Is there a difference between how seasoned professionals are managed and players in an under-18 team?
OK, so the pros have a better understanding of the game, and better abilities. That’s just experience. But for both types of player repetition is key. You keep practicing set pieces and how to react to different situations again and again and again. That’s how you improve as a player. As a manager, support and motivation has to be there for all levels of player.
So how has coaching changed you as a person?
I really thought I knew about football taiwan rcs data having played for 20 years, but coaching has given me an increased level of empathy. If you’re going to make it playing in a league sport, the selfish side of you needs to be up front. You don’t need to worry too much about other people. But now I’m much more self-aware – how I appear, how I behave, my body language, how I communicate what I need to communicate. That change in me affects the team.
There’s one book I’m reading now that is fascinating: ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life’ by Mark Manson. I’d also recommend ‘Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography’ and ‘Legacy’ by James Kerr, too. The last one is about the All Blacks and their mental approach to becoming a better person. There’s a great belief in the team because, as they say, ‘better people make better All Blacks’. I love that.