Shows
Touchline TalkClarity Over Chaos: Why Michael Carrick’s Football WorksMichael Carrick isn’t the loudest manager in the room—but his teams are some of the clearest.Across two interim spells at Manchester United, Carrick has gone six matches unbeaten, delivering statement wins against Manchester City and Arsenal by doing something surprisingly simple: removing confusion.In this episode of Touchline Talk by Soccerspective, we break down how Carrick’s clarity as a manager drives performance:Simple but effective positional structuresCompact defensive organization over chaotic pressingClear midfield roles that restore balance and controlPlayer empowerment through trust, not over-coachingCarrick’s approach shows that elite football doesn’t always require complexity—sometimes it...
2026-02-0413 minTouchline TalkGasperini’s Roma RevolutionGian Piero Gasperini has brought his unmistakable high-intensity, aggressive, and attacking identity to AS Roma — and the 2025/26 season is starting to reveal just how effective that commitment has been.In this episode of Touchline Talk, we break down Gasperini’s coaching journey, his core principles, and how Roma’s 3-4-2-1 system functions in possession, out of possession, and in transition. Fresh off a 1–1 draw with second-place AC Milan, Roma currently sit 6th in the Europa League qualification spots, offering a clear sign that this isn’t a short-term bounce — it’s a growing identity.We dive into:What defines G...
2026-01-2711 minTouchline TalkMarcelino’s Villarreal: A Masterclass in Team StructureVillarreal’s rise back into La Liga’s top three isn’t built on possession dominance or superstar reliance—it’s built on clarity, compactness, and collective discipline.In this episode of Touchline Talk, we break down how Marcelino García Toral has engineered one of the most structurally sound teams in Spain during the 2025–26 season. From their elite defensive organization to their ruthless vertical attacking moments, this is a case study in how well-defined roles and simple principles consistently outperform chaos.We explore Marcelino’s coaching background, his tactical identity at Villarreal, and the key players driving this season’s succes...
2026-01-2109 minTouchline Talk3 Must-Know 7v7 Soccer Formations for Youth CoachesIn this episode of Touchline Talk, we break down three essential 7v7 soccer formations every youth coach should know: 3-2-1, 2-3-1, and 3-1-2. Learn how to:Structure your team for defense, midfield control, or attacking threatTeach width, spacing, and possession principlesTransition players from 7v7 → 9v9 → 11v11Develop versatile, tactically aware playersWhether you coach beginners or advanced youth players, these formations give you simple, practical ways to teach the game’s core principles and set your team up for long-term success.👍 Like the episode🔁 Share it with another coach📌 Subscribe for more weekly insights from the global game🙌 Thanks to...
2026-01-1616 minTouchline TalkProcess Over Panic: How Unai Emery Built Aston Villa the Right WayAston Villa sit near the top of the table in the Premier League during the 2025–26 season—and this rise isn’t built on hype, shortcuts, or reactionary decisions.It’s built on process.In this episode of Touchline Talk by Soccerspective, we break down how Unai Emery has methodically transformed Aston Villa through tactical clarity, role definition, and a relentless commitment to detail.This is a deep dive designed for coaches, leaders, and students of the game—those interested not just in what Villa are doing, but why it works.🔍 In this episode, we explore:Unai Emery’s background as a player and...
2026-01-1616 minTouchline TalkBeyond the Pitch: How Youth Soccer Shapes the Leaders of TomorrowWhat if youth soccer wasn’t just about developing better players—but better people? 🌱In this episode of Touchline Talk, Brandon goes beyond the pitch to explore how youth soccer environments shape leadership traits that last far longer than the game itself. From communication 🗣️ and decision-making under pressure 🧠 to resilience 💪, confidence 🔑, and the “goldfish mentality” 🐠—this episode breaks down why the soccer field is one of the most powerful classrooms for developing future leaders.Drawing on youth development research 📊, sport psychology, and elite coaching philosophies, this conversation challenges coaches, parents, and leaders to rethink success in youth soccer. Because while not every player becomes a...
2026-01-1613 minTouchline TalkMurderball: Inside Marcelo Bielsa’s Training MethodsMarcelo Bielsa is known for intensity, innovation, and an uncompromising football philosophy—and nothing represents that more than Murderball.In this episode, we break down Bielsa’s infamous Murderball training methodology—a relentless, high-intensity practice environment designed to replicate the physical, mental, and tactical chaos of match day. Loved by some players, feared by others, Murderball has shaped some of the most tactically intelligent and mentally resilient teams in modern football.We explore:What Murderball training actually looks likeWhy Bielsa believes extreme intensity produces tactical clarityHow repetition under fatigue builds decision-making and positional disciplineThe mental toughness required to survive Bielsa...
2025-12-3012 minTouchline TalkMikel Arteta and Arsenal’s Long Road to BreakthroughIn this episode of Touchline Talk, we dive into Arteta’s full journey—from his days as a smart, steady midfield leader 🧠 to his evolution into one of the most detailed and demanding young managers in the game.We explore:⚽ How Arteta’s playing career shaped his coaching philosophy🧩 What he learned under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City🏗️ Why culture, standards, and identity came before tactics at Arsenal⏳ The patience required to rebuild a club the right way🚀 And whether Arteta’s process is finally setting Arsenal up for a true breakthroughThis episode is packed with practical lessons for youth and grassroots coach...
2025-12-1813 minTouchline TalkMLS Shake-Up: New Calendar, Apple TV Deal & 2025 Playoff BreakdownMLS is stepping into a new era — and we’re breaking it all down.In this episode of Touchline Talk, host Brandon Faust unpacks three of the biggest structural changes in Major League Soccer history:📅 New MLS CalendarFull switch arrives in the 2027–28 seasonTransition mini-season in early 2027New mid-July start, winter break, and spring season finishPros, cons, and what it means for players, clubs, and youth development📺 Apple TV Deal UpdateStarting in 2026, every MLS match is included in a normal Apple TV subscriptionNo more Season Pass add-onWhat this means for accessibility, scouting, analysis, and league growth🏆 2025 MLS Playoff PictureSame format: 9 teams per confe...
2025-11-2313 minTouchline TalkInside La Masia | How Barcelona Built the World’s Greatest AcademyIn this episode of Touchline Talk by Soccerspective, host Brandon Faust takes you inside La Masia, the world-renowned academy that has shaped legends like Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, and Piqué — and redefined what it means to “play the beautiful game.”We explore:⚽ A day in the life of a La Masia player — from classroom to training ground.📚 The academy’s holistic philosophy that develops the person before the player.🔍 How Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola revolutionized Barcelona’s playing DNA through La Masia.🌍 Why this model differs from other European academies — and what the United States can learn from it.🔥 Plus, we break down h...
2025-11-2312 minTouchline TalkFabian Hürzeler | The 32-Year-Old Manager Redefining Modern FootballAt just 32 years old, Fabian Hürzeler is reshaping what it means to be a modern football manager. In this episode of Touchline Talk, host Brandon Faust breaks down how the Brighton & Hove Albion boss is blending German tactical discipline with fearless innovation — guiding the Seagulls to statement wins over Manchester City and Chelsea in the 2025–26 Premier League season.We’ll explore Hürzeler’s journey from Bayern Munich’s academy to St. Pauli’s touchline, his tactical system rooted in structured flexibility, and how his calm, clear leadership is transforming Brighton into one of the Premier League’s most exciting pr...
2025-11-0711 minTouchline TalkThe Future of College Soccer: U.S. Soccer’s Bold Plan for ChangeU.S. Soccer just released the NextGen College Soccer White Paper, outlining a massive reform plan for Division I men’s and women’s soccer — and it could change everything.In this episode of Soccerspective, host Brandon Faust breaks down the biggest takeaways:⚽ A proposed year-round season for men’s soccer📈 A promotion/relegation-style system between Regional and Local divisions💰 How schools could save up to $350K per year through regionalization👩🎓 A U-23 spring competition coming to the women’s game🧭 What this means for Divisions II, III, and the NAIAIf you coach, recruit, or develop players in the U.S., this is an episode you...
2025-10-3118 minTouchline TalkThe Basque Blueprint: Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth RevolutionIn this episode of Touchline Talk, we explore how Andoni Iraola has reshaped Bournemouth into one of the Premier League’s most dynamic teams. From his Basque roots and time under Marcelo Bielsa to his bold, high-pressing tactics, Iraola’s journey reveals a blueprint for modern coaching.We break down his style of play, tactical structure, and how he’s helped players like Alex Scott and Antoine Semenyo. A must-listen for coaches and fans who love studying how identity shapes innovation on the touchline.🙌 Thanks to Our Affiliate Sponsor!⚽ Total Football AnalysisGet 30% off your subscription with code SCS30👉 https://totalfootballa...
2025-10-2517 minTouchline TalkSocial Impact Through Soccer | Paul Dreisbach InterviewIn this episode of Touchline Talk, we sit down with Paul Dreisbach—co-founder of Petrichor Football Association and a leading voice in global sports for development—to explore how soccer can be a powerful tool for social change.From launching community-based leagues in Cameroon to partnering with global brands like LaLiga to pioneer La Ligue D’Égalité, Paul shares how his journey in football has become a mission to develop youth, empower girls, and create systems that promote lasting impact through the beautiful game.We talk coaching in underserved communities, sustainable development in youth soccer, and how...
2025-05-1545 minTouchline TalkU.S. Youth Soccer Age Groups Are Changing Again – Here's What It MeansBig changes are coming to U.S. youth soccer. In this episode of Touchline Talk by Soccerspective, host Brandon Faust breaks down the highly debated shift from birth-year to school-year age groupings set to roll out in the 2026-27 season.We explore:⚽ The 2017 move to birth-year groupings — why it happened🌍 How other countries structure their youth systems📅 What the new flexible policy means for clubs, coaches, and parents✅ Pros like better social cohesion, retention, and developmental alignment⚠️ Cons like transition confusion and competitive disruption📣 What clubs and directors of coaching (DOCs) should be doing rig...
2025-05-0218 minTouchline TalkYouth Soccer Player Development with Vince GanzbergIn this episode of Touchline Talk by Soccerspective, we’re thrilled to welcome Vince Ganzberg, a true leader in the world of soccer coach education. Vince currently serves as the Director of Coach Education for US Club Soccer, where he partners with member leagues and clubs to develop coaches, expand strategic partnerships, and create new educational content. With a professional career dedicated to coaching education for more than 20 years, Vince has held key roles with Indiana Soccer Association, United Soccer Coaches, and U.S. Soccer, where he continues to deliver grassroots, D, C, and B...
2025-04-2646 minTouchline TalkCoaching Insights: Steve DeCou on 20+ Years of College SoccerIn this episode of Touchline Talk by Soccerspective, host Brandon Faust sits down with Georgia Gwinnett College Head Coach Steve DeCou to discuss transformational vs transactional coaching and what it means to strive for excellence on and off the field. Coach DeCou has built GGC into a national NAIA powerhouse with:* A 153-60-26 record at GGC (274-152-41 career)* 10 NAIA national tournament appearances* 2 NAIA quarterfinal runs (2017, 2022)* 15 NAIA All-Americans coachedWe explore his leadership journey, player development philosophy, and character shape his program’s culture.Learn more about Coach Steve and Georgie Gwinnett College here: https://ggcathletics.com/staff-directory/steve-decou/73🔔 Subsc...
2025-04-1948 minTouchline TalkCoaching the Next Generation with Eric McDonaldIn this episode of Touchline Talk by Soccerspective, host Brandon Faust sits down with Eric McDonald—an experienced youth coach with a deep love for the game and a heart for developing resilient players on and off the pitch.🙌 Thanks to Our Affiliate Sponsors!⚽ Total Football AnalysisGet 30% off your subscription with code SCS30👉 https://totalfootballanalysis.com🎓 CourseraTake the next step toward your personal and professional goals!Get 25% off Coursera Plus Annual Membership (Offer ends April 14th)👉 https://imp.i384100.net/c/6101991/2839491/14726Support the...
2025-04-1041 minTouchline TalkYouth Soccer Development Throughout the Decades with George PerryYouth Soccer Development Throughout the Decades with George PerryIn this episode of Touchline Talk, we sit down with George Perry, former captain of the Indiana University men’s soccer team and a longtime college soccer coach and leader in American soccer, to discuss the evolution of youth soccer development over the decades. With a career spanning from leading IU on the field to coaching at various collegiate levels and serving as United Soccer Coaches President (formerly NSCAA), Perry brings a wealth of experience and insight.We explore how youth soccer has changed—from the rise...
2025-04-0340 minTouchline TalkMen in Blazers' Jonathan WilliamsonTouchline Talk Podcast: Behind the Scenes with Men in Blazers’ Jonathan WilliamsonIn this episode, we chat with Jonathan Williamson, Executive Producer at Men in Blazers Media Network, about his journey into soccer media, working with Roger Bennett and his role in growing the brand. Jonathan shares unforgettable experiences meeting stars like Mo Salah and Noel Gallagher, his passion for Ipswich Town, and insights into the changing landscape of sports media. We discuss continued growth of Men in Blazers and its impact on the soccer community. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at one of soccer media’s top producer
2025-03-2732 minTouchline TalkWhy High School Soccer Still Matters: 2024 State Champion Coach Josh BrownIn this episode Touchline Talk by Soccerspective, we chat with Josh Brown as he dives into the impact of high school soccer in the U.S. and its relationship with club soccer. With 20+ years of coaching experience, a background as a former college player, and as the 2024 State Champion Coach in Indiana, Josh highlights how the consistency and community of high school teams foster growth beyond the game. STAY CONNECTED WITH SOCCERSPECTIVE► Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/Soccerspect...► Twitter: / soccerspective ► Instagram: / soccerspective ► Facebook: / soccerspective ► LinkedIn: / soccerspective
2025-03-2049 minTouchline TalkSaving U.S. Youth Soccer with Kyle WilsonIn this Touchline Talk episode, we sit down with Kyle Wilson. Kyle’s self-stated goal is to “save U.S. youth soccer.” In our conversation, Kyle discusses the flaws in U.S. youth soccer—pay-to-play, lack of proper development pathways—and how he’s changing the narrative by creating access to amazing resources for parents and coaches as well as his initiative called Beast Residency. Kyle is former college player, USAFF Futsal National Team Captain (2019 World Cup), and a leader in youth soccer development. Kyle shares his journey as a player and coach, highlighting the lessons that shaped his approach to...
2025-03-1440 minTouchline TalkPromotion & Relegation in America? How USL’s Division 1 Status Could Reshape Youth SoccerIn this episode of Touchline Talk, we dive into one of the most controversial and exciting topics in American soccer – the possibility of promotion and relegation in the U.S.! With USL’s bold push for Division 1 status, the soccer landscape could be on the verge of a seismic shift. We explore what this means for MLS, lower-division clubs, and the entire U.S. soccer pyramid. But it doesn’t stop there – we also unpack how this could reshape youth development, challenge the pay-to-play model, and impact the future of college soccer. Is the U.S. ready...
2025-02-2825 minTouchline TalkJosé Mourinho’s Masterclass – Porto’s 2004 Champions League TriumphIn this episode of Touchline Talk, we take a deep dive into José Mourinho's legendary Champions League triumph with FC Porto in 2004. Discover how Mourinho transformed an underdog squad into European champions using tactical brilliance, strategic adaptability, and unmatched motivation.We explore:⚽️ The tactical masterclass behind Porto’s unexpected run, including the five different systems Mourinho used to outsmart Europe’s elite.🏆 Key moments, like the iconic touchline sprint at Old Trafford after defeating Manchester United.🔑 Underrated heroes like Ricardo Carvalho and the creative genius of Deco, who orchestrated Porto's attack.📊 Unique stats and facts about one of the greatest underdog...
2025-02-2617 minTouchline TalkRonaldo's Managers: The Biggest Influences on Ronaldo's CareerCristiano Ronaldo’s Greatest Managers – The Top 5 That Shaped His Career
In this episode of Touchline Talk, we dive into the top five managers who had the biggest impact on Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary career. From tactical masterminds to inspirational leaders, we break down how each coach influenced Ronaldo’s development, playing style, and success on the pitch. We also discuss his most challenging managerial relationships, including those marked by tension and controversy. Tune in as we analyze the highs and lows of Ronaldo’s career under football’s greatest minds!
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2025-02-0611 minTouchline TalkDavid Moyes Returns to EvertonTouchline Talk: "The Return of David Moyes" 🎙️⚽
In this episode of Touchline Talk, we dive into David Moyes’ second stint at Everton, analyzing his tactical evolution, the challenges he faced, and his impact on the club’s resurgence.
🔵 Key Discussion Points:
✅ Moyes’ Legacy at Everton – How he built a competitive side on a limited budget from 2002-2013.
✅ Lessons from Manchester United & West Ham – Tactical adjustments and what he learned.
✅ Everton’s Tactical Approach in 2024-25 – How Moyes reshaped the squad for defensive solidity and counter-attacking efficiency.
✅ Statement Win vs. Spurs (January 19, 2025) – A deep dive into Everton’s 3-2 victory over Tottenham, showcasing Moyes’ pr...
2025-01-3021 minTouchline TalkUnlocking An Attack | Mauricio PochettinoExplore how Mauricio Pochettino redefines the number 10 role, blending creativity through players like Christian Eriksen and Lionel Messi. We also discuss how he could transform Christian Pulisic into the centerpiece of the USMNT attack.
📌 Topics:
Pochettino’s tactical evolution
Christian Pulisic’s potential as a modern number 10
Practical tips for youth coaches to develop midfield players
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2025-01-2521 minTouchline TalkArne Slot | High Intensity PressingIn this episode, we’re diving into the tactical genius of Dutch manager Arne Slot, known for his tactical discipline and high pressing. Arne Slot has a defined play-style and is finding early success in his first season at Liverpool.
Don’t miss the practical drills at the end, where we’ll guide you through activities to introduce principles of a high press to players of all ages. Subscribe for more episodes turning world-class soccer tactics into actionable coaching tips for all levels!
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2025-01-2524 minTouchline TalkRuben Amorim | Getting to the BylineIn this episode, we’re diving into the tactical genius of Portuguese manager Rúben Amorim, known for his wide-play strategy and use of penetrating runs to the byline. Amorim’s approach stretches defenses and creates high-quality goal-scoring chances—a method that youth and grassroots coaches can implement with their teams.
Don’t miss the practical drill at the end, where we’ll guide you through an exercise to implement Amorim’s wide-play principles. Subscribe for more episodes turning world-class soccer tactics into actionable coaching tips for all levels!
2024-12-3122 min