Liverpool, for all the money it has spent has not really performed. If one is a cynic it is because King Kenny doesn't know how to invest, and Liverpool is a team in decline. This doesn't take into consideration that Liverpool was in decline, not just last year, but almost within two minutes of the Robber Baron's Hicks and Gillette taking over. They had no honest plan for the future, there was no plan at all. It was smoke and mirrors and non-investment. Rafa was fired, Roy was set up, and not until John Henry (and Fenway Investments) took over did a foundation for future development appear.
A Club, like a team on the field, cannot flourish, if it doesn't have a strong platform from which it can develop. For some Clubs (Chelsea, Man Utd, Man City) it comes from big investment and a desire for constant gratification. For other Clubs it comes from shrewd investment in young players and player development (Barcelona and Arsenal). Liverpool is not yet in either one of those positions. To be blunt it will take years to overcome the advantages that the Manchesters', Chelsea and Arsenal have.
Years.
So Reds, don't take it for granted. This is your Champion's League Final. For your fans, the millions of World Wide Reds, this is our Champion's League Final. For this fan, Chelsea is the "Auld Enemy" and needs to be flattened, and sent back to their money pit, to lick their wounds for another year.
Now, I don't have years with my new team. I have a season. I have five short months to make them play and train as a single entity. King Kenny has staff, money and at least (I hope) a year to accomplish his task.
So what is a poor amateur like Hal White to do?
Prepare.Prepare. Prepare even more. And prepare for it to all go pear shaped, or worse.
How Does Hal White prepare for a season?
Number 1.
Get to know the players. Speak to their previous coaches, look at their stats if any from previous seasons, make notes fro the assessment sessions and see where they fit it into a team plan.
Number 2.
Introduce yourself to the players. In a group and then one on one throughout a training session. Observe how they respond to suggestions, criticism, praise. Use open gestures and body posture.
Number 3.
Get to know the parents, if coaching a younger group.
Number 4.
Get to know your league, and scout it or review the previous season stats about the opposition.
Number 5.
Determine reasonable and achievable objectives, individually, collectively and competitively. Assess your players and develop training sessions that will improve their individual skills, and tell them when they have succeeded. Find collective/tactical skills that the team can work on. Such as wall passes, zonal defending, or attacking wing play. Whatever it is make certain it is achievable by the team before you. Remember if they don't have the technique then the tactics won't follow. In other words your tactics MUST compliment your teams technical ability.
An example. If your team is fast, and able to clear long and fast from the back, play so called direct or "route 1" soccer. If they can pass and move, then play that style of game.
Lastly (within Number 5), tell the players what you want them to achieve in the season. Win the league, top half, fewer goals against. Give them an objective.
Number 6.
Play to their strengths, but train to their weaknesses. By this I mean, improve their technical weaknesses. The more you work on their weakness and improve them the more playing/tactical options you will give the players and the team.
Number 7.
With all players at all levels establish training, attendance, behaviour and playing expectations. If there are to be sanctions for non compliance explain those sanctions. Apply them fairly, consistently and without anger, but apply them. Even if it results in one of your best players sitting out a game.
Number 8.
Make the environment pleasant, safe and fun. Determine how you will develop the appropriate balance of training time, "social time" and bonding time. All of these elements contribute to a successful team and season.
Number 9.
Develop a schedule and a direction for your training. "A" should lead to "B", which should lead to "C" etc. It should be directed to the objectives outlined in #5 above. Each step should advance the goal of the player, the team and the season. The schedule of training, maybe not the particulars should be given to the players and parents to help co-ordinate personal schedules throughout the season.
Schedule down time for YOU and your squad. Either call off a practice time (in advance), and maybe pencil in a team dinner, or other activity. It is important coaches get time off as they get, well, crispy and bitter. they need to enjoy the season as well. See link below:
He got fired.....
Coaching Tip of the Week
Hal White's perfect gear bag for the player:
1. Back pack type of bag (this is easy to carry and often has pockets for water bottles)
2. Shoe bag for cleats, TIED to back pack, with cleats inside.
3. Shin guards. Where else should they be if not on your shins? After a game or a practice put them right in your bag.
4. Socks 2 if not 3 pairs.
5. Tape and "pro-wrap" to tie your hair up (not needed by Hal White as his pony tail Andy carroll days are over)
6. Long sleeved t-shirt or cover up jacket for cooler days.
7.Your uniform/shorts etc etc.
8. A resealable plastic bag to keep things dry if it rains
9. Water bottles and a snack.
Pack this right after a game or practice, especially your cleats and shinguards.
Bonus Items:
10. A towel.
11. Sunscreen and insecticide/bug spray
12. A hat
13. A section of newspaper to stuff into your cleats to dry them out after a wet practice.
14. Rainjacket, or large green garbage (bin bag) to pull on in an emergency
15. Small first aid kit with bandages, a wrap, and tube of disinfectant cream.
Keep your bag packed and ready. Always. Prepare, prepare, prepare.
Hal White
Come on You Reds!!!!!
YNWA
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