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I am a supporter of ideas & philosophies more than I am a supporter of clubs. That said, we all owe certain clubs a debt of gratitude for giving us the evolving blueprints for how to play the game. The answers are all there to be seen!
My roots as a coach run long as a devoted follower of Ajax. And while I understand that the birth of modern Ajax & modern tactics did was not created in a vacuum, my attraction to the game all come through clubs that have borrowed and stolen directly from Ajax. As a result, I typically cite Cruijff as my primary influence in the game. Ajax is the only club that I will ever call myself a supporter of; there the style has become ingrained over 50 years time. I have studied deeply Van Gaal through De Boer, even getting to study alongside Koeman & Blind a few years ago.
That, of course, led me to follow developments at Barcelona, which for many years has been “Ajax South”. Like most, I have developed a coaching crush on Pep.
Ten years ago my interest would have been Wenger & Arsenal. They have lost some luster for me, not because of their trophy drought, but more because a devolving style of play.
Over the last year I have become more attracted to Martinez. As for Rodgers & Liverpool, I’m not sure yet. I have wanted to like him and do enjoy the way Liverpool try to play, but every time I hear him speak he comes off to me as a bit insincere.
Finally, I have worshiped BIELSA since his 2010 stint with Chile! I’m infatuated with his mind and am hoping to see him get back in the game soon!
I learn most through watching, but only have limited time in my day to watch, so it is critical that I am selective with what teams I give my viewing time to. I won’t miss an Ajax or Barcelona match…I try to watch all Everton, Liverpool & Arsenal matches…and really wish I had a package to watch Bayern’s league matches.
Thanks…good find with that Martinez interview.
Jed-
Intelligent list of reads you’ve posted. I’ve read and been rewarded by most of the books you have mentioned over a number of years, but the psychology of learned helplessness & priming are new to me. Thanks for sharing!
My name is Jon Mroz and have been coaching since 1985 when at the age of 16 I got my first job as coach of a girls’ high school team. Nearly 30 years later I am still obsessed with the most efficient way to teach the game. Along the way I have coached everything from 3 year old grassroots introductions to DI college. I am currently entering my 18th year of boys’ high school coaching (Brookfield Central HS, Brookfield, WI) in addition to my role as Director of Goalkeeping and u18 coach at Bavarian Soccer Club (Milwaukee, WI).
My coaching philosophies have taken many years to shape, but were already well in place in 2005 when I began studying annually in the Netherlands. My studies since have focused on the implementation of these philosophies, and while I am certain that I have come along away, my obsessive/perfectionist side recognizes I have a long way to go!
I am excited to see such a community of coaches who are also dedicated to the learning process.
