“You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.” - Wayne Gretzky
About Me
I grew up in the Vienna (Austria) area with two hearts beating in my chest: One is my love for playing football/soccer and the other one is my curiosity about Water and Engineering. Always staying loyal to both of my interests, the first one led me to becoming a professional football/soccer player and eventually a professional football/soccer coach, proudly holding the highest possible coaching license, the UEFA-PRO-License. The second, leading me to become a Professional Engineer in the field of Water Management.
I have played and coached for over 25 years in Austria. During my career I have played for clubs such as VfB Mödling (Admira Wacker Mödling), participated in World and European Championships with my University Team and, among others, worked with the U17 Austrian National Team, FAK Austria Vienna and SKN St. Poelten Professional Soccer Team. I am currently Head of Scouting for the Macedonian Youth National Teams.
My Opinion of Football/Soccer
Football/Soccer is a TACTICAL GAME that you need to know how to PLAY. Here is why: a normal game lasts 90 minutes of which only 55-70 percent is effective play time while the rest is interruptions. On average, effective game time is only 50 minutes. Since there are 22 players on the field, on average, each player has a ball time of maximum 3 minutes. It is a fact that this doesn't even equal the additional overtime which on average is more than that. In these 3 crucial minutes the player needs to efficiently use his technical skills, but the plausible question that needs to be answered is: "What does the player need to do the other 90 minutes?" Covering, moving, and shifting are hopefully the tasks performed the other 90 minutes, which is the reason why players need to be tactically profound. Here comes the hard part: There are tactical principles which are the foundation of the game that need to be laid out and everybody should follow. There is an abundance of situations where the best solution depends on the player and other factors (player's skills, part of the field where the situation occurs, weather conditions, home/away games, current result). To distinguish between basic tactical principles and the situational/individual solutions is the hardest part to teach players. There are many other thoughts I have about the game. If you are interested in sharing yours or discussing some of them please do not hesitate to contact me.
Interests/My Approach
I love to play and coach whenever I receive the opportunity. Coaching is about leading a team, making players change their behavior in a positive direction, not with the power of the position as a coach, but with the power of conviction. This is how great players are made, because they truly understand and believe in what they are doing! My approach to the game is solution based and not problem oriented. I work towards building on the player's strength instead of reminding them constantly of their mistakes and problem areas. While there are maybe one hundred reasons why something isn't going to work, I am looking for the one possible way to make it work. Repeatedly showing possibilities and solutions to the players will make them set their minds towards creating solutions and improve their decision making skills on and off the field. I try to address all the senses a player has through the use of tactical board, drawings, colors, and videos. All of these utilities increase the player's feel and touch for the ball and the game. In order to develop quality players, time and patience is of the essence as nobody is born a star. Talent must be accompanied by hard work and dedication to reach these goals.
If it is not coaching a team, I am usually with my two little kids attempting to teach them the basics of the game.
Aspirations/Goals
I am looking for the next big player. There are many players who are not discovered and looking for a chance.The reason most players never reach their goals is that they don't define them, learn about them, or even seriously consider them as believable or achievable. Winners can tell you where they are going, what they plan to do along the way, and who will accompany them. I want to give those players an opportunity to shine on the big stage of the football/soccer world.
"If you chase two rabbits, both will escape." - Anonymous
