WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE CLUB COACHES IN TODAY’ S SOCCER?
For starters, Pep Guardiola of Manchester City; his dominant possession-based football, emphasizing precise, passing high intensity, pressing to regain the ball and maintain a compact defensive shape. He expects all his players to be technically and tactically gifted. Secondly, Jürgen Klopp, former Manager at Liverpool; his emphasis on counter-pressing, demanding intense, physical effort, discipline, and commitment from his entire squad to quickly win back possession, and transition into attack. And thirdly Luis Enrique of PSG; he emphasizes collective effort, position, discipline and tactical adaptability. He demands maximum effort and unity from all his players.
WHO WERE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ALL TIME COACHES THAT YOU MOST ADMIRED DURING THE‘ 70S AND‘ 80S?
From the Dutch National Team Rinus Michels, who also coached the Los Angeles Aztecs of NASL. He introduced the“ Total Football Concept.” His philosophy was more of an“ attacking style of football” where every player on the pitch can attack and defend. His mentality was different in compared to the old traditional“ Catenaccio” Italian defensive system. He used and emphasized this same concept used at Ajax as well. Another of my favorites would be Helmut Schön of the West German National Team( 1964-1978). The best coach Germany has ever had with accomplishments as 1). runners up of 1966 World Cup; 2). 1972 EURO Champions; and 3). Champions of the 1974 World Cup tournament. He coached 25 World Cup games; earning an impressive record 16 matches won. Adding to my list of favorites would be Carlos Bilardo, of Argentina, who was the National Team coach from 1983-1990. The great Diego Maradona also played for him. Argentina enjoyed their best performances under the leadership of Bilardo becoming World Cup Champions in 1986 and reaching the final of the World Cup in 1990 but lost in the final to West Germany 1-0. He also coached in Colombia, Spain, Libya and Guatemala
HOW HAS THE COACHING PROFESSION CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?
The coaching profession has changed considerably in the last 20 years. I believe there is way too much pressure on coaches to perform because of the big salaries they are asking and getting. I think this hurts the development of younger players because coaches often must justify salaries and do many practices not appropriate for specific age groups. They may focus on more physical and tactical sessions when they should work and focus more on technique. Coaches must manage their players in a way that everyone gets playing time regardless of the level and size of roster. Having to deal with parents has become a major problem in youth soccer and very frustrating. Parents feel entitled just because they pay thousands of dollars, they feel their child should play. Coaches sometimes are put under pressure by the club to do things to satisfy parents. I remember back in the early days of my coaching; parents did not get involved and basically allowed you to run the team. That has changed tremendously and is an issue that always needs to be addressed and improved upon.
WHAT IMPROVEMENTS HAVE YOU SEEN IN THE COACHING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS UNDER U. S. SOCCER THAT YOU CAN DESCRIBE AND SHARE WITH US?
I believe that the“ coaching education” licensing is way too expensive. This has turned away many potential coaches who simply cannot afford one national license, never mind three or four. The federation needs to make it much more affordable. As far as programs for players, I believe there should be more events where players are identified without a cost. Every state association charges all kinds of money for players to be identified. There must be thousands of kids who simply are not identified because of cost factors. The federation needs to create developmental programs to ensure we are covering all our areas.
ARE PLAYERS IN THE UNITED STATES MUCH MORE TECHNICAL TODAY ON BALL THAN THEY WERE 20 YEARS AGO?
I believe players are more technical than before because the game has gotten so much faster! Soccer players today have learned to adapt to the high tempo of the game and are forced to be more technical. And with the new training methods that have surfaced and been introduced, all of this has made our players better all-around technical players. Also,“ coaching” in the U. S. has improved greatly! Particularly you see it in the younger age groups. The popularity in this country has really grown a lot and I believe since we are now able to bring games from around the world to our TV’ s, we will see even more participation from players and spectators. MLS has come a long way! By building its fan base and establishing itself as a recognized league around the world. Bringing in marquee players also helps with credibility. We must, however, continue to develop players here in our country and provide the professional environment they will need to succeed.
AS A FORMER PROFESSIONAL PLAYER AND COACH, WHAT IS YOUR ASSESSMENT OF THE USMNT UNDER COACH MAURICIO POCHETTINO FROM 2024 TO THE PRESENT?
I don’ t think Pochettino was the right coach for this team. I see negative results for WC 2026. He was brought in to prepare this team for a tournament and not for the long haul. I’ m not sure what type of style he wants to play with this team, but I think we lack the offensive creativity; we also have defensive issues, and I don’ t think he’ s really done a good job of creating a good nucleus core of players on this team. In the end, I think if the team does not perform well, he will always say that he was never given the right opportunity for this team to do well. He will move on for something bigger and brighter for himself.
HOW WILL THE USMNT DO IN NEXT YEAR’ S WORLD CUP TOURNAMENT? DO YOU THINK WE WILL QUALIFY OUT OF THE INITIAL GROUP?
I am hoping we get at least out of the group stage and into the next round, but I don’ t believe the US team will do well. We really have not played consistently in games; it seems we have holes in the defense and lack tremendously on attacking and creativity. It seems like there is no identity with this group. I thought for sure the last World Cup was a disappointment, but I don’ t think it will be better for 2026.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLAYERS IN TODAY’ S MODERN GAME?
My favorite player in the modern game would have to be Lionel Messi, who in my opinion is the greatest player in the world. His talent and ability on ball are extraordinary; it is why he is so magical, creative, and the most entertaining player to watch! Cristiano Ronaldo is my second choice. Undoubtedly one of the greatest players to play the game; his athleticism and talent put him right up near the top. I have to say that he is the greatest goal scorer and one of the best all-around players of the modern-day game. Rodri is on my favorite list too; he is the engine behind Man City’ s success; FIFA-PRO WORLD 11, Ballon d’ Or in 2024; his passing, composure, playmaking, and physical attributes makes him one of the best midfielders in the game.
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