Modern Soccer Coach Podcast

Laurent Courtois, former head coach at CF Montreal, discusses his innovative back three system. He highlights the crucial balance of patience and verticality in attack, as well as how freedom and structure coexist during gameplay. Each position's player profile plays a significant role in this tactical setup. Courtois dives into real-time coaching challenges, the importance of tactical communication, and how evolving player roles lead to dynamic, versatile forwards. His insights shed light on maximizing offensive strategies while navigating modern soccer complexities.

Ruben Santos, a seasoned tactical methodology expert and set-piece coach who has trained with top Portuguese clubs like FC Porto, dives into the integration of set-pieces within the broader game model. He discusses the importance of pre-season preparation and contextual training for mastering set-pieces, balancing structure with adaptability. Ruben emphasizes innovative thinking in coaching, the need for individualized player development, and viewing set-pieces through the lens of fractals, creating a comprehensive understanding of football tactics.

Join Slawomir Morawski, an analyst at Bolton Wanderers and coaching expert, as he dives into the art of the first touch in football. He emphasizes that it's a cognitive action influenced by decision-making rather than just a technical skill. Slawomir discusses how modern coaching methods can evolve to enhance player awareness and independent thinking. He also highlights the cognitive effects of fatigue on decision-making and the importance of scanning for better game performance, encouraging coaches to adapt their strategies for the modern player.

David Sumpter, a Professor and co-founder of Twelve, blends mathematics with soccer analytics. He explores how studying bird behavior relates to football tactics, highlighting the concept of self-organization on the pitch. The conversation dives into the evolution of data use in clubs like Liverpool and Brentford, emphasizing its impact on player recruitment and performance. Sumpter also reveals the challenges coaches face in utilizing data effectively and discusses how AI innovations could reshape sports analytics in the coming years.

Join MSC Insider For Exclusive Content: https://modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptions Gary takes a trip to Atlanta to watch Lionel Messi live for the first time. He talks to Chicago City FC Academy Director and 1st team head coach, Conor Walsh about the impact of Messi, the tactical work of Luis Enrique and the player profile of Cole Palmer.

Join MSC Insider Here: https://modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptions Gary is joined by Coventry City Head of Recruitment, Dean Austin to discuss the current landscape of player development in England. The rise of the game at the highest level is potentially impacting the youth game and Dean gives his expert opinion why. He also discusses his role as Head of Recruitment at Coventry and talks Deadline Day, role of Data, and importance of Processes!

Andre Schumacher, author of 'Two Versus One' and sports science master, discusses innovative coaching for attacking football. He emphasizes the importance of 2v1 scenarios to enhance teamwork and create scoring opportunities. The conversation touches on situational training vs. rigid strategies, comparing German and American football philosophies. They explore the need for effective communication and adaptability in coaching, alongside the significance of fostering deep player connections and a proactive mindset to improve game dynamics.

Gary travels to Ipswich Town to speak with assistant coach Lee Grant (since then he's been appointed head coach at Huddersfield Town) to talk about his unique journey in the game, plus his insights to individual development. Lee was a pro goalkeeper at Manchester United and then joined Kieran McKenna's staff as a forwards coach, before recently taking the job at Huddersfield. Player development is often associated with the youth game, but Lee explains how the staff at Ipswich approach the detail and how elements like science, data, analysis and psychology are incorporated along the way. Phenomenal insight and an inspiring journey!!

Join the MSC Insider for more Exclusive Content: https://modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptions Gary recently travelled over to England to meet Dan Micciche for a coffee and a chat about the progress they have made in the area of player development. In addition to his passion around the game, Dan has worked in some outstanding environment's (England FA, Tottenham, Arsenal and Everton) and shares his views on the following: - Impact of the 2014 England FA's DNA - Teaching Winning Alongside Development - Managing Individual Success in a Team - Facilitating Player Buy-In to the Process And much, more! If you are passionate about player development, you will love this one!

Gary is joined by Rui Faria this week. Rui had seventeen years working with Jose Mourinho at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United with phenomenal success during this time. He is credited with the tactical methodology that has had a dramatic impact on the world of coaching. Here he discusses: - What is the REAL starting point for a tactical methodology - How did Rui and Mourinho create different styles in variety of cultures, but keep consistent - Has coaching lost it's way alongside science? - Why did he take away GPS monitoring at Manchester United? And much more!! Please leave a rating and a review if you enjoy it!