Gary is joined by Adam Thornton, author of the new book 'Gerrard’s Blueprint' which takes an in-depth, inside look at Steven Gerrard’s tactical work at Glasgow Rangers in his three years there, culminating in a league title win in 2020. 

After reading the book, Gary wants to take a look at three specific areas in Gerrard's system...

Pressing…
Positional rotation 
Midfield Balance (this is a very interesting one!!) 

You can order your copy of the book below...
https://heartandhand.co.uk/gerrards-blueprint/


Also huge thanks to Keyframe for teaming up with on another interview..
https://www.keyframesports.com/

Steven Gerrard's Tactical Blueprint with Adam Thornton

Gary is joined by Jack Ross, UEFA Pro License and former head coach of Dundee United, Hibs, St Mirren and Sunderland. He talks about his experiences of building and executing a flexible football philosophy and offers insights on how to communicate and manage it when the pressure is on. 
 
 
This podcast is sponsored by Football Careers, the global football recruitment company that specialise in recruiting for clubs, colleges, universities and private soccer academies around the globe. In addition to their specialist recruitment services they support candidates at all levels in the game with professionally designed football resumes. 
 
They have been kind enough to offer Modern Soccer Coach podcast listeners a 20% discount on their marketing products using the code MSC20 at the checkout.
 
Check them out at https://www.footballcareers.com/curriculum-vitaes/

Creating a Flexible Football Philosophy (Under Pressure!!) - Jack Ross

Gary is joined by Flamengo analyst and coach, Caique Andrade, to discuss the process of player development in Brazil and the role analysis plays. In this interview Caique talks about: 

- What areas are prioritized with talent identification
- Positionalism and Relationism: will it move to youth levels?
- Freedom versus Structure in youth environments
- The importance of analysts understanding multiple facets of the game

And much more!!

Follow Caique's work below: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/caiqueanndrade/

Check out Modern Soccer Coach free content below:
https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/blog

This content was created by Gary Curneen.

Brazilian Player Development & Role of Analysis at Flamengo with Caique Andrade

Gary is joined by Eamon Devlin, founder of Minute9 where he specifically advises sports teams and coaches on how best to structure and manage the half-time period. 

Eamon discusses the art and science (research based) half-time insights and answers if they are they under-utilized? Ineffective? And how do coaches improve that critical 15 minutes?

Our friends at Veo have kindly asked us to test the new Veo Cam 3 and also sponsored a recent MSC Breakdown where we will took a look at a session that is recorded using the new camera.

That session with Santiago Castillo is on our YouTube page and on our website. Please take a look at it and check on this new camera. 
https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/post/veo-3-cam-session-attacking-in-final-3rd

Veo Cam 3 is basically designed to give  AI-powered tools automatically break down your game, so it’s ready for you to watch and analyze.

 - Automatically follows the action on the field and creates a broadcast-like experience.
 - Live-stream your game, watch the recording immediately, and bookmark the game’s crucial moments for later – all this and much more with Veo Cam 3.
- FASTER UPLOAD SPEED!!!

Please contact Gary Curneen with any questions on the software: gary@modernsoccercoach.com

Improving Your Half-Time Team Talk with Eamon Devlin

Gary is joined by Andreas Schumacher to talk about his new book, 'Two Versus One' and the complexity of coaching attacking football. Andre has written the book alongside Bernhard Peters and is challenging coaches to get into more detail and context when coaching teams to score goals. 

Andreas has a masters degree in Sports Science and has worked at a number of professional clubs including Hamburger SV, VfB Stuttgart, and St. Louis City SC. 

You can order a copy of the book below: 
https://www.amazon.com/TWO-VERSUS-ONE-Strong-Decision-Makers/dp/B0F6PJ6N33/ref=sr_1_1?crid=APUJI6V6DMKO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7gBqIGhQ1P5SP6Mm89g59njE-mOwXTysqhbd7cVAJvBBLTeA2XyS0uZfYmWYhGmuo7RTlK5vDWDRq1rr08toFP3GFzhgWeGaHrG53BM91vNZIZI0iZCiISD1Ya0MSSLmuP86m6NkCllMC0uhBEe99to8Ig0KQ01E1mKOTtsVjNQZ1S0qMPkV5eR-3TQyrsh12ts2hyANqmOetmXPVAt6yDt1j584d1Yx1iMN9Gb7GHM.m1D-0d3IQbBfHtJhXKH3DP0Y_LYVWQyHa6WNSXVDoR8&dib_tag=se&keywords=two+versus+one&qid=1750188112&sprefix=two+versus+one%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-1

2v1 Philosophy and REALLY Coaching Attacking Football with Andre Schumacher

Read Slawomir Morawski's Article FREE Below: 
https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/post/guest-article-the-art-of-first-touch-collecting-information-in-football

Gary is joined by Analyst at Bolton Wanderers Football Club and coach Slawomir Morawski to discuss the first touch in football. Slawomir argues that first touch is not just a technical action, but instead a cognitive one where decision making dictates so much. He discusses the most effective ways to teach this and also some traditional coaching methods that may be out-dated with this approach. 

Join MSC Insider Below:
https://modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptions


What Makes a Great First Touch? Slawomir Morawski On the Art & Science of Football Decision Making

Gary is joined by Laurent Courtois to talk about the details behind his back 3 system. Laurent was most recently head coach at CF Montreal (MLS) and has also worked at Columbus Crew 2 and LA Galaxy. In this interview he talks about: 

- Balancing patience with verticality
- When freedom enters attacking principles versus structure
- Player profiles of each position
- Training flow and planning

Please check out SportsLab360 below: 
https://sportslab360.com/

Elite Level Back 3 Attacking Principles with Laurent Courtois

Gary is joined by Director of Football and Head Coach at Alliance United and University of Toronto, Ilya Orlov. 

In this interview, Ilya delves into the intricate background of his innovative football ideas, providing a comprehensive overview that is deeply rooted in the principles of the Football Theory approach. 

He articulates how this theoretical framework serves as a foundation for his understanding of the game, emphasizing its significance in shaping modern football strategies. 

We are excited to team up with Soccer Coach Weekly for this episode. Since 2006, they’ve helped over 50,000 coaches, parents, and teachers around the world — and now they’ve redesigned everything with U.S. volunteer coaches in mind. 

Each week, you’ll get proven practice plans, fun small-sided games, and coaching advice that’s easy to use, right off your phone or laptop. 

Modern Soccer Coach listeners get 50% off a full year of premium access with the code GARY50. Click below to take advantage of the offer! 

https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/scw-usa#utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=MODERN+Soccer+Coach&utm_campaign=USA&utm_id=US+campaign

( if this link doesn't work use this link instead: https://soccercoachweekly.net/scw-usa )

Football Theory and Coaching Verticality with Ilya Orlov

Gary is joined by author and coach Tim Stegmann to discuss his outstanding new book Xabi Campeon. Tim takes an in-depth look at Xabi's coaching journey including his personal influences, the remarkable transformation at Leverkusen and the tactical innovations
behind Alonso’s dynamic and dominant style. 

What influential methodologies from Spanish football form the foundation of his philosophy? And why do coaches from the Basque Country suceed almost everywhere?

In his interview, Tim talks about his research and work around the tactical portrait of one of the most exciting coaches in world football - Xabi Alonso. 

You can order a copy of Tim's book here:
https://buchshop.bod.de/xabi-campeon-tim-stegmann-9783819228698 

We are excited to team up with Soccer Coach Weekly for this episode. Since 2006, they’ve helped over 50,000 coaches, parents, and teachers around the world — and now they’ve redesigned everything with U.S. volunteer coaches in mind.

Each week, you’ll get proven practice plans, fun small-sided games, and coaching advice that’s easy to use, right off your phone or laptop.

Modern Soccer Coach listeners get 50% off a full year of premium access with the code GARY50. Click below to take advantage of the offer!

www.soccercoachweekly.net/scw-usa#utm_…=US+campaign

( if this link doesn't work use this link instead: soccercoachweekly.net/scw-usa )

The Tactical Chameleon: Xabi Alonso's Philosophy With Tim Stegmann

Gary is joined by Carsten Dohm, Head of Coaching San Diego FC (MLS) and Right To Dream. The San Diego FC project started last year, but Right To Dream have been impacting the football development world in a big way for over 25 years. They believe that "Everyone has the right to dream and talent deserves opportunity." Their work all over the world has launched the careers of 146 professional football players, equipped hundreds of our students with a first-class education and enabled further education opportunities and scholarship.

In this interview Carsten discusses the vision and values of Right To Dream, the challenges of aligning that culture in the US professional landscape, plus the emphasis on technical detail and individual development. 

This is an interview about learning, teaching, development, passion, and most importantly, opportunity. 

Please join the MSC Insider here:
https://modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptions

The Game Is Not The Teacher. The Coach Is The Teacher - Carsten Dohm

Join MSC Insider Below: 
https://modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptions


Gary is joined by Sue Parris, an emotional welfare specialist who has worked in professional football. for almost 15 years.  Sue is an emotional intelligence advocate and developer, as well as Founder of The Changing Room and Simply Human and Head of Welfare and senior consultant for The Player Care Group. She spent eight years at Brighton and Hove Albion working as Education, Welfare, and Player Services Manager. 

In this interview Sue discusses:

- The real definition of mental health
- The complexity of football environments
- Advice on vulnerability in the daily environment
- Mistakes that coaches and leaders can make in this area

And much more!

Mental Health, Emotional Intelligence Development, Leadership and Coaching with Sue Parris

Join MSC Insider and access Ian's full presentation below:
https://modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptions

In recent years, creativity in football has become a hot topic. Many fans, coaches, and analysts have noticed that the modern game, while faster and more tactically advanced, sometimes feels robotic. Players follow strict systems, teams recycle familiar patterns, and moments of genuine spontaneity feel rare.

Ian McCall has taken an in-depth look at this topic and provided a full presentation that provides insight and ideas on what coaches can do to design environments that keep creativity alive. In this interview, he looks at the following:  

- Has football become too efficient and lost its creative spark?
- The difference between individual, collaborative, and collective creativity.
- How data, structure, and business pressures are shaping the modern game.
- Why society and education systems also impact creativity on the pitch.
- The role of coaches in creating safe environments for risk-taking.

Practical ideas to design training that fosters imagination and spontaneity.

Solving Football's Creativity Problem with Ian McCall

 Join MSC Insider Below:
https://modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptions

Jes is current Director of Football and Data Science at the Saudi Pro League and former Head of Research & Development at FC Copenhagen. He unpacks the science behind “football intelligence" and  explains why vague terms like game IQ fall short, and how neuroscience can help coaches break intelligence down into concrete, trainable skills like attention, scanning, pattern recognition, and decision-making. Jes shares practical insights from his work in elite football, showing how cognitive science can reshape analysis, training, and player development.

Rethinking "Football Intelligence" with Jes Buster Madsen

Watch John's full presentation FREE below:
https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/product-page/purpose-planning-and-people-insight-into-jamaica-s-blueprint-with-john-wall

In this episode, John Wall shares insights from his time as assistant coach for the Jamaican National Team (2022–2024). He discusses how to maximize player strengths, simplify complexity, and create repeatable structures, even with limited resources. Topics include transitions, defensive organization, set pieces, player development, and balancing tactical structure with freedom. John also reflects on the realities of coaching and how observation, pragmatism, and humility can drive team success.

Key takeaway: Coaching isn’t about doing everything—it’s about focusing on what truly matters and empowering players to perform at their best.

This podcast is sponsored by Actavivo!

Actavivo is a free team and group communication app built for clubs, schools, sports teams,
neighbourhoods, and organisations. It helps people connect, organise, and manage group
activities more effectively—all in one place.

Actavivo Website: https://actavivo.com
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/in/app/actavivo/id1611252168
Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actavivo&amp;hl=en_US

Guerrilla Football and the Power of Simplicity with John Wall

Check out TetraBrazil below:
https://www.tetrabrazil.com/

Gary is joined by Gabriel Bussinger (Vasco da Gama) to explore their unique approach to elite player development.

Gabriel explains the following:
✨ What it means to be player-centered vs. game-centered
✨ Balancing chaos and organization in development
✨ Why methodology should grow from practice to theory—not the other way around

Standout quotes:
👉 “Rails confine talent. Trails give direction but leave freedom for creativity.”
👉 “Coaching is not the man inside the office. Coaching is walking with players, talking with them at breakfast, learning their culture, and caring for them as people.”
👉 “A Vasco player is technical, but above all, he is brave. He plays not only for the game, but for his family, his community, and to overcome the challenges of favela life.”



Trails Not Rails! Inside Vasco da Gama Methodology with Gabriel Bussinger

On this week’s Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary sits down in Rio de Janeiro with André Medeiros, the man who has helped shape Fluminense’s methodology for over 25 years. Recorded during Gary’s recent visit as part of the TetraBrazil Tour, this conversation dives deep into how Brazil’s most respected academies view player development, coaching, and the evolving game.

André shares incredible insights on:

Why respect sits at the very top of Fluminense’s core values.

How coaches are taught to see themselves not as the center of the process, but as facilitators of player growth.

The club’s belief that “we don’t build players — we develop them,” focusing on character, adaptability, and intelligence.

The balance between athleticism, speed, and decision-making in the modern player.

Why the future of football might see positions disappear entirely, replaced by fluid, dynamic systems built on player versatility.

Beyond tactics and systems, André speaks passionately about the human side of the game — education, psychology, cooperation, and humility — all foundational pillars of how Fluminense produces not just great players, but great people.

The Fluminese Blueprint: How to Create Intelligent, Adaptable Players with Andre Medeiros

Get FREE notes here: 
https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/post/inside-the-aspire-summit-coaching-lessons-from-southgate-benitez-nancy-nesta

In this episode, Gary shares reflections from the 11th Aspire Academy Global Summit in Philadelphia — a two-day event hosted in collaboration with the Philadelphia Union and Major League Soccer.

With world-class speakers like Rafa Benítez, Gareth Southgate, Wilfried Nancy, and Alessandro Nesta, the conference tackled football’s biggest coaching questions — from tactical evolution to leadership, communication, and the mindset needed to keep learning in an ever-changing game.

Gary breaks down his biggest takeaways and how coaches at every level can apply them in their own environments.



Inside The Aspire Summit: Coaching Lessons from Southgate, Benitez, Nancy & Nesta

In this episode, Gary Curneen is joined by Phil Phillipou, author of Inspiring Young Minds, to explore how coaches can build youth environments that go beyond drills and technique — and actually develop people.

From the chaos of his first youth session back to the deeper psychology behind learning, Phil shares honest, experience-driven lessons for every coach working in today’s game. Together, they discuss:

Why modern players struggle with verbal communication and social connection

How to use football to teach respect, resilience, and teamwork

The importance of structured chaos and why easy is boring

Managing behavior through clear, fair hierarchy rather than punishment

Tackling the social media and phone addiction challenge head-on

How gratitude, persistence, and storytelling can transform player mindset

Phil’s refreshing blend of humility and honesty makes this one of the most relevant coaching conversations of the year. If you’re passionate about creating meaningful environments for young players — not just compliant ones — this episode is a must-listen.

📚 Book: Inspiring Young Minds (available now on Amazon)
📲 Follow Phil: Instagram @mindsight_sports | LinkedIn: Phil Phillipou
🎙️ Hosted by Gary Curneen — Modern Soccer Coach

Easy Is Boring — Inspiring Young Minds with Phil Phillipou

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


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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Watch Ray's full pressing webinar on MSC Insider below:
https://modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptions

Contact Ray directly about his coaching support:
ray@coachpower.pro

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.

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

Join MSC Insider Now: 
https://modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptions

In this episode, Gary is in Rio again to sit down with Caique Andrade from Flamengo’s U20 staff for an inside look at one of the world’s most demanding development environments. The conversation dives into the culture, expectations, and daily standards that shape young players at a club where intensity, identity, and pressure are part of the DNA.

Caique discusses what defines a Flamengo player, how U20 athletes learn from world-class professionals every day, and why the club has shifted toward more technical and tactical profiles. He shares insights on creativity, decision making, analysis processes, and the challenges of working with players who come from diverse educational and social backgrounds.

The discussion also explores the realities of the Brazilian pathway: constant competition, heavy match schedules, family expectations, and the resilience required to grow in an environment where opportunities are rare and the bar is extremely high.

A fascinating look into culture, development, and the modern demands of youth football inside one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Flamengo’s DNA Explained: Intensity, Identity, and Creativity with Caique Andrade

Check out Duktig Brand here:
https://www.duktigbrand.com/

MSC Analysis Course (USE CODE: MSCTACTICAL)
https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/challenge-page/ecourseanalysis

Per Mertesacker joins Gary for a deep dive into youth development, leadership, and the Strong Young Gunners philosophy that drives Arsenal’s world-class academy.

In this conversation, Per explains how football teaches life, why character is the foundation of performance, and how Arsenal balances high challenge with high care across every age group. From the purity of the foundation phase to creating adaptable modern players, he shares a transparent look at what it takes to build people and players capable of thriving in any environment.

We also explore the four-pillar framework used inside the academy, the importance of lifelong learning for both staff and players, and the reality that less than one percent will make it as professionals. Per’s perspective is a masterclass for coaches, leaders, and anyone working in player development.

Topics include:
• Person-first development and daily standards
• Strong Young Gunners philosophy
• Balancing challenge and care
• Foundation phase environment
• Creativity, super strengths, and modern player profiles
• Staff development and coaching pathways
• Managing expectations with parents
• Preparing young people for life beyond football
• The future of coaching and youth environments

Per Mertesacker: How Arsenal REALLY Develops Young Players

Check out Zone 14 Coaching below:
https://zone14coaching.com/

Check out MSC Insider:
https://modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptions

Are we making youth players too robotic?
Two-time MLS Defender of the Year Ike Opara joins the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast to dive deep into youth development, problem solving, growth mindset, and why young players need far more than a fixed “system” to truly learn the game.

We explore the growing tension between structure vs. adaptability and how the coaching behaviors we reward (clarity, certainty, strict patterns) sometimes discourage the exact qualities the modern game requires: courage, reflection, creativity, and independent decision-making.

Ike shares insights from his career in MLS, his transition into coaching, the challenges he sees in the US youth landscape, and why reflection — not more information — is the missing link for most players.

He also introduces Zone 14 Coaching, a company built by coaches for coaches, using intentional planning and reflective journaling to help players and coaches learn more deeply and stay engaged all season long.

If you’re a coach, parent, or player who cares about player-centered development, this conversation hits every major topic shaping the future of youth coaching.

Why Youth Players Need More Than One System to Truly Learn the Game with Ike Opara

Zone 14 Coaching creates high-quality coach and player journals designed to help you plan with intention, reflect with purpose, and track progress all season long.
MSC listeners get $5 off with code: ModernSoccer5
Learn more: zone14coaching.com

This week Gary sits down with Fred Lipka, Technical Director of Youth Development at Major League Soccer. Few people have influenced the MLS academy landscape more over the past decade, and this conversation goes deep into what’s working, what’s broken, and what needs to change in US player and coach development.

Fred shares powerful insight on why he believes American soccer has been “built upside down,” why the weekly rhythm should always be five days to develop, one day to perform, and why judging coaches solely by results is holding back both player development and coaching standards.

We dive into:
• The real purpose of youth competition
• Why US soccer over-teaches with big numbers
• The lack of 1v1 wingers and aggressive fullbacks
• Touch limits, robotic players, and constraints-led training
• Relative age effect and selecting the “big kids” too early
• Why domestic coaches should stop feeling inferior
• Inside the MLS–French Federation (EFCL) course
• The rise of US talent and why Europe is watching
• How MLS academies are building community, not isolation

Fred’s honesty in this episode is exceptional, and his clarity on how to optimise the individual player — not just the team — is something every coach can learn from.

If you enjoyed this episode, please:
• Like the video
• Subscribe to the channel
• Leave a comment — Do you agree with Fred’s view on development vs results?

Thanks for supporting the Modern Soccer Coach community.

Why United States Aren't Producing Enough 1v1 Players – Fred Lipka (MLS Technical Director)

Access full webinar here: 
https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/pro...

Check out Duktig Brand here:
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In this episode, Gary Curneen is joined by Luis Swisher, U18/U19 coach at St. Louis City SC (MLS), to break down one of the most undervalued attacking moments in soccer: throw-ins.

Most teams get 25–45 throw-ins per match, yet very few coach them with the same detail as build-up play, goal kicks, or corners. Luis explains why throw-ins should be treated as controlled attacking restarts, not throwaways — and how teaching intentions, space, and decision-making can lead to more possession, progression, and goal-scoring opportunities.

We discuss:

Why there are more throw-ins than corners — and why that matters

Coaching the thrower as the “quarterback”

Intentions vs predictable set routines

How to train attacking throw-ins without killing session flow

Scaling throw-in detail from youth to professional level

Access full webinar here: 
https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/post/how-throw-ins-can-create-goals-free-webinar

Check out Duktig Brand here:
https://www.duktigbrand.com/

In this episode, Gary Curneen is joined by Luis Swisher, U18/U19 coach at St. Louis City SC (MLS), to break down one of the most undervalued attacking moments in soccer: throw-ins.

Most teams get 25–45 throw-ins per match, yet very few coach them with the same detail as build-up play, goal kicks, or corners. Luis explains why throw-ins should be treated as controlled attacking restarts, not throwaways — and how teaching intentions, space, and decision-making can lead to more possession, progression, and goal-scoring opportunities.

We discuss:

Why there are more throw-ins than corners — and why that matters

Coaching the thrower as the “quarterback”

Intentions vs predictable set routines

How to train attacking throw-ins without killing session flow

Scaling throw-in detail from youth to professional level

Why risk, bravery, and learning matter in player development

🎥 Free attacking throw-ins presentation (no login required):
https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/post/how-throw-ins-can-create-goals-free-webinar

⚽ Modern Soccer Coach Insider — full webinar library, sessions & weekly bonus content:
https://modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptions

🤝 Podcast sponsor: Duktig Brand
Duktig produces premium notebooks and accessories for soccer coaches and players, featuring waterproof stone paper and professional designs.
https://www.duktigbrand.com/

If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, and if you’re listening on audio, a quick rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify really helps support the show.

Are Attacking Throw-Ins The Most Undervalued Scoring Opportunity in the Game? With Luis Swisher (MLS)

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https://zone14coaching.com/

Use code:ModernSoccer5 for $5 OFF

Is the art of defending dead?

In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach podcast, Gary Curneen sits down with former Premier League and MLS center backs Danny Collins and Ike Opara to break down how the center back position has changed — and what might be getting lost along the way.

The conversation explores the evolution from defender-first to build-up quarterback, the influence of possession-based football, and the tension between philosophy and making the best decision in the moment. Danny and Ike share firsthand experiences from elite environments, discussing duels, mentality, physicality, decision-making under pressure, and why clean sheets still matter.

This episode dives into:
• How the role of the center back has evolved over the last 10–15 years
• The impact of building out from the back at youth and professional levels
• Whether defensive craft and mentality are being deprioritized
• Philosophy vs results in modern coaching
• What still defines an elite defender today
• Where defending might be heading next

If you coach defenders, work in player development, or want a deeper understanding of how modern football is reshaping defensive roles, this is a must-listen conversation.

Subscribe to Modern Soccer Coach for more long-form conversations, breakdowns, and insights from the game’s leading coaches and players.

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Is The Art of Defending Dead?  Danny Collins & Ike Opara on the Center Back Position Today

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In the final Modern Soccer Coach podcast of 2025, we step back from tactics and trends and ask a bigger question:

What will the game look like in 2026 and beyond?

Rather than reviewing downloads or highlights, this episode focuses on three ideas from 2025 that point directly toward the future of soccer coaching and player development.

Across the year on Modern Soccer Coach, conversations consistently returned to the same themes: clarity over complexity, individuality over rigid structure, and environments over outcomes.

In this episode, we explore:
• How modern game models may be limiting individual development
• Why more content does not always create better coaches
• The growing importance of methodology and clarity
• How youth environments shape the future of the professional game

This episode is for coaches who want to think beyond the next session and reflect on where the game is actually heading.

Thank you for listening throughout 2025.
We hope you stay with us in 2026. 
- Gary Curneen

What Should The Future of Coaching Look Like? (2025 MSC Podcast Review)

Our goal is to bring in-depth content to coaches with a combination of interviews, chats, and personal thoughts on the topics that really matter in the beautiful game and elite-level sport. Enjoy and thanks for listening! - Gary

Modern Soccer Coach

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