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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.”

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&hl=en_US

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.

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.

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!

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

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 )

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

Gary is joined by Adi Viveash, who recently joined Middlesbrough first team coaching staff and also spent eight years at Chelsea as assistant Academy and assistant reserve team coach before being named Under-18 manager in July 2011. He was promoted to development squad manager in 2014, which saw him lead Chelsea’s Under-21s. During his time at Chelsea, among the players Adi had a key hand in developing were Marc Guehi, Conor Gallagher, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Mason Mount and Reece James. His departure from the Blues was confirmed in May 2017 but two months later he was back in work having been named assistant manager at Coventry City. In this interview, Adi gives a unique perspective on life at Chelsea, how the game has changed in the last 10 years, the variables that coaches must take into consideration, how coaches manage elite level players who are on the verge of the first team, plus the difference between first team coaching and development. An extra special thanks to SportsLab360 for teaming up with us on this episode. Since 2016 they've been helping thousands of coaches empower their players to improve their Soccer IQ and decision-making on the pitch. It's one of the easiest and most affordable ways to get more out of your team. We have a special offer for MSC listeners at the halfway point of the interview! Click below to check them out: https://sportslab360.com/

Gary is joined by Coastal Carolina University head coach, Jo Chubb, to discuss the progress that the team has made in recent years and where she is targeting to evolve for the upcoming fall season. Pre-season preparation is often focused around the physical side of the game, but Jo believes that the tactical and individual development areas must take center stage in order to compete at the elite level of college soccer. Jo also discusses how she has used player feedback to facilitate ownership of the process, plus how she delegates and works alongside her staff to make sure that their contribution is valued and maximized. 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://bit.ly/44YfI55

Gary is joined by Academy Director and 1st team coach at Chicago City FC, Conor Walsh. They discuss Conor's experience at the Barca academy, his approach to personal development, how coach and player development align, and the north American player development model. Listen to Conor interviewing Gary on The Lowdown Podcast below: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lowdown/id1553685531?i=1000718893788

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/

Join MSC Insider Here: modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptions Gary is joined by Ruben Santos to discuss how to align set-piece frameworks and training into the Game Model. Ruben has worked at a number of Portuguese clubs including CD Trofense, FC Porto, and Torreesnse. His presentation for MSC is around "dividing Set-Pieces into Sub-Phases, the aim is not to remove the complexity of Football but to create a Conceptual Framework to engage with that complexity more effectively" He also believes that "we can view these Sub-Phases as Fractal in nature, from Set-Pieces in particular, but also, from the Game as a whole. In this sense, dividing them is not reductionist, it’s integrative."