Hey, I don't know about the rest of you but I like watching and reading about the pros and how they do things. Growing up in North-East England I was always a big fan of Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Robson for their ability to inspire, and more recently, Jose Mourinho for all her brings the game. However, lately I've been hearing a lot of people rave about Marcelo Bielsa. I haven't been able to find any interviews with him translated into English but I've been watching some of his sides' games. It's very disciplined and patient, passing-heavy game plan that he seems to use. Lots of switching between lateral and vertical passes. Lots of emphasis on close control. But it's not tiki-taka. It's something else. Do any of you know a little more about him? His training? His philosophy? Or feel free to talk about your favorite coaches, managers, tacticians, etc.
It is not so much how he coaches the team. It is the system where his players came from that matters. I have Hiddink the Dutch coach notes. I also have Arsenals Wengers notes Their long but if that interests you I can post them.
So do I, but it is very hard to find anything specific about coaching or managing senior professional teams. Most of what is out there is similar to athlete interviews: "The team is great. The fans are wonderful...." The biographies are mostly propaganda selling a point of view or talking about personalities. At that level (senior professional team) a manager's success comes from the details, not generalities. I recently read Sir Alex Ferguson's autobiography. It was largely like that, but it had some specifics about his managing professional teams. That is not to say that I didn't enjoy the whole book, but it is an autobiography, not a text book on soccer team management. Anson Dorrance is an exception. He lays out specifics of how he manages and trains his UNC teams. But even so, he does not disclose any inside information that other schools may use against his team. I don't know of any similar books about professional or international teams. In another thread I linked a video that shows specifically how Arrigo Sacchi prepared Italy for the 1994 World Cup finals. Again I think that this video is an exception. It is a valuable exception because of his management of the great AC Milan teams from 1987-1991. My interest is in the evolution of total football, which I see generally as Brazil in the Pele era, followed by Ajax and Holland, then AC Milan, then Barca, and now perhaps Bayern Munich. It will be very interesting to see what happens there if Pep Guardiola stays.
I have Hiddink the Dutch coach notes. Can there be too much information? Naw Hiddinks 3-4-3 System The main features of this system as played by Hiddink are: 1.When in possession of the ball the first priorities if available was to pass to one of the three forward players which are either a left or right winger or a striker who is capable of dropping back of pushing forward off the last defender. If this is not possible then the ball would be passed to either the left or right midfield player. The forward players would the move constantly in search of a forward ball. The emphasis of attacking was constant high pressure combined with aggressively pushing on the penalty area. Forward players were also to anticipate lost balls by the defenders. 2.When not in possession of the ball of the ball the emphasis was on aggressive high pressure with closing down on the man with the ball and his neares passing options. The focus was defending to win ball back as quickly as possible. If the ball is advanced through the pressure or the opponent manages to keep composed possession forward players can drop into midfield to constrict space and overload the area of the ball. 3.On immediately regaining the ball a pass is made to best available forward player, midfield players are to overlap and make fast forward runs where possible to make sure the opponent withdraws facing their own goal and always has a player to cover. The coaching approach of Hiddink is focused on 2 areas: 1.Improving the players ability to use techniques and tactics to “solve problems” on the pitch. 2.Compensating for technical and tactical weaknesses by maximising fitness. The aim is to have simple tactics executed at maximum intensity for as long and aggressively as possible during the match.he believes this will give his team the best chance of winning the game. The following programme is designed to maximise physical performance of the above system and provide a format for building problem solving into small sided games. Periodization Programme The fitness work for this contains four areas: 1.Maintaining the ability to recover quickly between moments of action on the pitch 2.Maintaining explosiveness of action for longer during play 3.Maximising recovery ability 4.Maximising explosiveness Training to maintain quick recovery Extensive Endurance Training= 3-9 games of 10 minutes 11v112 minutes rest between games Intensive Endurance Training= 5-9 games of 8 minutes 7v72 minutes rest between games Training method to maintain explosiveness of action This is done to raise the pace of the game for longer periods. Repeated Short Sprinting= 2-4 series of 6-10 sprints of 15 m withopponent + finishing on goal10 seconds rest between sprints with 4 minutes rest between series. Training method for maximising recovery procces Extensive Interval Training=2 series of 6-10 games of 3 minutes 3 v 3 with 3-1 minutes rest between games and 4 minutes rest between series Trainingmethod to maximise explosiveness Sprinting Speed= 2-4 series of 8-10 sprints of 5 m withopponent + finishing on goal with 30 seconds rest between sprints and 4 minutes rest between series Periodizing training After builing the base of fitness above the focus is then periodization of training. This again uses global problem solving drills designed with Hiddinks two pronged approach in mind. All training methods contain elements like: – duration of work – number of repetitions – number of series – rest between repetitions – rest between series These elements within a training method can be used to develop overload during training. Forexample, a longer duration of work or a higher number of repetitions. The remaining questionis: which element do you change in what sequence and in what moment of time? Extensive Endurance Training 3-9 games of 10 minutes 11 v 11 2 minutes rest between games step 1. 10 min / rest 3 -2 min step 2. 10 min / rest 4- 2 min step 3. 10 min / rest 5- 2 min step 4. 10 min/rest 6 -2 min step 5. 10 min/ rest 7- 2 min step 6. 10 min /rest 8- 2 min step 7. 10 min /rest 9- 2 min Intensive Endurance Training 5-9 games of 8 minutes 7 v 7 with 2 minutes rest between games step 1. 8 min/rest5- 2 min step 2. 8 min / rest 6 -2 min step 3. 8 min /rest 7- 2 min step 4. 8 min /rest 8- 2 min step 5.8 min /rest 9 -2 min Extensive Interval Training 2 series of 6-10 games of 3 minutes 3v3 with 3-1 minutes rest between games and 4 minutes rest between series step 1. 3 min/ 6 games 3 min rest /2- 4 min step 2. 3 min/ 6 games 2.5 min rest/2 -4 min step 3. 3 min/ 6games 2 min rest /2- 4 min step 4. 3 min/ 6 games 1.5 min rest / 2- 4 min step 5. 3 min/ 6games 1 min rest /2- 4 min step 6. 3 min/ 7 games 1 min rest /2 -4 min step 7. 3 min/ 8 games 1 min rest / 2- 4 min step 8. 3 min/ 9 games 1 min rest /2 -4 min step 9. 3 min /10 games 1 min rest / 2- 4 min Repeated Short Sprinting 2-4 series of 6-10 sprints of 15 metres with opponent + finishing on goal with 10 seconds rest between sprints and 4 minutes rest between series. step 1. 15 m /6- 2 reps/10 sec /4 min step 2. 15 m /7 -2 reps/10 sec/ 4 min step 3. 15 m /8 -2 reps/10 sec /4 min step 4. 15 m/ 9 -2 reps/10 sec /4 min step 5. 15 m /10- 2reps/ 10 sec/ 4 min step 6. 15 m /10 -3reps/ 10 sec /4 min step 7. 15 m /10- 4 reps/10 sec /4 min Sprinting Speed 2-4 series of 8-10 sprints of 5 metres with opponent + finishing on goal with 30 seconds rest between sprints and 4 minutes rest between series step 1. 5 m /8 2 reps/ 30 sec /4 min step 2. 5 m/ 9 2 reps/30 sec /4 min step 3. 5 m /10 2 reps/30 sec /4 min step 4. 5 m /8 3 reps/30 sec /4 min step 5. 5 m /9 3 reps/ 30 sec /4 min step 6. 5 m /10 3reps/ 30 sec/ 4 min step 7. 5 m/ 8 4 reps/ 30 sec /4 min step 8. 5 m /9 4 reps/30 sec /4 min step 9. 5 m/ 10 4 reps/30 sec /4 min Guide lines for effective training sessions As well as following the above concepts there are certain guidelines for effective training sessions which Hiddink follows: 1.Only football activities should be used as the main ways to increase fitness. 2.Intensity should not be allowed to drop during training there should always be some form of over load present. 3.The coach has the final say on all training sessions based on what his targets are i.e he decides which areas should be worked on more intensely depending on what need improving the most. 4.Every player must do exactly what they are instructed to do in order for the system to run properly. This provides the organisational base on which problem solving and initiative can be allowed. Tactical rules are kept very simple. 5.As the session progresses tactical rules are taken more strictly to improve the ability to function effectively tacticly when fatigued, the coaches role is to point out where players make mistakes when they fatigue and then direct how to improve this area. 6.If there is a solution to a problem decided upon the every aspect of performance relating to that solution must be performed with full discipline and work rate, as allowing players to become slack in skipping good habits is damaging to the team discipline and organisation. 7.Rest sessions should be used for problem solving questions which relate to the tactical situations the team are facing. 8.Interventions are made only up to the point where the tactical aims are performed effectively for a given situation after this the exercises will be repeated for habit building and fitness. 9.The aim of tactical games is to focus on reading the situation, solving problems and decision making as these areas when trained properly create a dramatic improvement in performance.
I posted this once before here somewhere Wenger's philosophy of the game Arsenal uses a 4-4-2 system. Wenger is constantly working to refine this system on the levels of both group and team tactics. The team's defence is very attack-oriented. They attack their opponents early with a midfield press that alternates between a diamond formation and a back four. This tactic represents a calculated risk that the coach and his players are willing to accept (since most of the players are English and French, they have been playing without a sweeper since they were children). · Wenger demands aggressive, ball-oriented defence from his players and cultivates it with lots of practice games in tight spaces. When Arsenal gets the ball, its attack is very forward-focused. Square passes and runs parallel to the endline are to be avoided. However, contrary to the "typical English" playing style, Arsenal relies mainly on short passes in the opposition's half - until they get close to the goal, where every player is encouraged to take risks and go for the goal with confidence and determination. Errors are allowed, but playing carelessly and losing the ball is forbidden. · Wenger places special emphasis on communication within the team. Every exercise is accompanied by shouts and commands that are loud and clear - aggressively so, if the situation requires it - and successful plays are greeted with cheers and applause. Players are expected to be actively engaged with one another and to cooperate in building team spirit, morale and enthusiasm for the Arsenal style. The reserve team: Training methods and objectives The reserve team coach's main responsibility is to prepare players for the professional team, and he works closely with the head coach to do so. Before every session, they discuss which reserve players should practice with the professional team. This, combined with the players' academic responsibilities, means that sometimes there is no practice session for the reserve team. On these days, their coach assists with the A-team's session, which keeps him up to date on their exercises and training concepts. The reserve team plays in a round robin against the other Premier League youth teams. Since the idea is to give all youth players maximum exposure to match play, this tournament does not include scoring, advancement or relegation. In spite of this, all the teams try hard and keep up a fast pace, because these matches have a high prestige value for them. Wenger always observes these matches, which helps motivate the players even more. Training methods and concepts for the reserve and youth teams are almost identical to those of the professional team: · positional play without opponents · group and team defence tactics · coordination training · games in tight spaces · games on one goal. Summary Whether this club scores a major international victory or not, their coaches are definitely on the right track with their current approach. Wenger has provided Arsenal with a solid soccer philosophy. And instead of just talking about the importance of a close connection between the pros and the youth team, Arsenal has created one. At Arsenal, like any other big professional club, the pressure to succeed is great. Fortunately, this is one club that seems to have infinite patience and confidence in the work of its head coach and his team. Coaching philosophy During the week leading up to the match with Valencia, Arsenal had only four practice sessions. Moreover, some of the foreign players were required to play for their national teams, and a number of players participated in a match with the reserve team. Wenger always gives his players the first day off after matches. He believes that mental regeneration with family and/or friends is more important for his players than the customary regeneration run, which functions more as physical regeneration and has no proven training benefits. The team normally does not meet until the second day after the match. Practice sessions always start at 11:00 am. A relaxed practice atmosphere is very important to Wenger, which is why he requires his players to arrive at the training camp one hour early, so they can mentally prepare themselves for the 90-minute session ahead, at leisure and without stress. Two days before a match, practice lasts only 60 minutes and typically focuses on set plays and short-term exertions (like sprints and shooting) that require lots of takeoff power. Team-building During practice, Wenger demonstrates the same excitement and engagement he requires of his players. The mood is positive and light, even though all the players are intensely focused. Since practice sessions are frequently closed to the public (including journalists), everyone involved can play "naturally." When asked about the potential difficulty of working with so many so-called "stars," Wenger replied: "It isn't difficult at all! Without cameras, journalists and kibitzers, every player can be natural, and no one has to put on an act. So everyone interacts normally. Problems only arise when the media is constantly present." Arsenal holds only one press conference per week (every Friday). The team gathers together for lunch and the break (massage, etc.) that follows. Afterwards, players are allowed to leave the training camp. Altogether, they spend four to five hours "on campus" every day. Practice schedule and exercises Every practice session is informed and shaped by observations from the previous match. However, we can sketch an outline of a typical session: · Warm-up takes place indoors and consists of cycling, soccer tennis and strength exercises. Strength training exercises are determined at the beginning of each warm-up and led by a fitness coach. To help determine the direction of individual fitness training, endurance and speed tests take place throughout the season as necessary. · The main session starts with small games focusing on attack tactics: short pass combinations, moving up from the backfield, and 1 v. 1 situations on the goal. Alternatively, this part of the session may also focus on technique, coordination or speed. · Players then move on to practice positional play and finishing, as well as individual and group tactics such as the back four, defensive play for midfielders and attackers, offsides situations and defending in 1 v. 1 situations. · The session concludes with endurance training: primarily practice games, occasionally running without the ball. According to Wenger's training concept, these methods are essential for successful tactical play (compact defence, forward passes, short pass combinations). For exercises focusing on attacking play, Wenger uses fields designed according to his specifications. This allows players to approximate the tactics they expect to use in the next match and the required techniques more closely. Since a smaller field speeds up the game, players are forced to deal with intense time and opposition pressure. Training with practice games While Wenger delegates plenty of work to his two assistant coaches, he still takes on the majority of the responsibility for training himself. He discusses the schedule with his assistants before each practice session. This structured planning and the division of labour it requires makes a difference that shows. · Whether it is a complex tactics exercise or a simple speed exercise without the ball, Wenger pays close attention, analyses results and makes corrections as needed. In this way he shares with players his optimism and confidence that the same mistake will not happen again on the next try. Though the pace is intense and concentration is essential, players are still supposed to have fun at practice. Wenger yells out encouragement and gives each player clear commands and instructions during the exercises. Typical games and exercises to teach individual, group and team tactical play are introduced during the practice sessions. Coordination and technique exercises also show up on a regular basis. · Players practice the flat four with 4 v. 4 or 5 v. 5 games on one goal. Note: Sometimes the players themselves request this exercise at the end of a week, to help solidify their defence tactics. · 8 v. 8 exercises on one goal focus on cooperation between the back four and the midfield. · 9 v. 0 positional games on one goal (without opponents) help players reinforce and solidify passing and running patterns. · 8 v. 8 exercises on two goals (in a half or two-thirds of a field, always extending across the entire width of the field) let players practice moving the attack forward. · Coordination training and technique combined with speed round out the program. Youth training Coaching philosophy In England, every professional team thinks of itself as an "Academy" or training centre, so 17- to 19-year-olds are already practicing in a professional context. Classrooms are available in the administrative section of the complex for academic instruction, which takes place twice a week, supervised by part-time teachers. Team eligibility is based on individual performance more than age, so a 17-year-old could easily be playing on the 19-year-old team. Every year during the professional championships, the 18-year-old team competes for the FA Cup, which is one of the highest awards in English youth soccer. The reserve team provides "backup" for all the other teams. The best players from the younger teams are integrated into this team in practice sessions and during the reserve season. While the coaches are not required to follow a strictly defined training concept, they are expected to use systems and tactics compatible with Wenger's conception as described above. The coaching team To promote communication between the head coach and the youth coaches, all coaches are asked to arrive at the training camp early in the morning. Wenger's position is "first among equals:" He has the final word on any decision, but he is always available for dialogue and mutual exchange of ideas with the youth coaches. He is also responsible for signing promising new talents, and he maintains close contact with the head of talent scouting. The younger teams are not included in this system. Instead, they answer to a youth coordinator, who oversees scouting and signing new talents in cooperation with the relevant coaches.
You never have enough right. In this is youth football in holland it also mentions the key differences from the dutch and English football YOUTH FOOTBALL IN HOLLAND 1. INTRODUCTION 2. EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT 3. AGE GROUPS 4. LEAGUE STRUCTURE 5. CLUB STRUCTURE 6. RELATIONSHIPS WITH PROFESSIONAL CLUBS INTRODUCTION There is and always has been very limited Schools football in Holland, which has traditionally meant that The Amateur Clubs have always been the main providers of youth football. For this reason many clubs are long established and well structured. Whilst Dutch Football has had a good reputation over the last 30 years in terms of the footballing culture, this did n’t stop the KNVB in 1997 undertaking the biggest research into football in Europe, with the aim of improving the quality of Dutch Football. The result was the publication of ‘The Dutch Master Plan of Youth Football’ (March 2001). Very broadly this identified the unmistakable link between the bottom and top of the football pyramid and has provided a number of initiatives to optimise the structure of the game in Holland at all levels. Fundamentally there are a number of key differences between the English and the Dutch football culture. ‘EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT’ The whole ‘Dutch System’ at youth level is based around ‘education and development of the individual’. It allows for a talented boy to play above his age against older boys, if the ‘Youth Committee’ at his Club think this is in his best interests. This is illustrated later. In Holland each Club and therefore each team has very clear ‘Rules and Agreements’ for the players, parents and coaches. These are well known by each party. It is very noticeable that the game ‘belongs’ to the children in Holland, all boys play the same length of time, the coaches keep a strict record of playing times for each boy. In England it is more usual for the stronger players to play for longer and the weaker players to spend more time on the bench. There are a number of reasons for this. Firstly, in England there is a bigger emphasis placed on the result of the match and there is little player development. Secondly, the English Club structure means that most clubs have only ‘one team’ per age group, because of this there are usually a number of different ability levels within one team. In the end the ‘subs’ usually drift away (from the game in many cases) and the stronger players become frustrated and little learning takes place. It is also unusual in England for ‘Pre Season meetings with the parents and players to explain the aim of the season. In Holland a lot of Amateur Clubs have a well defined structure laid out by way of a ‘Plan’. Each age group has more than one team, from the strongest teams to the weaker teams (see below). All these teams have players of similar age and ability levels, this enables each player to perform to his own level. Within this structure there is the method where a player who shows improvement can move to a team above. The coaches of both teams along with the ‘Youth Co-ordinator’ would discuss the situation and after involving the player and his parents would make a decision. Yet another major difference to many Leagues in England (2,200 in total!)is the very relaxed stance on ‘Player Registrations’. There is no ‘card checking’, proof of age etc, again the reason for this is because their football culture puts the child first, ‘why should they cheat’? for whose benefits would this be? Winning matches for matches’ sake is simply not the issue it seems to be in England. Likewise players can freely move between their own teams if it
This is why Manchester and Arsenal are always the top clubs in general. Got this from the head of a school of excelence for a lower tear club. This is a very old post so things may have changed. He was the coach of Bury at the time. Subject: schools of excellence It really depends on the club. The only criteria that has changed is that they can only take on children under 16 from no more than 10 miles from the club. I saying that though, top prem clubs have now established 'Locality feeder clubs' which are either sponsored clubs already established or new club set-ups which incorporate a different area to the main club. From these 'clubs' the best players are taken for trials. This is one of the main reasons why top clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United now 'invite' young players for trials from other countries or indeed fund overseas feeder clubs in areas where there is no restriction on distance from a catchment point of view. As for the age at which players can be members of Schools of Excellence the clubs are bound by the new FA Child Protection Scheme sponsored by GOAL. I could easily say that its this or that age, but I know that even as young as 6 years old, there are instances of these 'talented' players playing for 'certain funded amateur clubs' which are the link to these Schools of Excellence. In my opinion, you can go to the FA Site and get the official line if you want, but that is only the superficial word - the actual way is far from that.
Subject: ajax system They have 10 youth teams of 16 players each. Plus 36 first team full professionals. All teams are divided into LEFT SIDE PLAYERS, RIGHT SIDE PLAYERS and CENTRAL PLAYERS. So, a "unit" would be right back, right mid, and right striker. Players RARELY move between these units. So if you are the world's SECOND best right striker playing behind the world's BEST right striker, and perchance the Left striker gets injured. You still sit on the bench, and they fill in with another left side player or bring one up from a lower age group. That is what I was told any way.
Now the Subject: The french way The French Federation of Football (Soccer) is structured as follows: The French National Technical Staff consists of 14 full-time people including Mr. Jacquet. All the coaches are ex-professional players with backgrounds in education and they all maintain the highest coaching certification available in France and Europe. France is divided into 21 regions; each one of the regions has a full-time Technical Director that oversees all football programs, mainly youth development. All the Directors report directly to the National Technical Director. All the Regional Technical Directors and National Staff come into the National Training Center twice per year for professional development. This is to make sure that everyone is up to date on all developments. Mr. Jacquet believes that the French system is presently very healthy, full of star players and it is there to stay for a long time. Mr. Jacquet's statement is supported by the following objectives: The main objective is coaching development. Without top level educators, France will not be able to produce quality players. The second objective is player identification for the National Teams. France has 7 male National Teams starting at U16 and ending with the World Cup Team. The most important team within the National system is the Olympic U23, otherwise known as Equipe Espoir. The third objective is the youth. From age 6 to 11, it's called the "learning stage and fun football." From age 12 to 16, it's called the "technical stage," where players have to train for 2 hours of purely technique on a daily basis. From age 16 onwards, top level players are usually signed to a formation center. France has 52 formation centers that belong to the top professional clubs in the country. All players go through physiological and medical testing. The older players are tested psychologically. France are developing very athletic players that are tactically astute. The technical ability of a player is still the prime asset. This makes the fine difference at the professional level. Age 16 is very key in a player's development. This is where they begin their major strength and conditioning. The strength training must be related to the game. Speed and explosiveness with the ball must be trained. Very competent and knowledgeable coaches must work at this level. With women's soccer, France is in the process of building a training center specifically for the female athletes. And as FIFA President, Mr. Sepp Blatter previously said, "the future of football
Subject: swedish way From a Swedish coach There are tons of soccer clubs there, and most of the mid size to bigger clubs have youth programs. The programs are often run as recommended by the Swedish Soccer Assoc. Age 7-9 play 5v5, #3 ball and small field. Age 10-12 play 7v7, #4 ball and still small field. From age 13 you play full size and 11v11. Usually practice is 2-3 times per week and a game every weekend. Season April-Sept. Adidas sponsors instructional soccer programs for age 6-13, which are popular. There are elite camps arranged by the Soccer Assoc. for age 15. The players are picked by each regional soccer assoc. There are also 4 schools for age 16-20 where they get an education and play soccer. Only a selected number is chosen each year from many applicants. Many teams participate in diff. cups, e.g., Gothia Cup, during the summer when league play is on hold. In regard to winter fields some gravel/sand fields have underground heating from recycled hotwater from industries. I know that my hometown's game field now have underground heating so that the field will be ready for the season premier in beginning of April. It's four hrs north of Stockholm and they usually get 3-4 feet of snow. When I played we usually started our outdoor season in Feb. And we played on a cleared, snowy soccer field with a layer of sand on top for traction. Now, indoor training facilities with a full size game field are starting to be built in many major cities
This is a little bet different. A player asked me what team is better to play on a MLS reserve team or an A league team this was a while back. "Do you think these reserve teams would be better than, say, the A-League? " That's a good question. You would think so right? Being a reserve team for a MLS team should be better then starting on A-league team. That makes some sense. I don't think it is the case unfortunately. The better team would be the 2nd division team like an A-league team better then a MLS reserve team. You use the reserve team for bodies to help in training at times of the first division team and a second division team A-league has a reserve team also no? You may put a new player on the reserve team until he can work into the starting line up or while healing an injury. The reserve team plays games against other reserve teams. You need those guys close. Plus the play of reserve teams is not always that good. No one will pay to see those games I guess some would. Sometimes a reserve team plays right after the first division team plays. There is a rule somewhere in a lot leagues. That to be in a first or second division team you must also have a reserve team. I don't know for sure but I think English league works like this. It happens here in some senior league for 70/80 yrs. They copied what they do in the European leagues.
I find this one to be pretty bizarre. What's logic behind not allowing left-sided and right-sided players to switch? I played a number of positions as a kid and I feel like it only benefited me.
I find it to be a weakness in their system as well. But they win so it is always hard to argue with success.
This is great stuff! Hiddink's system in particular. I didn't know he favoured a 3-4-3, it's the same system I like to use with my women's team. Thanks!
It keeps a structure though that communicates that the system and plans are greater than any individual player. It could be seen as bizarre but it could also be seen to giving a strict hierarchy. That's my opinion at least, so I can sort of get what they are going for
It's a different level and mindset and situation than most of us have to consider or deal with. They pick from a pretty elite pool of players. It's much more efficient as well. If the kid doesn't cut it at left wing where he's placed they won't shuttle him around looking for a better fit. They'll just look for a better player at left wing.
Anyone have any info on Jose Mourinho and his approach? I'm sure there's stuff out there with training sessions etc, but I'm less concerned with 'what?' and more concerned with 'why?'
You can read a short bio on wiki or a book. I have read and recommend Alex Ferguson, "My Autobiography." I have also just purchased 2 books on Mourinho ("Further Anatomy of a Winner" & "Special Leadership: Creating and Managing Successful Teams") and 1 on Pep Guardiola ("Another Way of Winning"). He is not just a suit. He played as a youth, got a sports science degree, and then worked his way into professional coaching. He was an assistant to 2 legendary coaches: Sir Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal. Keep in mind he is managing professionals where winning is everything, not youth. Before reading these books, my impression is that he builds on total soccer with an emphasis on pressing and pragmatic tactics. Also he applyies science and pyschology to coaching (and to winning). Another coaching biography that I recommend is "When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi." It is excellent. I belive that Lombardi was the "father" of modern coaching in the US. I don't know what inspired Wiel Coerver, but his Coerver Method is similar to Lombardi's approach to training.
This was a great read. IMO, France seems to be a development model that makes the most practical sense to me anyway. The part that really struck home to me was "France is divided into 21 regions; each one of the regions has a full-time Technical Director that oversees all football programs, mainly youth development." The key word there is ALL football programs are overseen by a technical director of a region. Here in the US, the development oversight and the trickle down of quality training/coaching information and effective trickle up in the talent/scouting are very fractioned, disjointed and only capturing a small portion of our youth population effectively at all (those in elite clubs). Do the majority children in Sweden and France have to pay the comparable club fees and extensive travel requirements like we do in the US in order to get high quality coaching and development training?
On paper the US is the same. USSF has 54 "state" organizations each with a qualified and trained technical director (DOC) in charge of training. It is more organizations, but we have more territory than France. A lot of qualified people who have looked into it, say that we are equal with other countries in development of elite players at the pre-teen stage, but fall behind during the teen years, because in other countries the teens are professionals and train as professionals. (I believe the opinion is based to a degree on match results of elite teams.) Many people, experts and others, say that a key to improvement is better training on fundamentals during the pre-teen years. While we can do much better with pre-teens, not many people think we are behind other countries at that point. I wouldn't get too excited about comparing the strength of the US DA teams to other amateur teams. In many countries the best teen players are not playing on amateur teams.