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Interview with Spartacus 2000 Head Coach

I have had the opportunity to observe some of your specific goalkeeping training sessions, as well as well as full team training sessions. In all of these sessions the equipment and soccer drills are identical to those normally seen in many professional soccer clubs' warm ups and training sessions. Are these advanced training techniques a result of your own former professional playing career?

A:
Some of the drills you see are from my experience, as a professional player, but you must also keep in mind, soccer has changed during last 10 years. I am in constant contact with my colleagues here and in Europe, sharing many of the latest ideas and opinions.

 Also, during my trips to Europe I visit many fellow professional teams training sessions. In addition, some of my friends are still playing in Europe with professional teams, so I am able to communicate with them about the latest training techniques.

Furthermore, the club allocates funds to allow me access to top European football teams in order to stay updated with the most modern styles of coaching the game employs today.
 
I have seen you during goalkeeper training sessions that even though you are coaching you also wear goalkeeper gloves. Why? 

A:
Whether it is goalkeeping training or full team training sessions, the coach must be comfortable and able to demonstrate by example what he wants the players to do. 

Therefore, I must also wear the required soccer equipment to properly demonstrate my expectations. In addition, I enjoy it because it reminds me of my playing days, and the players feed off my energy.


You must be very satisfied with the results you have achieved with team's new signings, including your new goalkeeper.  Will you continue to implement the same development strategy with future potential players?

A:
Yes, Alex's attitude deserved our unique concentrated approach to player development, and I hope he will continue working hard in order to fulfill his potential. Having said that, it is very difficult to allocate this level of resources towards one specific player, therefore we have system that supports and prepares every player to excel at a competitive level.

 As with any sport, players need to develop at their own pace. However, if I feel there is potential, we will present that player with all the necessary resources for them to be successful.

Moreover, I always closely monitor all of the players in our system in order to make sure they are playing according to their full potential. In fact, during last year, seven players have been promoted within our club system to the main team, and each player has made a significant contribution to the team's success.   Do I need to say more than that?

So, are you looking for an additional goalkeeper? What about players in other positions?

A:
I am always excited to look at new players. I am a big believer in competition amongst  players on our team, and I firmly believe having more than one good player at the same position will definitely improve each and every player more quickly over a shorter period of time.

In addition, good players can play in various positions, and therefore I encourage every player to diversify their technical and tactical skills. Presently we have two goalkeepers that work extremely hard, but they know that at this competitive level there are no guarantees.

Any player in my team knows he must be able to perform better than anybody wanting to try out for the team if they wish to continue being part of this team. We are also constantly monitoring nutrition and conditioning of our players. 

We still have spots available, and I will always look at interested candidates, but I am strongly suggesting contacting us immediately before roster is complete.

However, keep in mind parents must be willing to make a strong commitment, as this will be a priority when I make a decision to accept a new player. If the parents are willing to make this commitment, that player will be assessed objectively regardless of previous experience.

What are you specifically looking for when assessing the potential of a player interested in joining your team?

A:
Beyond a standard level of fitness, I look for effort and an ability to learn quickly. At any given time, I have close to 20 players to assess, train and improve on a weekly basis, so I must ensure that my resources are invested efficiently.

So can I assume that at this age a high level of parental commitment will be a significant consideration in determining if a player is a candidate to join your team?

A:
As I mentioned above, commitment is the first condition. Beyond that, parents must give me their complete trust. 

Although I am always open to new ideas and opinions, parents must refrain from becoming "personal coaches" to their child, or worse, criticising any of my players.

In fact, we have a very clear code of conduct with respect to how parents should behave around our team.

Whether it is a training session, a league game, or a tournament game all of your players arrive fully dressed at the time you set, and place their team bags neatly next to each other.  As the head coach, why do you expect players to arrive so early prior to all games?

A:
I am a big believer in discipline, because discipline is the core foundation of any success. I have zero tolerance for tardiness, inconsistent attendance and lack of respect for team uniformity. In order to achieve the high level of success that we have, a coach must instil in each player a high level of self-discipline, confidence, purpose, team unity and commitment; without these key elements any team is destined to fail.

What are your other expectations for a rep player who wants to be part of this team?

A:
I demand that they carry themselves as would a professional player, must want to play as team with a common purpose, both on and off the pitch.  Also, I require they follow proper rest and nutrition guidelines, as well as follow a special routine during game days and tournaments. 

Before every game, players must arrive on time, have a focussed mind, and prepare sincerely for the game at hand.  The players on this team understand this is how they should properly prepare for every game. This team is successful, in no small part, because attention is given to even the smallest details.

Attention to details prior to the game allows everyone to enjoy the reward, which comes from success.  Of course, a coach must lead by example; Players on this team know their maximum potential will be achieved, because in terms of effort I will not accept a mediocre from myself.   

In addition to a regular schedule, you also conduct some additional training sessions prior to important games, and arrange many exhibition games.   Why do you do this?

A:
The players on this team share my desire to be extremely successful. They always want to improve, and understand hard work, good coaching and game experience is the correct path to success. I do not believe in luck or destiny, but in individuals who can through the hard work achieve their goals, and as head coach I want to be there to assist them in achieving their success.  

This team provides regular goalkeeping training sessions, which only the team’s goalkeepers attend. 

A:
Specialized goalkeeper training sessions are extremely important. As a former professional goalkeeper I understand a goalkeeper has to have a different psyche, and training methods for goalkeepers have to be different as well, and these differences must be given proper attention.

Some parents believe goalkeepers improve if they register them in separate academies.  With no disrespect to these academies, they tend run over a short time period. A goalkeeper needs a coach that not only has experience, but also is able to work with them over a long period of time.

Goalkeeping is so much more than just an individual workout. We help goalkeepers with many different aspects of their role, such as proper mental attitude, meeting the physical demands of a goalkeeper, and developing leadership skills on the pitch. Most importantly, we closely monitor our goalkeepers’ performances to determine areas where they need to improve, and then provide the specific training to help them improve in that area.

It is a mistake to believe goalkeepers improve by playing on weaker teams, believing they need to experience a constant treat from the opposing team’s offence. A goalkeeper should be ready to make a save at any given moment during the game, but they should only by really challenged 3-5 times per game, and stay completely focussed during the rest of the game.

The best goalkeepers can stay mentally prepared to make a save when team needs them to do so. Casillas of Spain was chosen the best goalkeeper in the World Cup 2010, yet over the entire tournament his defence allowed only 5 shots on target.

In other words, games give players experience and enjoyment, but proper training is what makes them better.

Despite recent additions to your squad this team continues to be very successful, going undefeated the entire season in both league and tournament games.  What is the secret of your success?  

A:
Each one of our players who had joined the team during the last year quickly became a key player in our system.  For obvious reasons I am very reluctant to make public their trade secrets, but I will tell you that we know how to get 100% effort from every player during both games and training sessions, and we ensure that we craft a family atmosphere among player, parents and team officials. As for our results this season, it is nice because everyone likes winning, whether they want to admit it or not. But for me results are simply feedback for our hard work.
 
What advice would you give parents who are interested in either joining a rep team for the first time, or are thinking of moving from their existing rep team in search of a new challenge for their child?

A:
From my experience, the most important thing is to be open-minded about the different (and for you new) system the team employs. Joining a new team is like starting any new relationship, but when parents are asked to have a passive involvement in their child’s development it is understandable there will be a level of apprehension. 

When this happens always ask your child if he likes being part of the team, and is he having fun.  In addition, parents must let the coach do the coaching, and never criticise players and coaches in front of their own children, or other team members.  

I can assure any parent following this advice experience enormous joy and pride in their children.  We have a very good group of parents and, and when interviewing parents of possible candidates, their willingness to embrace this philosophy is plays a major part in our final decision.  

When looking to join a good rep team, what are the questions parents should be asking the head coach in order to help them decide if the team is right for their child?

 A:
Well (laughs) usually first question parents want to ask is about money. I believe this question should be last (and besides, our fees are lower than most other clubs).  I believe parents should write down what their objectives are for their child before approaching the coach, and then ask the coach about his system, objectives for the team, as well as objective is for their child.  

For example, if the objective is to have their child be on a winning team, then look for a team that shares that objective and has the results to back up their objective. Some parents want to look for fun or involvement in physical activity, so make sure you ask appropriate questions to find out if you and the coach are on the same page.


The Spartacus Soccer Club’s objective is geared towards securing and improving players who might have the potential to reach the professional level. We believe in setting high standards, but implement the development of our young players in a safe, happy and caring environment. A solid work ethic and high expectations key objectives on our agenda as we aspire to produce happy, confident, successful and talented players. We believe in a holistic approach to player development, therefore giving the player the best learning environment to improve socially, psychologically, technically and tactically as a gifted young individual; one is then fully equipped to pursue the ultimate goal of reaching their full potential.