Modern Soccer Coach Podcast

Ilya Orlov, Director of Football and Head Coach at Alliance United and University of Toronto, shares his innovative approach to football grounded in Football Theory. He discusses the need for aggressive strategies in youth development, highlighting adaptability in formations like 4-3-3. Ilya emphasizes the importance of scoring over possession, challenges conventional coaching mindsets, and advocates for flexible tactics. He also critiques traditional training methods, calling for a balance of theory and practice to enhance player development in today’s game.

Adi Viveash, a seasoned coach with a rich background at Chelsea Academy and now at Middlesbrough, delves into youth player development and the evolving landscape of football. He shares insights on the changing dynamics over the past decade, the balance needed between immediate success and long-term growth, and tackling challenges young players face. He emphasizes the importance of effective coaching and established systems in nurturing talent, while also discussing the technical and character development required for future stars.

Jo Chubb, head coach at Coastal Carolina University, talks about evolving her team's tactical approach for the upcoming season. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on tactical and individual development rather than just physical training. Jo shares insights on utilizing player feedback to foster teamwork and ownership, as well as the need for empathetic coaching in navigating athletes' emotional challenges. Additionally, she discusses balancing diverse playing styles in college soccer, ensuring a sustainable and adaptable framework for success.

In this engaging conversation, Conor Walsh, Academy Director at Chicago City FC and host of The Lowdown Podcast, shares insights from his time at the Barca academy. He dives into the essential balance between winning and developing players, emphasizing a people-centric coaching approach. Conor also discusses how personal development aligns with coaching methodologies and the unique challenges of player development in North America. His experiences underscore the importance of community, self-awareness, and connection in nurturing soccer talent.

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!