Take 4

The last two weeks have been interesting to say the least. The training sessions before and after the final naturally had a different feel to it due to the magnitude of the occasion. For many this was a big day, and rightly so, as when eyes are watching destinies can change. You may not necessarily know who is watching, but someone always is. Aside from the footballing stuff that I’ll touch on briefly, I just wanted to speak on the bigger picture of these ‘Chronicles’ I’ve been writing.

From a selfish perspective, it’s a practical way for me to track and reflect on the progress that’s being made on a frequent basis. It forces me to be intentional with the methods I try to implement and ensures that I stay somewhat true to longer term goals. Finally it provides a measure of accountability through which I can remain integral to the coaching principles I support and endeavour to demonstrate.

More broadly however, I think it’s a useful reflection point for anyone who may be in a leadership position or sphere of influence where they have been tasked with positively impacting the next generation. I certainly have not made it yet, nor am I distinctively qualified to occupy this role, but often a time God may have it that you are placed in positions you are frankly undeserving of, such that his excellency may be shown. Remember now the scripture:

2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”‭

Leadership in any case is perhaps the most humbling responsibility one can be granted, as it reminds you of your own fragility. Certainly for me, it is a clear examination of who I am versus what I say, and it lays bear any incongruence between the two. There is a deep vulnerability in leadership (at least there should be), most particularly heightened when you understand your decisions for good or bad are directly impacting an individual’s future. It is no small feat to become the person you need to be for yourself, as this often coincides with you becoming the person others need, hence the common knowledge that loving yourself (via your love for God) will flow through into your service for others.

I say all this as a reminder that these posts are not exclusive to football junkies or sports fans. Whilst there may be talk of drills or formations this has broader implications on life as a whole. It is essentially a series of journal entries mapping the journey of a man succeeding/failing at engaging the minds and bodies of young men who aspire to enter one of the most competitive industries in the world. Whether qualified or unqualified, old or young, auditor or communications officer, the mandate is the same: doggedly seeking to discover your purpose, taking the opportunities that come during the process, and wholeheartedly remaining honest in service to others with what you can give.

ON THAT NOTE, TO THE FOOTBALL.

Training session before the final

Alongside the usual ball manipulation exercises for warmup, more than ever there was a focus on managing the cup final occasion. Although each game should be approached with the same respect, not all games are weighed equally, so it is particularly important that the players are able to perform when it truly matters. The ability to find the balance between poise and intensity is key as you need to both outsmart and out-hustle your opponent. Given the playing conditions we anticipated, drills were targeted at promoting width. The venue for the final is a wider pitch than where we train at, so stretching the game will be an obvious ploy to create space.

We then had a match against the under 14’s to finish the session. Playing against an older year group is always physically challenging but it re-emphasises the importance of making sharp decisions on the ball and not taking unnecessary touches. Against stronger opponents time on the ball dwindles significantly so one needs to have a clear picture of what they will do prior to receiving the ball otherwise the press will overwhelm them. This was clear to see in the game with the frantic pace making for erratic play. It was a good learning point and a clear indication of the heightened intensity that is associated with each year increase.

Cup Final Day

It was a humid day with a dry astro turf and the stale air. As such, the passes would need to have extra zip. Clipped balls in behind are the way to go, with the wingers making outside-in runs towards the goal (similarly to what Mane and Salah used to do during Liverpool’s heyday). It was a cagey start to the game with much of it being played between the midfield. Nerves weren’t much of a factor, but both teams were feeling each other out with few chances being created. There were glimpses of success for the forwards when isolated with the defenders, however those occasions were few and far between. We scored the first goal with an absolute screamer, where the ball fell to the edge of the box after a corner and a first time volley was sent into the top corner. The next ten minutes or so we wrestled control of the game, until a last-ditch tackle left us with ten men and our goalkeeper sent off. He made a business decision, and we respected him for that. Naturally this changed the way we shaped up, but we certainly did not lose our attacking impetus. In fact, we managed to control the game perhaps slightly better than previously, albeit in a different way. Our centre backs were superb in handling 1v1 matchups, our midfield continued to battle furiously, and overall the work ethic and collective spirit could not be faulted. We continued to have an attacking threat in behind, which allowed us to score a second goal with a neat finish following a through ball. After being pegged back late in the game with a well-taken free kick, we saw out the game and crystallised a very mature performance. As you can imagine we were filked with great pride given the circumstances as the players united together to secure the win. There was no moaning or complaining- simply focused to winning. It was a much deserved victory and one to cap off a really good season.

Post-final training session

I’m not sure what I expected, but I don’t think I had the right to be slightly disappointed. Naturally after coming off the high of a victory, and a hard fought one I might add, you can expect a bit of a drop off in intensity. I thought we would do something fun and focus on a game activity, but the quality was noticeably lower than usual. The reality is they just weren’t at it, given this being the crowning jewel of their season and not much else left to play for, but that still didn’t appease me. Either way, we go again next week.

To a simpler life;