Football is much more than a sport; it is passion, dedication, effort and, above all, a complex ecosystem where coaches play a fundamental role. However, in the midst of the whirlwind of results and expectations, we often forget to value the immense work they do and the preparation they need to take their teams to the next level. This article not only seeks to highlight their importance, but also to open a space for reflection on how clubs can more effectively support their training and development.
The Sacrifice of the Coach: More than a Profession
Being a coach is not an easy choice. It involves hours of planning, emotional and physical commitment, and a relentless effort to train not only athletes, but also people. It is a job that is often invisible, which does not always receive the recognition it deserves. While the spotlight illuminates the athlete, the coach works in the shadows, accompanying processes and guiding with his heart.
Despite this, coaches are often the subject of unfair criticism, without any appreciation for everything that happens behind the scenes. It is imperative to remember that, although the results are visible on the field, the foundations for success are built in training and in the preparation led by these professionals.
The Need for Evolution in Clubs
Clubs have made enormous progress in areas such as data analysis, scouting, physical preparation and sports medicine. However, in the methodological field, a worrying stagnation is perceived. The continuous training of coaches, a key element for the comprehensive development of footballers, remains limited.
A clear example is the mandatory recycling of UEFA licenses, which offers just 15 hours of updating every three years. In a sport in constant evolution, this time is clearly insufficient to keep up with tactical, technological and pedagogical advances.
As René Descartes said: “I would exchange all what I know to obtain half of what I ignore.” This deeply relevant phrase highlights the importance of humility in learning. In football, we must accept that not everything is invented and that there is always room for improvement.
Basic Problems in Coach Training
Many clubs make the mistake of automatically turning ex-players into coaches or sporting directors, without ensuring that they have the necessary skills to perform these roles. It is not uncommon to see inexperienced professionals in charge of promising youngsters, which can limit their development and harm their long-term careers.
The solution is not to dispense with ex-players in these roles, but to accompany and train them appropriately. Being a great footballer does not guarantee being a good coach; they are different skills that require specific and constant preparation.
The Path to Optimal Development
Clubs must lead a cultural and methodological change, understanding that investing in coach training is not an expense, but a strategic investment for long-term success. Here are some key actions:
Mandatory Continuing Education:
Create internal training programs that exceed the minimum requirements of UEFA.
Partner with specialized institutes such as the Pons Method Institute, which offer advanced courses adapted to the needs of modern football.
Comprehensive Methodological Planning:
Develop a unified methodology that covers from the youth team to the first team.
Implement automated processes and monitoring systems to ensure cohesion in the training of players.
Personalized Accompaniment:
Establish mentors for new coaches, especially those who come from the world of active players.
Provide technological tools and resources for their continued development.
Promote Humility and Respect:
Publicly recognize the role of the coach and his impact on the team.
Promote a culture of mutual respect between players, coaches and managers.
Football Respect: United for Development
Football unites the world, but for it to be a driver of positive change, we need to be critical of ourselves and of the structures that perpetuate mediocrity. It is time to act with vision and commitment, leaving conformism aside. Clubs, federations and international organizations must lead this change, promoting continuous training and genuine respect for those who make this sport possible.
The future of football depends not only on the talents on the field, but on the leaders who guide them from the bench. Let’s bet on knowledge, training and constant evolution. Because football is not only played, it is also built, and every coach deserves the tools to do it in the best possible way.
Football Respect. Football Unites the World.
