Modern Soccer Coach Podcast

• Principles Over Patterns | Ray Power on Rethinking the Modern Press & Coaching 'Philosophies'

  Watch Ray's full pressing webinar on MSC Insider below: https://modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptions Contact Ray directly about his coaching support: [email protected] In this episode, Gary welcomes Ray Power back to the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast for his third appearance — and one of the most important discussions yet. Together, they explore why modern coaching has become overly reliant on patterns, how this affects player decision-making, and what it means to truly coach with principles instead of prescriptions. From “shopping-list” pressing traps to “joystick coaching,” Ray shares his journey of ripping up rigid models and designing training that produces adaptable, creative, and resilient players. The pair also discuss the fear of losing that drives much of modern football, the difference between control and influence, and the role of everyday coach development in breaking those cycles.

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• "Know the Detail. Deliver it Simply" - Natalie Henderson on Modern Coaching

  In this episode of the MSC Podcast, Gary Curneen is joined by Natalie Henderson, Assistant Coach with the Canada Women’s National Team and former England and Newcastle United coach. Natalie's coach support work is below: padlockpad.com/nh-coach-support Together, they explore one of the most important — and often overlooked — challenges in modern football: how to stay authentic in a world full of information, judgment, and noise. Natalie opens up about: The growing pressure on coaches to “know everything” Finding balance between curiosity and confidence Leading experts across sports science, medicine, and analysis Creating authentic environments where players and staff can be themselves Protecting time for football amid meetings and distractions The “167 Rule” and why every coach plays a role in player psychology Building trust through genuine mentorship rather than tick-box programs From imposter syndrome to leadership, from player development to coach well-being, Natalie’s honesty shines through every topic. This is a must-listen for anyone trying to balance clarity, vulnerability, and growth in their coaching journey.

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• Martin O’Neill Returns to Celtic: ‘Football Has Become Overcomplicated’”

  JOIN MSC INSIDER BELOW: https://modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptions As Martin O’Neill returns to Celtic Football Club, we revisit a powerful conversation that captures everything he stands for as a coach and leader. From his early days under Brian Clough to managing Leicester, Celtic, Aston Villa, and the Republic of Ireland, O’Neill has lived through every phase of football’s evolution — and he’s never lost sight of what truly matters. In this interview, Martin reflects on: The lessons from Brian Clough and why simplicity still wins in a complicated world. Rebuilding belief at Celtic, turning a 21-point deficit into a 6–2 victory over Rangers and a title-winning side. Managing upwards in the modern game, where CEOs, directors, and data often overshadow football people. Roy Keane’s impact on culture, standards, and leadership inside the dressing room. The dangers of over-analysis, and why clarity and trust will always be the foundation of coaching. It’s an honest, entertaining, and deeply relevant listen for any coach navigating today’s game — reminding us that football is still, at its core, about people, relationships, and belief.

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• Street to Structure: How Brazil Builds Better Thinkers, Not Just Technicians with Eduardo Oliviera

  In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary sits down in Brazil with Eduardo Oliviera, an experienced coach who has worked with Brazil youth national teams and U20 teams at Botofogo, Atletico Mineiro, and Fluminese. He is also the author of the excellent book: Brazilian Coaching Methodology: Foundation Phases (Ages 5-12). Eduardo offers a fascinating look at what truly defines Brazilian football — a culture that values joy, creativity, and learning through play, while still evolving within a modern, organized framework. 🔑 Key Topics Discussed The Foundation Phase in Brazil: How 5–12-year-olds learn through games, not constant instruction. Street Soccer & Futsal: Why “the game is the teacher” and how variety of surfaces, ages, and formats builds creativity. Pedagogical Progression: Moving from street → futsal → 6v6 → 11v11 as a logical learning journey. The Role of the Coach: When and how to intervene — and why observation can sometimes teach more than feedback. Balancing Structure & Freedom: “Be organized, but not too organized” — the secret to keeping Brazilian football’s soul alive. Parent & Cultural Challenges: Managing pressure, pay-to-play systems, and helping families understand long-term development. Education & the Player Pathway: Why Brazil’s “tripod” of school, club, and family must align for success. Relationism & Coaching Identity: How labels can limit understanding, and why context is everything. Developing Coaches as Learners: Treating coaches as your “players” and building IDPs to raise standards across an organization.

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• How Good Is U.S. Player Development? A Tactical Breakdown with Alessandro Davite (Roma & Inter Milan)

  Read Alessandro's article FREE below: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/post/inside-the-tactical-evolution-of-usa-s-u20-world-cup-team Following the USA U20 team’s impressive showing at the FIFA U20 World Cup, Gary Curneen sits down with Alessandro Davite — a UEFA A Licensed Coach and Tactical Analyst who has worked with AS Roma, Inter Milan, and Sora — to take an objective, global look at how far U.S. player development has come. Alessandro recently wrote a full tactical report on Marko Mitrović’s U20 side for Modern Soccer Coach, analyzing the team’s build-up play, attacking structures, and use of “artificial transitions.” In this conversation, he expands on those ideas and discusses what makes the next generation of American players unique. ⚽ Discussion Highlights Why the USA U20 team displayed modern attacking dynamics and adaptability How the concept of “artificial transitions” creates a more fluid attacking model The balance between positional structure and player connections What European coaches really think about American players How the U.S. can continue to evolve tactically ahead of the 2026 World Cup

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