Understanding the player

A player-centered approach means that the player is the main actor in the development process. We make the player the main actor in the development process by understanding the needs that they have. We have to understand that players come to the club and come to their team because they love to play the game. And we want to meet them where they are and we want to provide them with a unique experience that helps them to develop as a person, that helps them to develop as a player. I think when we've seen the best coaches use a player-centered approach, they really are using the team as the vehicle so that the individual always has their needs being met. So what does that particular person in front of you need at that particular time? How do we help support that player through their individual journey regardless of their age? But do we understand what stage they are in their development and what is needed as a coach to be able to work to help that player achieve their full potential? I think it's very important when you start as a coach to not make things too complex, to simplify things, to use appropriate language to reduce the complexity of the game by creating as much successful moments as possible in a training session. So that one player is developing not only technical and tactical skills but also builds a lot of confidence and self-esteem.