Player Development

As the final whistle blew on Sunday 25th January there was relief, passion and a very happy fanbase. Genoa came back from 2-0 down at home to Bologna in a crazy game, Bologna had goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski sent off for a final man challenge. That red card changed the complexion of the game. Just over… The post Genoa CFC Flourishing Under Daniele De Rossi first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Denzel Dumfries’ journey at Inter Milan has never been short of drama, drive, and decisive moments. Since arriving in 2021, the Dutch right wing-back has faced scrutiny and praise in equal measure. But the 2024–25 season was arguably his most complete and defining campaign yet — a year that combined physical dominance, tactical maturity, and… The post Denzel Dumfries: The Relentless Engine Powering Inter’s Right Flank first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Shumaira Zion “Shim” Mheuka is an 18-year-old forward who is establishing himself as a prospect to watch at Chelsea. He is a striker and a step up as captain for the U21s, and an all-around elite goal scorer. He has the technical ability, physicality, and mature mentality that are often lacking at the youth football… The post Shim Mheuka: Chelsea’s Newest Homegrown Hope first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Iconic World Cup winner Marco Materazzi has accused Manchester United's board of making 'one of the biggest transfer mistakes ever'.

Can your kid really train in Barcelona, or are parents sometimes chasing the wrong thing? In this episode of Chasing the Game: Youth Soccer in America, Liron Hason is joined by Patrick Ouckama and Barcelona-based coach Nil Congost of EOS Football to unpack what U.S. soccer families often misunderstand about Spain, Catalonia, and elite player development. This is not a fantasy conversation about famous badges. It is a real discussion about what actually shapes players: culture, pressure, decision-making, training with purpose, and the difference between looking technical and actually helping the team in the game. Nil explains: • what makes Catalonia such a strong football environment • why promotion and relegation change standards • why many players train a lot but still do not transfer it to the game • what kind of American player can benefit from training in Spain • why purposeful training matters more than empty repetition If you are a soccer parent thinking about academies, Spain trips, elite environments, supplemental training, or long-term development, this episode gets underneath the image and into the reality. Chapters 0:00 Can Your Kid Really Train in Barcelona? 1:36 Nil Congost’s Path and EOS Football 4:36 What Catalonian Football Really Means 7:36 Why Barcelona Pulls American Families 9:51 How Relegation Changes the Standard 13:52 Why Every Drill Needs Real Challenge 18:28 The Missing Link in U.S. Development 22:52 Technical Training vs Real Game Transfer 28:42 If Training Has No Purpose, It Isn’t Football 33:54 How Nil Builds Sessions That Actually Teach 39:28 What American Players Gain From Catalonia 44:20 Which Players Benefit Most From Spain 52:52 When the System Becomes Bigger Than the Player 54:06 EOS Football, U.S. Camps, and Final Thoughts #SoccerParents #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #Barcelona #MLSNEXT Connect with coach: instagram @nilcongost @eosfootballgroup @eosfootball.california mail [email protected] [email protected] whatsapp +34 609 947 109

The stage is now set for the semi-finals of the Champions League - but it's taken controversy to get here. Lianne reflects on the refereeing decisions from Chelsea's second leg against Arsenal and predicts who will make it through to the final! She also discusses the reported pressure on Marc Skinner at Man United and whether it's deserved. Plus, we're joined by London City Lionesses' assistant coach Becky Langley who tells us how important it is to have Michelle Kang's influence at the club. Former Man City forward Natasha Flint opens up on her career to date, admitting she's delighted to be reunited with coach Nick Cushing now she's at Denver Summit. And Seattle reign coach Laura Harvey tells us about life in the NWSL! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Ben Symes, David Wilson and roving reporter Matthew Brennan on this week’s episode of the Green Scene, your one-stop shop for all things Irish football. Matthew reports from Carton House where he was talking to some members of Manchester United, and what their friendly with Leeds United at Croke Park means for Irish football. After a big week for the Irish contingent in the EFL, the lads look back on the impact of Jack Moylan and ponder whether he could be involved in the camp in Spain in May. There is news of Jaden Umeh ripping it up in Portugal, whilst Mason Melia makes his first bow in a Tottenham Hotspur shirt. And with Owen Elding continuing his fine start to life at Hibernian, the lads chat about who else could come into the Irish senior team of a possible English persuasion. And as ever, we are looking for your inspiration to help us, fancy getting in touch? You can do so by emailing [email protected] Contact us on socials @offtheball across all our platforms. Or if you want to contact us directly message the @offtheball.football account on Instagram. And as ever, we are on WhatsApp on 087 9 180 180. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join The Green Scene on Off The Ball is brought to you by Cadbury, proud sponsor of the Republic of Ireland football teams.

Clint Mathis returns for an extended conversation with Matt Doyle and Tab Ramos, diving deep into one of the most fascinating careers in U.S. Soccer history. From growing up in Conyers, Georgia where the odds of becoming a professional soccer player were slim, to emerging as one of the game’s most electrifying talents, Clint shares his full journey. The group revisits his legendary run with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars, his on and off-field connection with Tab, and the unforgettable goals that defined his MLS career. Clint also relives his iconic strike against South Korea at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, a moment that helped push the U.S. out of the group stage, along with memories from the clashes against Mexico and Germany and just how close that team came to the World Cup Final. Off the field, Clint opens up about life in New York City, his “rockstar” persona, and how it may have impacted the length of his career. Plus, he reveals his All-Time USMNT Starting XI and shares the story of how close he came to joining Bayern Munich. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Real Madrid and Brazil star Endrick named Sir Bobby Charlton as one of his idols after scoring his first senior international goal

In this MSC Breakdown, we go inside three attacking exercises used by top-level coaches, designed to reflect the real demands of the game. Each practice is built around clear visual references, using multiple pictures to show both opposed and unopposed moments, positional structure, and player movement. The focus is on creating realistic attacking situations while maintaining high tempo and repetition. These are not static drills. Every exercise is designed to connect directly to the game, helping players recognize pictures, make decisions, and execute under pressure. You will see how top coaches balance structure with freedom, detail with flow, and complexity with clarity. If you are looking to improve your attacking training and move away from unrealistic practices, this breakdown gives you three clear ideas you can take straight onto the field. Subscribe for more MSC Breakdown videos every week. #ModernSoccerCoach #SoccerCoaching #FootballTraining #PlayerDevelopment #coachingeducation #SoccerCoaching #soccerdrills #FootballCoaching #BuildUpPlay #SessionDesign #ModernSoccerCoach #EliteCoaching #TacticalTraining #FootballTactics #CoachingEducation #SoccerSession #TrainingDesign #PositionalPlay #garycurneen #modernsoccercoach #freedrills #GameModel #CoachingPhilosophy #CoachDevelopment #SoccerAnalysis #FootballAnalysis #HighPerformanceCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #EliteTraining #SoccerCoachLife #AcademyCoaching #PressResistance #BuildUpPatterns #TacticalPrinciples #CoachingTheGame #FootballDevelopment #SoccerTactics #11v11 #ModernGame

Florian Wirtz has been tipped to become Liverpool’s main man once Mohamed Salah leaves the club in the summer. The German playmaker has had a mixed first season at Anfield since his arrival last su…

Could they be making a big mistake?

A young buck from Spain, schooled at Barcelona's famed La Masia academy before winning it all at club level, is rather underappreciated among the established order.

Liam Rosenior insisted he and the Chelsea squad would rally around Jamie Gittens after the £52m signing suffered another injury setback.

Marseille head coach Habib Beye has warned Arsenal loanee Ethan Nwaneri that parts of his game still need to be 'much stronger'.

Chelsea are set to sign Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco

Nicky Butt believes can see Manchester United bringing James Garner back to Old Trafford after his impressive performances at Everton.

Danny Mills believes that Manchester United and Arsenal transfer target Elliot Anderson is 'way off' the level required to be considered one of England's best current midfielders.

Phil Foden has been urged to leave Manchester City this summer for the betterment of his club and international career. The 25-year-old is currently in the midst of his first career pitfall having …

Alistair Bruce-Ball is joined by Guillem Balague, Rafa Honigstein and Mina Rzouki who discuss the fallout after Italy fail to qualify for a third World Cup in a row. Mina gives an insight into why it's not happening for Italy and an issue with developing players in Italy and the type of players they want. Asmir Begovic, who played for Bosnia in their last and only World Cup in 2014 joins the pod and explains why a smaller nation was able to play with less pressure and how that worked in Bosnia's favour. Commentator for TVP sport Maciej Iwanski talks Poland as they fail to qualify for a major tournament for the first time since 2016 and have we seen the last of Robert Lewandowski in a Poland shirt? TIME CODES: 01:22 - Will the World Cup miss Italy? 06:00 - Italian fallout 15:15 - Transition & development issue? 19:15 - Fabio Capello the problem? 23:54 - Bosnia & Asmir Begovic 31:09 - The lack of pressure helped Bosnia? 34:23 - Commentator for TVP sport Maciej Iwanski on Poland 5 Live Commentaries this week: Saturday 4th April – 5:15pm – Men’s FA Cup Quarter Finals – Chelsea v Port Vale Saturday 4th April – 8pm – Men’s FA Cup Quarter Finals – Southampton v Arsenal Sunday 5th April – 1pm – Women’s FA Cup Quarter Finals – Arsenal v Brighton Sunday 5th April – 4:30pm - Men’s FA Cup Quarter Finals – West Ham v Leeds

Shumaira Zion “Shim” Mheuka is an 18-year-old forward who is establishing himself as a prospect to watch at Chelsea. He is a striker and a step up as captain for the U21s, and an all-around elite goal scorer. He has the technical ability, physicality, and mature mentality that are often lacking at the youth football… The post Shim Mheuka: Chelsea’s Newest Homegrown Hope first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Denzel Dumfries’ journey at Inter Milan has never been short of drama, drive, and decisive moments. Since arriving in 2021, the Dutch right wing-back has faced scrutiny and praise in equal measure. But the 2024–25 season was arguably his most complete and defining campaign yet — a year that combined physical dominance, tactical maturity, and… The post Denzel Dumfries: The Relentless Engine Powering Inter’s Right Flank first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Buy our scarves and more merch ⁠⁠⁠at the xOG store⁠⁠⁠ now! Join Patreon and ⁠⁠⁠use the code "XOGNEW2"⁠⁠⁠ to get 50% off an annual membership! The three-game week so early in the NWSL season did a number on many teams, especially ones that traveled. After the guys round up the weekend's slate—including Eric being pitchside for the Denver Summit's record-breaking home opener—they dig into the top-of-the-table clash between Angel City and the Houston Dash. Are these teams really good? What has Houston changed since last year? What are Angel City doing well and what's smoke and mirrors? Early-season weirdness abounds! Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series! Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Did we make an own goal? E-mail us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew May joins Chasing the Game: Youth Soccer in America for a direct conversation about what families really need in a system that often leaves them guessing. Drawing on coaching experience at Chivas USA, LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, Real Monarchs, and LAFC, Andrew breaks down how parents can better understand club environments, ask the right questions, and avoid making decisions based on logos, pressure, or panic. This episode gets into: • how to judge a club beyond the badge • What parents should ask before joining • how IDPs and real development should work • where communication breaks down between clubs and families • how parent ego, anxiety, and private training can distort the process • what players actually need during setbacks and difficult moments • Why the parent-child relationship matters so much on the car ride home and beyond If you’re a soccer parent trying to make smarter decisions about development, fit, communication, and long-term growth, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more conversations on youth soccer in America, MLS NEXT, ECNL, player development, club culture, college pathway questions, and the real decisions families face every week. Chapters 00:00 Parents are overwhelmed. And guessing 02:00 Andrew May’s path through top academies 04:35 What changed in his view of development 07:25 Why parents struggle to read the landscape 10:05 How to judge a club beyond the badge 14:55 The right questions to ask a club 18:45 IDPs, growth setting, and real progress 22:10 Pressure, private training, and parent ego 27:10 Communication gaps between clubs and families 31:45 Supporting players through hard moments 38:40 What top environments actually do better 45:55 The car ride home and parent-player trust 52:35 You are the customer. Ask what you’re paying for 55:15 Final takeaways for soccer parents #YouthSoccer #SoccerParents #PlayerDevelopment #MLSNEXT #ClubSoccer

Italian celebrity chef Aldo Zilli has labelled the national team as a bunch ‘mummy’s boys’. Italy became the first former winners to miss out on three consecutive World Cups havin…

In a system historically based on control, tempo, and numerical superiority in midfield, the true holding midfielder doesnt emerge easily; rather, he is gradually made within the tactical context. Marc Bernal is one of the most prominent rising stars in La Liga, reflecting this transformation at FC Barcelona. Despite his young age and relatively limited […] The post Marc Bernal Scout Report At Barcelona 2025/2026: Barça’s Next Positional Pivot – Player Analysis appeared first on Total Football Analysis.

Jose Campos’ rule of thumb for families. Supplemental training can help a lot when it fills a gap inside a strong team environment. It becomes a problem when it is asked to replace the foundation. Full episode out now. #YouthSoccer #Training #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerParents #MLSNext #OrlandoCity #ChasingTheGame

Up in the hot seat this week is Elliot Bennet, older brother of Kyle Bennet. Browny kicks things off by calling Elliot the calm, sensible one—but after two hours, that claim starts to feel… questionable. Breaking through at Wolves, Bennet initially lived in his brother’s shadow. But Mick McCarthy had other ideas, shipping him out to Brighton under Gus Poyet, where a coaching staff full of mavericks set the tone early. And things only got wilder from there. With Charlie Oatway sparking fights during pre-season at Brighton, you might expect a move to Premier League Norwich to bring some calm. Instead? Think stink bombs in the dressing room, teammates’ wives setting off fireworks, and the chaos of “supercar Fridays.” Safe to say—it wasn’t exactly a quiet step up. This show is sponsored by Talksport Bet Get £40 in FREE BETS at http://talksportbet.com/utc when you bet £10 18+ gambleaware.org T&Cs apply 🌏Get an exclusive NordVPN deal here → https://nordvpn.com/cosh This is risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! 🎧 Full episode available to listen & download now: 🟢 Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/yc4dnec3 🍏 Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/yue6snp3 Get two extra episodes a month with the Undr The Cosh Patreon club⬇️ https://tinyurl.com/2p8pts4a Subscribe: https://tinyurl.com/mt5h8td3 | Merch: https://tinyurl.com/ytv7rmke Watch the newest videos: https://tinyurl.com/2nr7amwa Follow Under The Cosh Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/3vzcartn Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/yckpr37k Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/286aahys Watch more videos! Undr The Cosh Podcast | Under The Cosh: https://tinyurl.com/5b3e2k29 Podcast Best Bits | Under The Cosh: https://tinyurl.com/ysbf2m4h On The Road | Under The Cosh: https://tinyurl.com/ua8t9vfu Most Popular: https://tinyurl.com/3z76x3ck Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Most teams don’t get exposed in transition because they can’t defend… they get exposed because their rest defense is wrong before the ball is even lost. In this video, we break down how to train rest defense within your session design — not as a reaction, but as a proactive structure that prevents counters before they happen. You’ll see three game-realistic exercises designed to improve player positioning, awareness, and collective responsibility when attacking, so your team can attack with intent and stay protected at the same time. Inside the session: Exercise 1 – Positional Play with Built-In Rest Defense A possession-based practice that forces players to maintain defensive structure while attacking. Focus on spacing, balance, and immediate reaction on loss. Exercise 2 – Transition Game with Counter Threat A directional game where the moment possession changes, the opposition can attack immediately. Trains recovery runs, pressure on the ball, and protecting central spaces. Exercise 3 – Phase of Play: Attacking with Protection A larger game scenario linking your attacking structure to your rest defense. Emphasis on distances between units, covering depth, and preventing direct counter-attacks. This is how top teams are evolving — no longer choosing between attacking and defending, but doing both at the same time. If you want to build smarter, more complete players, this is where your session design has to go. #SoccerCoaching #soccerdrills #FootballCoaching #BuildUpPlay #SessionDesign #ModernSoccerCoach #EliteCoaching #TacticalTraining #FootballTactics #CoachingEducation #SoccerSession #TrainingDesign #PositionalPlay #garycurneen #modernsoccercoach #freedrills #GameModel #CoachingPhilosophy #CoachDevelopment #SoccerAnalysis #FootballAnalysis #HighPerformanceCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #EliteTraining #SoccerCoachLife #AcademyCoaching #PressResistance #BuildUpPatterns #TacticalPrinciples #CoachingTheGame #FootballDevelopment #SoccerTactics #11v11 #ModernGame

Ellen White is down at Belvoir Drive, the home of Leicester City Women, for a special edition of the podcast ahead of a crucial end of season run-in for the club. Ellen is reunited with her old gaffer, Rick Passmoor, to chat 'unfinished business' in the WSL and how he hopes the experience of his five January signings can help the club on and off the pitch as they battle to avoid the bottom spot come the end of the season. Plus, Ellen sits down with Alisha Lehmann, one of the most recognisable and widely followed figures in women's football, to discuss the misconceptions around her, why she was so keen on a move back to the WSL and reflect on the impact last summer's Euros is starting to have in Switzerland.

What was it really like playing under Jürgen Klopp during that era-defining rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester City? What kind of manager was he behind the scenes? How difficult was it to keep his place at Manchester City when big-money signings in his position arrived summer after summer? What were Alan Shearer and Micah Richards really like as teammates? Gary is joined by the most capped Premier League player ever, James Milner. From becoming the league’s youngest-ever goalscorer at the time to still playing in the Premier League in his 40s, he shares memories of playing alongside David Silva at Manchester City, his special bond with close friend Diogo Jota, and the mentality that kept him at the elite level for decades. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. Sign up and use the referral code FOOTBALL and you could win a 1990 England shirt signed by the hosts of The Rest Is Football. Visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football for terms and conditions. Is your door in the draw? Sign up at www.postcodelottery.co.uk People’s Postcode Lottery manage lotteries on behalf of good causes, 18 plus, conditions apply, play responsibly, not available in Northern Ireland. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Carabao Cup trophy is back at the Etihad, its rightful home, and David Mooney is joined by City fan KC and, from Sporting News, Dom Farrell to discuss the final against Arsenal. City have now won the League Cup under the Carabao banner more than any other team combined and Pep Guardiola has become the first manager ever to win the trophy on five different occasions. With the international break to come, there's plenty of room in today's show to discuss the key performances from the victory at Wembley, which means giving due praise to the likes of Matheus Nunes, Rayan Cherki, Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo... and not forgetting the Mancunian City fan from the academy who scored both goals, Nico O'Reilly. Plus, there was also an interesting tactical approach from Guardiola to starve Arsenal of opportunities to get out of their own defensive third. The Athletic's Jon Mackenzie joins the show to break that down and look at how City strangled their opposition to get on top of the game. On top of that, there's been more chatter around Guardiola's future... but, perhaps more of an immediate concern are the quotes from Rodri about the next steps in his career. Could that be away from the Etihad and back in Madrid? Also, who would be the best City player in the circus? ========== To get more podcasts or to listen without the ads, join our Patreon. It's just £2 per month for all the extra content and you can get a 7-day free trial first: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/BlueMoonPodcast⁠ And why not gift a Patreon subscription to a friend or family member? More details: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/BlueMoonPodcast/gift Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Check Out MSC High School Course Here: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/challenge-page/46214942-e036-4f32-afa6-8383d4608e2d Check Out Zone14: https://zone14coaching.com/ This might be one of the most important conversations we’ve had on the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast. In this episode, Gary Curneen sits down with Joop Oosterveld, transition coach at BK Häcken and former PSV coach, to break down what it actually takes to prepare players for the highest level of the game. We get into why most training environments are too easy, how underloaded pressing (3v7, 4v6) can accelerate development, and why the best players often stop improving if they are not constantly stretched and challenged. Joop shares insights from his time in Holland, Sweden, and learning from environments like Liverpool, giving a clear picture of what elite player development really looks like. This is a must-watch for any coach serious about developing players who can perform at the highest level. A big thank you to Zone 14 for supporting the podcast. Their coach and player journals are built around intentional development, helping coaches plan, reflect, and stay organized while giving players a structure to take ownership of their progress. If you are serious about improving your environment on and off the pitch, check them out and use the code modernsoccer20 for 20% off. If you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe, and share with another coach.

Check Out MSC High School Course Here: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/challenge-page/46214942-e036-4f32-afa6-8383d4608e2d Check Out Zone14: https://zone14coaching.com/ This might be one of the most important conversations we’ve had on the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast. In this episode, Gary Curneen sits down with Joop Oosterveld, transition coach at BK Häcken and former PSV coach, to break down what it actually takes to prepare players for the highest level of the game. We get into why most training environments are too easy, how underloaded pressing (3v7, 4v6) can accelerate development, and why the best players often stop improving if they are not constantly stretched and challenged. Joop shares insights from his time in Holland, Sweden, and learning from environments like Liverpool, giving a clear picture of what elite player development really looks like. This is a must-watch for any coach serious about developing players who can perform at the highest level. A big thank you to Zone 14 for supporting the podcast. Their coach and player journals are built around intentional development, helping coaches plan, reflect, and stay organized while giving players a structure to take ownership of their progress. If you are serious about improving your environment on and off the pitch, check them out and use the code modernsoccer20 for 20% off. If you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe, and share with another coach. #soccercoaching #playerdevelopment #footballcoaching #youthsoccer #elitefootball #soccertactics #coachingdevelopment #soccercoaching #footballcoaching #playerdevelopment #academyfootball #youthsoccer #footballculture #modernsoccercoach #bodøglimt #youthsoccer #youthcoaching #soccerpodcast #garycurneen #youtubepodcast #youtube #youtubepodcast

Every club needs a blueprint. INEOS arrived at Old Trafford with a mandate to clear out bloated contracts like Raphaël Varane, Casemiro, Marcus Rashford, Cristiano... The post I Am Worried About Bruno Fernandes’ Contract appeared first on Attacking Football.

Free MSC Insider Trial - Sign Up Below: https://forms.gle/cxBipaaJyfMpjGnA6 Most teams say the same thing: “We just need someone to score goals.” But what if the problem isn’t the player… it’s the understanding of the position? In this episode, Gary Curneen sits down with JP Owens (Ireland U17 Women’s National Team Performance Analyst & Shelbourne First Team) to break down the detail behind elite centre forward play. From movement in relation to teammates, to how the best strikers dictate passes rather than wait for service, this is one of the most in-depth conversations we’ve had on the #9 role. We dive into: Why most forwards struggle to impact games The relationship between the passer and the striker How elite forwards “plot” movements before the ball arrives Practical ways to coach striker movement inside team sessions How to build a culture of player-led development using video and feedback If you coach or work with forwards, this will completely change how you see the position. Full Centre Forward Analysis Presentation (FREE): → Enter your details here and get 1 month free access to Modern Soccer Coach Insider https://forms.gle/cxBipaaJyfMpjGnA6

Most teams don’t lose possession… they lose control after it. In this video, Gary Curneen break down one of the most important — and most misunderstood — concepts in modern football: rest defense. If your team is getting countered, conceding in transition, or struggling to control games despite having the ball, this is likely the missing piece. Using real game examples, we’ll show you the key mistakes coaches make, why teams get exposed, and how top teams stay balanced while attacking. More importantly, we’ll give you simple principles you can apply immediately on the training pitch. If you want your team to attack with purpose AND stay protected, this is essential. If you enjoy this video and want full session plans like this every week, check out MSC Insider below. #SoccerCoaching #FootballCoaching #BuildUpPlay #SessionDesign #ModernSoccerCoach #EliteCoaching #TacticalTraining #FootballTactics #CoachingEducation #SoccerSession #TrainingDesign #PositionalPlay #garycurneen #modernsoccercoach #freedrills #GameModel #CoachingPhilosophy #CoachDevelopment #SoccerAnalysis #FootballAnalysis #HighPerformanceCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #EliteTraining #SoccerCoachLife #AcademyCoaching #PressResistance #BuildUpPatterns #TacticalPrinciples #CoachingTheGame #FootballDevelopment #SoccerTactics #11v11 #ModernGame

On the latest episode of Inside College Soccer, Don Williams sits down with Scott Wilson, Assistant Coach of the Florida Tech Women's Soccer Programme, for an in-depth conversation covering his journey from decorated college player to experienced coach operating at both national and international level. Scott reflects on his playing career at UW-Superior - where he was a 3-year captain, three-time UMAC Regular Season and Conference Tournament champion, two-time NCAA Tournament participant, and 2021 UMAC Defensive Player of the Year - before walking through how that experience shaped his approach to coaching. Scott and Don also dig into what it takes to recruit effectively at the college level, the realities of building a women's programme, and what young players should know about the college soccer pathway - particularly for those serious about maximising their opportunities at the next level. 🎧 Sponsored by Sports Recruiting USA (SRUSA) 🤝 Brought to you by gapyearsoccer.com Whether you're a player, parent, or coach, this is a valuable listen from someone who has lived the college soccer journey from both sides - and is now helping the next generation do the same.

In this Modern Soccer Coach breakdown, we build on our recent discussion around attacking principles and one of the biggest challenges coaches face today — turning possession into real goal scoring opportunities. Many teams can build and control the ball, but there is often a disconnect between the build-up phase, midfield progression, and the final third. The question is not just how to keep possession, but how and when to add verticality, forward runs, and central combinations that actually lead to goals. In this video, Gary Curneen goes through three practical training ideas you can use on the pitch to connect your game model and help your team turn possession into end product: • A possession-based warm-up that introduces vertical runs and midfield support • A build-up to attack transition using front three combinations • A central overload exercise to create goal scoring opportunities These are simple ways to paint the picture for players and ensure your sessions reflect how you want your team to play on game day. If you enjoy this video and want full session plans like this every week, check out MSC Insider below. #SoccerCoaching #FootballCoaching #BuildUpPlay #SessionDesign #ModernSoccerCoach #EliteCoaching #TacticalTraining #FootballTactics #CoachingEducation #SoccerSession #TrainingDesign #PositionalPlay #garycurneen #modernsoccercoach #freedrills #GameModel #CoachingPhilosophy #CoachDevelopment #SoccerAnalysis #FootballAnalysis #HighPerformanceCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #EliteTraining #SoccerCoachLife #AcademyCoaching #PressResistance #BuildUpPatterns #TacticalPrinciples #CoachingTheGame #FootballDevelopment #SoccerTactics #11v11 #ModernGame

This week on the Surf Nation Football Focus Podcast, Gary Curneen sits down with Mario Mrakovic, Surf Junior Youth Academy Director at San Diego Surf, to explore one of the most important topics in modern player development: individual training. With more players turning to private coaching, extra sessions, and at-home practice, the challenge is no longer access — it’s direction. In this conversation, Mario shares his philosophy built over 20+ years of working with players, and why true development starts with movement, coordination, and attention to detail before anything else. We break down the difference between technique and skill, why “just practicing more” isn’t enough, and how players can take real ownership of their development outside of team training. Mario also shares insights into his training card system and upcoming app designed to give players a clear, structured pathway to improvement. This is a must-listen for players, parents, and coaches looking to better understand how to develop technical ability in today’s game. If you’re enjoying the Surf Nation Football Focus Podcast, please subscribe, share with your network, and reach out with topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes. Contact: [email protected] Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Mario’s background and early development 08:30 Where players are falling behind technically 14:30 The reality of private training 16:30 Training cards and player responsibility 23:30 The future: app and scalable development

Kevin and Jose project the bat signal for an emergency show as the Union start 0-4 and find themselves last place in Major League Soccer. rundown: -Ernst Tanner suspension and reaction -what to do with the lineup -developing a new identity in the post-Kai Wagner world -should Cavan Sullivan start? -Milan Iloski at forward or wide midfield -redundancy at the striker position -right-footed left backs -Iran's position in the World Cup

Kyle Walker sits down with Gary Neville for an exclusive interview, brought to you by Sky Bet. The conversation begins with Kyle’s journey in football, starting at Sheffield United before earning a move to Tottenham Hotspur, where he established himself as one of the Premier League’s top right-backs. Attention then turns to his time at Manchester City, where he enjoyed incredible success under Pep Guardiola during one of the most dominant eras in English football. From winning the Treble to securing four consecutive Premier League titles, Kyle reflects on what it was like working under Pep and the lessons he learned along the way. Kyle also discusses the current stage of his career at Burnley, sharing his thoughts on the challenges ahead, the fight for survival, and what the future might hold. To finish, Kyle takes on Gary’s Quickfire Questions, revealing his toughest opponent, reflecting on key moments in his career, and debating who should start for England at the next World Cup. And finally… Gary Neville or Kyle Walker at right-back, who are you picking? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to like and subscribe so you never miss an episode! 00:00 Intro 06:29 Tottenham Career 07:34 Joining City Under Pep 13:07 Pep Methods and Evolution 18:13 Treble Speech and Legacy 37:09 City Vs Arsenal Title Talk 38:13 Pep And Arteta Tactics 42:47 Quickfire Questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The boys are joined this week by former Swansea City centre half Chris Todd and talk about Chris starting off as a striker, getting a trial at Manchester United as a teenager, the huge influence of his parents growing up and going missing in Ibiza as a 16 year old. Chris talks about the old school mentality in the Swans changing room, Tony Petty sacking players, making his Swans debut at the Vetch and his shock at being released. Chris talks about moving to Exeter because of ex-Swans Chairman...

In this episode, we go inside one of the most fascinating clubs in European football — Bodø/Glimt. Over the past few years, the Norwegian club has built a remarkable culture and player development environment that has helped them compete at the highest levels of the game, including the Champions League. A big thank you to our sponsor Zone14 Coaching. Their NextGen journals help coaches and players plan, reflect, and track progress throughout the season, built on intentional coaching and backed by neuroscience. Modern Soccer Coach listeners can get $5 off with code MODERNSOCCER5 at zone14coaching.com Joining Gary Curneen on this podcast is Olav Øverli, Academy Director at Bodø/Glimt. Olav shares a detailed look into how the club develops players, builds a strong culture, and creates an environment where curiosity, responsibility, and hard work are non-negotiable. He explains why the foundation of their academy begins with something simple but powerful: a love of the ball. We discuss the principles behind Bodø/Glimt’s development model, the importance of aligned leadership throughout the club, how the academy balances joy and professionalism in youth development, and why they prioritize curious, engaged footballers over rigid systems. Topics covered include: • Bodø/Glimt’s academy philosophy and culture • Developing curious and engaged footballers • Why “non-negotiables” are the starting point • Balancing joy and professionalism in youth development • Coaching younger players vs academy age groups • The role of feedback and honest coaching • Technology, data, and the limits of sports science in development • The impact of phones and distractions on young players • Hiring coaches and building a strong academy staff culture If you enjoy these conversations, please subscribe to the channel and check out more coaching breakdowns and interviews here on Modern Soccer Coach.

In this episode, we go inside one of the most fascinating clubs in European football — Bodø/Glimt. Over the past few years, the Norwegian club has built a remarkable culture and player development environment that has helped them compete at the highest levels of the game, including the Champions League. A big thank you to our sponsor Zone14 Coaching. Their NextGen journals help coaches and players plan, reflect, and track progress throughout the season, built on intentional coaching and backed by neuroscience. Modern Soccer Coach listeners can get $5 off with code MODERNSOCCER5 at zone14coaching.com. Joining Gary Curneen on this podcast is Olav Øverli, Academy Director at Bodø/Glimt. Olav shares a detailed look into how the club develops players, builds a strong culture, and creates an environment where curiosity, responsibility, and hard work are non-negotiable. He explains why the foundation of their academy begins with something simple but powerful: a love of the ball. We discuss the principles behind Bodø/Glimt’s development model, the importance of aligned leadership throughout the club, how the academy balances joy and professionalism in youth development, and why they prioritize curious, engaged footballers over rigid systems. Topics covered include: • Bodø/Glimt’s academy philosophy and culture • Developing curious and engaged footballers • Why “non-negotiables” are the starting point • Balancing joy and professionalism in youth development • Coaching younger players vs academy age groups • The role of feedback and honest coaching • Technology, data, and the limits of sports science in development • The impact of phones and distractions on young players • Hiring coaches and building a strong academy staff culture If you enjoy these conversations, please subscribe to the channel and check out more coaching breakdowns and interviews here on Modern Soccer Coach. #soccercoaching #footballcoaching #playerdevelopment #academyfootball #youthsoccer #footballculture #modernsoccercoach #bodøglimt #youthsoccer #youthcoaching #soccerpodcast #garycurneen #youtubepodcast #youtube #youtubepodcast

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new episode of State of the Union Presented by Zillow. Someday Starts Today. We are officially 100 days out from the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ and we’re talking all things USA. Alexi sat down with USMNT legend Brian McBride to talk about the striker options for the national team, what made the 2002 group that reached the quarterfinals so special, his infamous 2006 bloody nose incident and much more. Afterwards, Alexi and Mosse debate whether Tim Ream should pass the torch to Noahkai Banks for a starting center back spot and touch on the possibility that Banks might switch to the German national team. In #AskAlexi, the pair discuss if Italy can survive the playoffs and finally return to the World Cup and in One for the Road, Alexi gives us his top ten power rankings for teams in this summer’s tournament. Intro (0:00)Brian McBride: Who starts up top for the U.S. & more (2:52)U.S. Abroad: Banks vs Ream, Balogun & Wright keep scoring (28:43)Alexi's U.S. Starting XI Prediction (42:48)#AskAlexi: Italy misses again + Iran at the World Cup (47:27)One For The Road: World Cup Top 10 Power Rankings (54:26) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of The Cooligans, MLS expert Matt Doyle joins us to break down the latest headlines around the league, including whether Julian Hall’s electric start with the New York Red Bulls is the real deal, if Inter Miami’s win over Orlando masks deeper roster issues, and whether San Jose and Timo Werner can sustain their early-season momentum. Then we’re joined by Bournemouth legend and assistant coach Steve Fletcher to discuss Tyler Adams’ underrated leadership, Andoni Iraola’s transformative impact on the club, and Fletcher’s remarkable 726-game journey with AFC Bournemouth.

On this episode of Inside College Soccer, Don Williams sits down with acclaimed soccer author Luciano Wernicke to discuss his latest book, The Lionel Messi Story: How One Man Revolutionized Major League Soccer. Wernicke, author of more than 20 books on global football, breaks down the remarkable journey of Lionel Messi - from a young boy in Rosario overcoming growth hormone deficiency to becoming a World Cup champion and one of the most influential athletes in history. The conversation explores Messi’s defining decision at 14 to leave Argentina for FC Barcelona, and how elite environments, culture, and long-term belief systems create world-class players. The discussion then turns to Messi’s historic move to Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer, the strategic vision of David Beckham, and what Messi’s arrival truly means for the growth and global credibility of soccer in the United States. Wernicke also shares perspective from his time working with the Costa Rica men’s national soccer team, offering insight into what it realistically takes to build a nation capable of winning a World Cup - and whether the U.S. is moving in that direction. A must-listen conversation for players, parents, coaches, and anyone serious about understanding the cultural, structural, and strategic forces shaping the future of the game in America. 📖 The book is available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Books-a-Million, and wherever books are sold. 🎧 Presented by Sports Recruiting USA - www.srusasoccer.com 🤝 Sponsored by www.gapyearsoccer.com

Mia Villalpando joins Surf Nation Football Focus to share the story behind one of the biggest decisions of her young career — choosing the professional path with Tigres Femenil over a full scholarship to UCLA. In this conversation, Mia talks to Gary Curneen about trusting her instincts, navigating family discussions, handling outside noise, and earning her place in a professional environment. She reflects on her development at Surf, the importance of competitive training with purpose, the influence of her parents, and what young players should really focus on as they build their careers. This episode is for players, parents, and coaches trying to understand the evolving pathways in the women’s game. There is no single route to success — and Mia’s story is proof that belief, humility, and hard work can open doors. Topics Covered: • Choosing pro over college • The impact of coaching changes • Competing in a professional environment • Surf’s game model and player development • Family influence and honest feedback • National team aspirations • Protecting your love for the game If you’re a young player navigating your own path, this conversation will give you clarity and confidence. Subscribe for more Surf Nation Football Focus interviews with players, coaches, and leaders shaping the future of the game. #SurfNation #MiaVillalpando #WomensSoccer #TigresFemenil #CollegeSoccer #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #ECNL #NationalTeam #GirlsSoccer #FootballFocus #SoccerPathways #WomenInSport #SoccerInterview #EliteDevelopment

Jimmy Conrad and Charlie Davies sit down with their former coach - and one of the most influential figures in American soccer history - Bob Bradley for a wide-ranging conversation as the USMNT gears up for a home World Cup (04:03). Bob evaluates Mauricio Pochettino's time in charge of the group and what fine-tuning is left to do (05:59). The crew gets into the weeds on shape, flexibility, and how to maximize the March friendlies (14:10). Bob shares his view on the roster options - from the staying power of Tim Ream to what he sees in young center back Noahkai Banks to how he'd manage the mercurial talents of Gio Reyna (16:57). The conversation turns to Bob's own coaching career with an extended reflection on the USMNT's run to the 2009 Confederations Cup Final (34:16). He also revisits his early impressions of a young Charlie Davies and reflects on the players he most enjoyed coaching and watching, and wades into the waters of comparing Christian Pulisic, Clint Dempsey, and Landon Donovan (56:12). On a more personal note, Bob discusses watching his son Michael Bradley's transition into coaching with Red Bulls New York, and why he always sensed that path was inevitable (1:03:46). Call It What You Want is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Follow the Call It What You Want team on X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@JimmyConrad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @CharlieDavies9⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TMeola1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit the ⁠betting arena on CBSSports.com⁠ for all the latest in ⁠sportsbook reviews⁠ and ⁠sportsbook promos⁠ for ⁠betting on soccer⁠ For more soccer coverage from CBS Sports, visit ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/⁠ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/⁠ Watch UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, UEFA Women’s Champions League, EFL Championship, EFL League Cup, Carabao Cup, Serie A, Coppa Italia, CONCACAF Nations League, CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, NWSL, Scottish Premiership, AFC Champion League by subscribing to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paramount+⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit the betting arena on CBS Sports.com: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/⁠ For all the latest in sportsbook reviews: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/⁠ And sportsbook promos: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices