Podcast · Sport

Modern Soccer Coach Podcast

by Gary Curneen · English · Sport

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

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 50 min
Latest: 7 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 6 min

Are We Getting Youth Physical Development Wrong? | Joel Hansson

Gary is joined by Joel Hansson, Head of Physical Development for U8-U14 at Hammarby in Sweden, to rethink how we approach physical development with young players. Joel challenges the idea that youth players should simply follow scaled-down versions of adult training. The conversation between Joel and Curneen explores traditional warm-ups, developing a wider “movement toolbox,” using games and play to develop physical qualities, wrestling and contact work, speed development, the role of the gym, GPS monitoring, and why fun and physical development don’t have to be competing ideas. Joel also…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

30 Sep 2026 · 50 min
The Reality of Coaching High School Soccer | 4 Coaches, Real Solutions
Check out MSC High School Online Course and use code MSCHIGHSCHOOL for 20% OFF: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/challenge-page/46214942-e036-4f32-afa6-8383d4608e2d Get involved in future MSC Panels below: https://forms.gle/EvaCiQcZetQQGr7i9 High school soccer is one of the most unique — and often overlooked — environments in player development. In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary is joined by four coaches currently working in the high school game to discuss the realities, challenges and opportunities that come with the role. From bringing together players from…
21 Sep 2026 · 50 min
Why Technical Development Still Matters | Tony Colbert
Tony Colbert spent 20 years working alongside Arsène Wenger at Arsenal and is now a freelance consultant (FIFA Technical Expert), helping develop players and coaches around the world. In this conversation, Tony shares his philosophy with Gary on technical development and explains why he believes modern coaching can sometimes neglect the technical foundations players need to perform at the highest level. We discuss purposeful repetition, two-footedness, scanning, first touch, playing forward, technical activation and why the opening 10–15 minutes of training can become a powerful development…
10 Sep 2026 · 45 min
Brian Ashton: How Great Coaches Develop Thinking Players
In this episode of Modern Soccer Coach, Gary is joined by former England Rugby Head Coach Brian Ashton for a fascinating conversation on coaching, player development, creativity and decision-making. Brian led England to the 2007 Rugby World Cup Final and has spent decades working across elite sport, including experiences within Premier League football. He shares the lessons that have shaped his approach to developing players and why he believes great coaching is about much more than simply giving instructions. The conversation explores the difference between coaching and interfering, why…
3 Sep 2026 · 56 min
Inside Dutch Football: How the Netherlands Develops Coaches & Players | Antal Vergeer
Antal Vergeer is a Learning & Development Specialist with the KNVB (Dutch Football Association), working in coach development and education. Before returning to the Netherlands, Antal spent almost seven years working within U.S. Soccer, giving him a unique perspective on two very different approaches to developing coaches and players. In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Curneen sits down with Antal Vergeer to explore the ideas, culture and thinking behind Dutch coach and player development. Antal shares fascinating insight with Gary into the Dutch approach to the game — from…
26 Aug 2026 · 54 min
Is There a Right Coaching Model to Develop Players? | Jake Pickles
In this episode of Modern Soccer Coach, Gary Curneen is joined by Jake Pickles for a fascinating discussion around one of the biggest questions in coach development: is there actually a right way to coach soccer? The conversation explores the different theories, methodologies and frameworks that influence modern coaching, from constraints-led approaches and tactical periodization to more traditional ideas around instruction and session design. Jake challenges the idea that coaches should be searching for one perfect methodology, arguing instead for greater adaptability, context and an…
17 Aug 2026 · 56 min
How Elite Players See the Game Differently with Tomás Pereira
Register for our FREE Players Webinar here: https://event.webinarjam.com/vm2mo/register/2454osm0r How do elite players see the game differently — and what can coaches do to develop better decision-makers? In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary Curneen is joined by Tomás Pereira, Football Analysis Specialist at the Swedish FA, for a fascinating conversation on decision making, learning and how players develop a deeper understanding of the game. Tomás challenges many traditional ideas around coaching and session design, exploring why repetition alone does not guarantee…
10 Aug 2026 · 55 min
Individual Development Without Individual Training | Joop Oosterveld
FREE MSC Players Webinar: Built to Adapt: Resilience That Survives The Season with Peter McDonnell https://event.webinarjam.com/vm2mo/register/2454osm0r In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary is joined once again by Joop Oosterveld, who recently took on the role of Head Coach with Lech Poznań II in Poland. Joop breaks down his approach to session design and explains how coaches can place individual development at the center of the training process while still working within a team environment. The conversation explores how IDPs can live inside game-based training, why Joop…
5 Aug 2026 · 59 min
How Elite Coaches Teach a Game Model - Inside Kansas Soccer with Tyler Smaha
How do elite coaches actually teach a game model? In this episode, Gary sits down with Tyler Smaha, Assistant Coach at the University of Kansas, to explore how one of the top women's soccer programs in the country develops player understanding, decision-making, and tactical clarity. Rather than simply discussing principles of play, Tyler explains how Kansas connects its game model to every part of the learning process—from video analysis and positional blueprints to training design and individual development. We discuss: ⚽ How to build a game model from observation, not imitation ⚽ Teaching…
27 Jul 2026 · 58 min
Inside Mjällby - Sweden's Most Innovative Academy with Herman Ottosson
Player development starts long before players step onto the pitch. In this episode, Gary Curneen sits down with Herman Ottosson, Technical Director at Mjällby AIF Academy in Sweden, to explore one of the most innovative coach development environments in European football. Rather than relying on rigid curriculums or copied training sessions, Herman explains how Mjällby develops adaptable coaches, creates ownership with players, and builds an academy culture centered around reflection, accountability, and continuous improvement. Topics include: Why coaches should design sessions around their…
20 Jul 2026 · 53 min
How To Build a Game Model in a New Football Culture with Andy Thomson
New MSC Training Session Resources: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/shop What does it really take to build a game model from in a new culture? In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary Curneen sits down with Andy Thomson, First Team Coach at Beijing Guoan, to explore how he and Nick Montgomery have built a clear football identity in one of the most demanding environments in world football. We dive deep into: Building a game model in a completely new culture Creating simple, repeatable playing principles Why coach behaviour shapes team identity High pressing and possession…
14 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
The Player Development vs National Identity Debate in Football | Drew Taylor
What should a national team actually stand for? Following Australia's 2026 World Cup campaign, one of the biggest debates in football resurfaced: should national teams have a clear identity, and how much responsibility do federations have in shaping the next generation of players? In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary Curneen is joined by Drew Taylor, Director of Football at Newington College in Australia, coach educator, and one of the country's leading voices in player development. Together they explore: ⚽ Why "golden generations" are the wrong way to measure success ⚽…
2 Jul 2026 · 16 min
The US Is Winning... But Here's What Really Matters (World Cup Thoughts)
Check out MSC World Cup Breakdowns below: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernSoccerCoachTV What should success at the World Cup actually mean for US Soccer? Following the USA's impressive knockout victory over Bosnia, Gary Curneen steps back from the tactics to explore a bigger question: what kind of legacy could this World Cup leave behind? Is success simply about more kids playing the game, or should it be measured by something deeper—a stronger football culture, better coaching, improved player development, and a growing tactical identity? In this episode, Gary discusses: Why participation…
24 Jun 2026 · 20 min
Game Rhythm: The Most Overlooked Tactical Concept in Football with Bernat Mosquera
Click here for MSC New YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernSoccerCoachTV You can join Bernat's 7-Day Coaching Accelerator for free here: https://modern-coach-hub.teachable.com/purchase?product_id=6638723 What separates the best teams in the world from everyone else? According to coach educator Bernat Mosquera, it might not be possession, pressing, or formations—it might be their ability to control the rhythm of a game. In this episode, taken from our Modern Soccer Coach TV World Cup livestream, Bernat and Gary dive into one of the most overlooked concepts in football: tempo…
22 Jun 2026 · 46 min
World Cup Hydration Break Debate: Are Coaches Taking Over the Game? With Ashley Gumbrell
Join us for bonus MSC World Cup content: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernSoccerCoachTV Are hydration breaks helping the game... or hurting it? At the 2026 World Cup, hydration breaks have become much more than player recovery. Coaches are using them to deliver tactical information, adjust game plans, and influence momentum in ways we've never seen before. In this episode, Ashley Gumbrell joins Gary Curneen to discuss: ⚽ The rise of "tactical timeouts" in football ⚽ What coaches are actually doing during hydration breaks ⚽ The balance between coaching and player autonomy ⚽ Lessons from Tuchel,…
16 Jun 2026 · 17 min
The Tactical Themes Defining World Cup 2026 (So Far)
Join our World Cup YouTube coverage on MSC TV below: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernSoccerCoachTV What tactical themes are emerging from the opening week of World Cup 2026? In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary Curneen shares three coaching lessons that have stood out so far from the tournament. Drawing on reports from the MSC analysis team and observations from matches across the competition, we explore why the mid-block is becoming the defensive strategy of choice, how the best teams are finding multiple solutions to break it down, and why in-game adaptation may be the…
10 Jun 2026 · 42 min
Why America Struggles to Develop Creative Soccer Players with Benny Feilhaber
Former US Men's National Team midfielder Benny Feilhaber joins the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast for an in-depth conversation on creativity, player development, and the future of soccer in the United States. Growing up in Brazil before moving to America, Benny offers a unique perspective on why creative players emerge in certain environments, the role of futsal and unstructured play, and whether the United States can develop more technically gifted players without replicating other football cultures. We also discuss: ⚽ The creativity debate in American soccer 🇧🇷 Lessons from Brazil's player…
4 Jun 2026 · 31 min
Scotland's World Cup Reality: Why Haiti Could Be Their Toughest Test - John Walker's Preview
Subscribe to MSC World Cup coverage: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernSoccerCoachTV Check out John's World Cup work here: https://patreon.com/JohnWalkerFootballAnalysis?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Scotland are back on the World Cup stage, but what should coaches and fans expect from Steve Clarke's side? In this World Cup preview, Gary Curneen sits down with analyst John Walker to break down Scotland's chances, key players, tactical approach, and the challenges they will face in a fascinating group featuring Brazil, Morocco, and…
3 Jun 2026 · 57 min
Stop separating technique from decision-making with Bas Van Baar (FC Twente Academy)
Check out MSC Online Courses this summer: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/analysis Dutch football has long been admired for its ability to develop intelligent players, but Gary Curneen's recent conversation with FC Twente and Heracles Academy Head of Football Development Bas van Baar offered a fascinating insight into how that process actually works. Rather than focusing on patterns, formations, or rehearsed movements, their academy is built around developing players who can recognize situations, make decisions, and solve problems independently. It is a philosophy rooted in principles…
28 May 2026 · 53 min
Why Australia Is Producing Better Players Again with Cam Jones
In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary Curneen sits down with Cam Jones — former professional player, current Western Sydney Wanderers academy coach, and founder of Spark Football — to explore the current state of player development in Australia. From coming through the Australian “golden generation” era alongside names like Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka to now helping shape the next wave of talent, Cam brings a unique perspective on where the Australian game has been and where it is heading. This conversation dives deep into: Individual development within team environments…
26 May 2026 · 37 min
10 Years at City: Pep Guardiola’s Legacy on Modern Coaches
Check out MSC Online Courses below: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/analysis For 10 years, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City became one of the defining teams of modern football. But beyond the trophies and performances, Pep’s greatest impact may have been on the coaches watching from the sidelines. In this MSC Breakdown, Gary Curneen looks back at Guardiola’s legacy through interviews, press conference moments, reflections, and soundbites from his time at Manchester City. Organized into key themes and ideas, this episode explores how Pep influenced coaching conversations around positional…
25 May 2026 · 40 min
Brazil Legend Silas on Maradona, Creativity & the World Cup
Follow MSC World Cup coverage here: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernSoccerCoachTV Check out Silas' book here: https://beyondsuccess.info/book Brazil legend Silas joins Gary Curneen for an incredible conversation on Brazilian creativity, Maradona, the pressure of wearing Brazil’s famous #10 shirt, and why modern football has changed the game forever. Silas reflects on playing for Brazil at the 1986 and 1990 FIFA World Cups, facing Diego Maradona, life at Sampdoria during the golden era of Serie A, and what made Brazilian players different from the rest of the world. We also discuss: The truth…
20 May 2026 · 45 min
Game Day Coaching Behaviors with Ashley Gumbrell | Touchline Culture, Emotion & Player Development
Check Out ‘Performance Football Coaching’ at St Mary’s University below: https://www.stmarys.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/performance-football-coaching What impact do coaching behaviors really have on players during competition? In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Ashley Gumbrell joins us to discuss one of the most overlooked areas in coach education — game day coaching behavior. From emotional touchlines and sideline personas to silence, instruction, referee interactions, and player development, this conversation dives deep into how coaches influence the game from the…
18 May 2026 · 44 min
Inside PSV: Why Dutch Development Still Leads the World with Aloys Wijnker
What does one of Europe’s most historic development clubs actually believe about player development in 2026? In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary Curneen travels to the Netherlands to sit down with PSV Academy Director Aloys Wijnker for an in-depth conversation on the philosophy, methodology, and environment behind one of football’s great talent factories. From Ronaldo Nazário and Romário to Arjen Robben and Cody Gakpo, PSV has produced and developed generations of elite players. But this conversation goes far beyond history. Aloys breaks down: Why PSV prioritizes…
14 May 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
Stop Copying Pro Environments | John Murphy on Coaching Challenges, High School & Player Development
Check out MSC online courses below: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/analysis What happens when coaches try to copy elite professional environments without understanding the players actually in front of them? John’s coached across multiple levels of the game, including more than a decade in Major League Soccer, over fourteen years as a collegiate head coach, and extensive work as a U.S. Soccer coach educator. But what makes this conversation really fascinating is the work he’s now doing away from the touchline. In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary Curneen sits down with…
7 May 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
Didier Chambaron: Why Coaching Courses Aren’t Enough
Check Out ‘Performance Football Coaching’ at St Mary’s University below: https://www.stmarys.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/performance-football-coaching Director of Coach Education at U.S. Soccer, Didier Chambaron joins Gary Curneen on Modern Soccer Coach Podcast for one of the most important conversations we’ve had around coach education, player development, and the future of coaching culture in the United States. As Director of Coach Education at U.S. Soccer, Didier shares his thoughts on: - Why attending coaching courses alone is not enough - The difference between coach education and coach…
5 May 2026 · 1 hr
The Mental Side of Coaching Starts on the Grass with Dan Abrahams
Download MSC FREE Attacking Final 3rd PDF here: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/product-page/msc-6-final-third-attacking-exercises In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary Curneen sits down with Dan Abrahams to explore one of the most important — and often misunderstood — areas in coaching: performance psychology. Dan also talks about his new book: Compete and get into into what really drives player performance under pressure, why elite players can still struggle mentally, and how coaches can actually develop mindset within their training sessions — not in meetings, not in…
4 May 2026 · 40 min
Aaron Danks - From FA to Bayern Munich: Success Leaves Clues
This week on the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, we revisit a 2019 conversation with Aaron Danks — now an assistant coach at Bayern Munich. This episode was recorded years ago, but when you listen back, what stands out is how early these ideas were being discussed. We get into specialist coaching, collaboration across staff, and how top environments are designed to develop players — not just run sessions. Aaron also breaks down his thinking around clarity vs chaos in training, and why the best players thrive when they’re given both structure and freedom. There’s also a strong focus on coach…
30 Apr 2026 · 50 min
Glenn Crooks - Inside Elite US Coaching & Culture: What Top Coaches Do Differently
This week on the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary Curneen is joined by Glenn Crooks. A former Division 1 college coach, MLS commentator for New York City FC, and host of the Coaching Academy on SiriusXM, Glenn brings a unique perspective shaped by years inside the game. His new book, Put It on Frame, draws from conversations with some of the top coaching minds and forms the foundation for a discussion that goes well beyond tactics. This episode gets into the reality of coaching at a deeper level — what actually separates top coaches, how they think, and how they lead. It’s a conversation…
29 Apr 2026 · 42 min
The Truth About High School Soccer in the U.S. with Jim Harte
Check out MSC High School Course below: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/post/msc-launches-online-high-school-game-model-course High school soccer is often overlooked in the U.S. development landscape — but are we getting this completely wrong? In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Jim Harte shares a powerful perspective on the role of high school soccer, why it continues to thrive, and what the game might be missing by shifting too far toward club structures. We dive into: Where high school soccer sits in today’s landscape The rise of the High School Champions League Player…

About Modern Soccer Coach Podcast

Modern Soccer Coach Podcast is a English sport podcast from Gary Curneen. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Gary Curneen
Language: English
Category: Sport
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 50 min
Latest episode: 7 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1318510028

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