Check out Duktig Brand here:
https://www.duktigbrand.com/
MSC Analysis Course (USE CODE: MSCTACTICAL)
https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/challenge-page/ecourseanalysis
Per Mertesacker joins Gary for a deep dive into youth development, leadership, and the Strong Young Gunners philosophy that drives Arsenal’s world-class academy.
In this conversation, Per explains how football teaches life, why character is the foundation of performance, and how Arsenal balances high challenge with high care across every age group. From the purity of the foundation phase to creating adaptable modern players, he shares a transparent look at what it takes to build people and players capable of thriving in any environment.
We also explore the four-pillar framework used inside the academy, the importance of lifelong learning for both staff and players, and the reality that less than one percent will make it as professionals. Per’s perspective is a masterclass for coaches, leaders, and anyone working in player development.
Topics include:
• Person-first development and daily standards
• Strong Young Gunners philosophy
• Balancing challenge and care
• Foundation phase environment
• Creativity, super strengths, and modern player profiles
• Staff development and coaching pathways
• Managing expectations with parents
• Preparing young people for life beyond football
• The future of coaching and youth environments
All content for Modern Soccer Coach Podcast is the property of Gary Curneen and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Check out Duktig Brand here:
https://www.duktigbrand.com/
MSC Analysis Course (USE CODE: MSCTACTICAL)
https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/challenge-page/ecourseanalysis
Per Mertesacker joins Gary for a deep dive into youth development, leadership, and the Strong Young Gunners philosophy that drives Arsenal’s world-class academy.
In this conversation, Per explains how football teaches life, why character is the foundation of performance, and how Arsenal balances high challenge with high care across every age group. From the purity of the foundation phase to creating adaptable modern players, he shares a transparent look at what it takes to build people and players capable of thriving in any environment.
We also explore the four-pillar framework used inside the academy, the importance of lifelong learning for both staff and players, and the reality that less than one percent will make it as professionals. Per’s perspective is a masterclass for coaches, leaders, and anyone working in player development.
Topics include:
• Person-first development and daily standards
• Strong Young Gunners philosophy
• Balancing challenge and care
• Foundation phase environment
• Creativity, super strengths, and modern player profiles
• Staff development and coaching pathways
• Managing expectations with parents
• Preparing young people for life beyond football
• The future of coaching and youth environments
The Fluminese Blueprint: How to Create Intelligent, Adaptable Players with Andre Medeiros
Modern Soccer Coach Podcast
55 minutes 16 seconds
1 month ago
The Fluminese Blueprint: How to Create Intelligent, Adaptable Players with Andre Medeiros
On this week’s Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary sits down in Rio de Janeiro with André Medeiros, the man who has helped shape Fluminense’s methodology for over 25 years. Recorded during Gary’s recent visit as part of the TetraBrazil Tour, this conversation dives deep into how Brazil’s most respected academies view player development, coaching, and the evolving game.
André shares incredible insights on:
Why respect sits at the very top of Fluminense’s core values.
How coaches are taught to see themselves not as the center of the process, but as facilitators of player growth.
The club’s belief that “we don’t build players — we develop them,” focusing on character, adaptability, and intelligence.
The balance between athleticism, speed, and decision-making in the modern player.
Why the future of football might see positions disappear entirely, replaced by fluid, dynamic systems built on player versatility.
Beyond tactics and systems, André speaks passionately about the human side of the game — education, psychology, cooperation, and humility — all foundational pillars of how Fluminense produces not just great players, but great people.
Modern Soccer Coach Podcast
Check out Duktig Brand here:
https://www.duktigbrand.com/
MSC Analysis Course (USE CODE: MSCTACTICAL)
https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/challenge-page/ecourseanalysis
Per Mertesacker joins Gary for a deep dive into youth development, leadership, and the Strong Young Gunners philosophy that drives Arsenal’s world-class academy.
In this conversation, Per explains how football teaches life, why character is the foundation of performance, and how Arsenal balances high challenge with high care across every age group. From the purity of the foundation phase to creating adaptable modern players, he shares a transparent look at what it takes to build people and players capable of thriving in any environment.
We also explore the four-pillar framework used inside the academy, the importance of lifelong learning for both staff and players, and the reality that less than one percent will make it as professionals. Per’s perspective is a masterclass for coaches, leaders, and anyone working in player development.
Topics include:
• Person-first development and daily standards
• Strong Young Gunners philosophy
• Balancing challenge and care
• Foundation phase environment
• Creativity, super strengths, and modern player profiles
• Staff development and coaching pathways
• Managing expectations with parents
• Preparing young people for life beyond football
• The future of coaching and youth environments
