The Soccer Coach Is The Conductor

There are players who say soccer coaches are resentful and have an elephant's memory

No matter what happens, the soccer coach always has the last word. How practices are run, who plays, meetings , schedules, and setting internal penalties for violations against the social structure. Often the coach also determines who the team captain is. Whether this actually makes sense or not, will not be addressed here.

- There are players who say soccer coaches always pick the player who talks back the least to be the team captain

So far so good, were it not for the coach's character.

- There are players who say that soccer coaches have no character, but that's another topic

He (meaning of course the coach) lays out the rules, and those who practice poorly, play badly or are not on time, have to expect consequences. But what if the coach doesn't comply with its own rules, what punishment should he expect? Running of penalty laps, paying a fee to the team's penalty jar or will there be a new coach at the sideline at the next game? Pretty arrogant, that soccer coach, but he's the boss after all.

- There are players who say within the team, soccer coaches behave like dictators

Well, that a coach has to also expect sanctions for violating the penalty rules happens more and more often. Criticism is to be expected, if he substitutes poorly or he is unprepared for practice. But this is rather rare, because the coaches also decides who sits on the bench during the next game. Worst case, voicing criticisms means sitting on the bench for the rest of the season.

- There are players who say soccer coaches are resentful and have an elephant's memory

A soccer coach's life is great. He can do what he wants.

But careful: often there is this insidious process. He's building something and before he even realizes what is going on, he's gone. This always happens when the coach directs his team self righteously. It may also occur, that the team as a whole, or in parts, suddenly breaks apart. If the team plays successfully the coach usually feels good, because success is sexy. So: just win, it solves all problems.

- There are players who say that soccer coaches believe they are responsible for the victories, the team for the losses

The football coach is indeed the conductor, but not only does he dictate the rhythm, he himself should also remain within it. Because this doesn't mean he can do what he wants.

The preferred rhythm consists of: his own set of rules, it's that simple and difficult. Should he violate his own rules, it's rather difficult to punish him, but he can apologize to the team. This shows strong character and has nothing to do with a loss of authority, quite the opposite.

- There are players who say that their soccer coach is a nice guy and knows a thing or two about soccer

Cheer up, the coach is part of the team and a very important one. Having authority does not mean that players tremble in front of the coach. Authority creates respect, not the use of power. A coach gains respect by being the person he is, through his actions, his knowledge, and also his mistakes.

The soccer coach is the conductor of an orchestra and not a one-man band.