mentions specific songs that have sentimental value to him. Matt also expresses his gratitude for the opportunities he's had and the support he's received along the way.
This is the mantra of the USMNT's life force, starting goalkeeper, and all-around fantastic human being Matt Turner. And this week, Rog sits down with Matty Cleansheets ahead of the Men's National Team's upcoming clash against Germany to answer any and all questions from you, our GFOPs. Matt breaks down the challenges of balancing fatherhood and football, training his vocal chops in high school musical theatre, and the only thing he won't try to become a better goalkeeper (hint: it's Brad Friedel's hairstyle)...
