Let me tell you a secret. I’ve worked with professional athletes across a few different sports now. (That's not the secret). There’s something that’s surprised me, fascinated me, and inspired me all at the same time. One singular thing. One singular thing that they all share in common. Every single one of them. They all … Continue reading Coaching Newsletter #8 – Being the best is overrated
Author: Rhys Desmond
Why Jesse Marsch is perfect for the Canadian Men’s National Team
The American coach made his name across an incredibly successful spell at RB Salzburg between 2019-2021, but hasn't been able to hold down the fort since. His brief stints at RB Leipzig and Leeds United showed signs of promise, but also many moments of doubt. So with Marsch being out of a top-tier job for over a year, it comes as a surprise that he would suddenly take over the Canadian Men's National Team. However, Marsch's management style and tactical preferences perfectly fit the current need within the Canadian set-up.
Pep Guardiola – Manchester City – Tactical Analysis (2023-24)
This might finally be the year. It might finally be the year that Pep Guardiola and Manchester City don't win the Premier League. Despite that, they've still been the most tactically complex team in the league, carrying on from much of the tactics that brought them a treble-winning triumph last season. Here is what Pep Guardiola has imposed in 2023-24, continuing to make City one of the most dominant forces in the world.
Game of Numbers #38 – Alejandro Garnacho’s intensity & awareness
It's amazing to think that Alejandro Garnacho is only 19 years of age. Sometimes, you can see the rawness in his game. The facets that still need to be carefully developed. But as he ages, let's hope he never loses his tenacity. His hunger for more. His appetite to win at all costs, even when no one else is pulling their weight. He might not have the soaring high stats to back this up, but I truly believe Alejandro Garnacho is one of the players of this season in the Premier League. That's promising for United, who so desperately need something to cling onto for the future. Here is Game of Numbers #38, including what makes Alejandro Garnacho one of the best young players in the Prem.
How I created a football tactics empire
In 2016, I started TheMastermindSite.com as a passion project, writing about whatever interested me at the time. Five hundred articles and five years of coaching experience later, I had created one of the biggest platforms in the tactics/analysis space, certainly by a sole proprietor. Now going on 1,200 articles, I deep-dive into how I created one of the most popular platforms in the football tactics, analysis and coaching space.
Coaching Newsletter #7 – The case for conserving energy – a lesson from Lionel Messi
Next time you get the urge to act without thinking, and you have time to think things through, stay patient. Take in as much information as you can. Walk. Observe. Then make every moment count once you have all the information. Save your energy for what is truly important. You'll enjoy a longer-lasting career that way, and live a more meaningful life.
Coaching Newsletter #6 – Why I quit sports before the age of thirteen
I quit hockey and basketball before the age of 13. 70% of children in North America do the same. Yet still, coaches, "leaders", and even parents make the same mistakes over and over. They create an environment that de-emphasizes fun and fulfillment. They emphasize all the wrong things instead.
Why the quality of the Canadian Premier League deserves more respect
The Canadian Premier League is not a giant leap away from the MLS, or many of the clubs abroad. Many of the examples of MLS clubs facing off against CPL giants has resulted in losses for the CPL clubs. But the gap has never been that far away. inancially, I recognize the difficulty of choosing the Canadian Premier League as the path for the future. But for outside audiences, our league deserves more respect. The quality is already far beyond what most would have imagined at this point, and not all that far away from the MLS.
