Professional insight with James Parry

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My time in Pro Soccer has taught me about the need for strong friendships and trust. The unity between coaches and players is vital for individual and team development.

A particularly interesting and inspirational friend of mine is the former France and Liverpool FC manager, Gerard Houllier. He was delighted recently when I told him
that I had spent some time coaching in Southern California. Gerard also invited me to visit him at the Clairefontaine National Football Academy in France which players such as Henry, Anelka and Trezeguet all attended.

Gerard Houllier also enjoyed success as a coach at Lyon. I was fortunate enough to spend a few days there studying the training methods and ethos of one of European Soccer's top Club's. Here is a brief summary of my trip:

The U17’s trained twic a day, at 9am and 4.30pm. The emphasis of the sessions was on keeping possession, and then closing down quickly when the ball is lost. They always try to force play backwards or sideways. During my week there I noticed how comfortable the players were at receiving the ball.

When recruiting players for the youth teams they look for good first touch, pace and power. In Gerard's view there are certain keys to success in youth development in football such as:

1. Having specific coaches
2. Incorporating an adopted programme to suit the needs and age of the players
3. The success of transferring players from youth to pros. Being able to assess how much they will play and when they are ready.

He believes that young player’s training should centre on skills. Developing technique / first touch and the ability to do the basics with a few tricks added. Playing games is also very important for their progression.

Gerard Houllier talked about the youth structure in France. He worked as the Technical Director for the French FA and was a key figure in the success of the Clairefontain National Academy.

Professional Clubs in France have a Centre de Formation. This represents the players registered with a Club between the ages of 15 - 20. In Gerard’s view there are different stages and emphasis for players in this age range. To summarise there is 5 years preparation for the professional game.

The 15-20 age range in French Youth Football is known as the 'Formation.'
At Lyon, when identifying talent for these teams they emphasise technical ability, mental professionalism and the ability to work hard. The coaching philosophy centres around training for the future, concentrate on matches on the day of the game.

Professional teams in France also operate a 'Pre Formation' for boys between the ages of 12-15. At Lyon, within this age range they have 65 players and 6 coaching staff.
The kids train everyday after school for 1 hour - compact, maintains players concentration. The coaching is nearly all technical. At the Pre Formation they prioritise the following:

Receiving the ball.
Control, trying not to be static (first touch in motion).
Balance and agility.
Creating space and spreading play. Passing is usually short due the physical makeup of the players.

When coaching they will concentrate on 1 or 2 skills / techniques at a time.

Their younger age teams play with 433 formation - creates width and enables the team to concentrate on the attacking nature of football. Defending is less of a priority as the players are not physically developed enough to get back and forward. Under 13’s change to 442, then at 14 a 451 formation is preferred. This is done to help give players a greater knowledge of different solutions and possibilities within match situations. It also creates versatility.

I hope that my experiences can be of use and appeal to you as players, coaches and parents. I will be be returning to LA for much of June and July so hopefully I will get to meet, work and talk more with you all.

James

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GERRARD HOULLIER - ASTON VILLA FC MANAGER - PART 2

PERSONAL INTERVIEW

I was delighted to see my friend Gerard Houllier returning to English football as manager of Aston Villa. He is one of the coaches I respect most in World Football.

MANAGERIAL EXPERIENCE:

1973–1976 Le Touquet Athletic Club
1976–1982 Nœux-les-Mines
1982–1985 RC Lens
1985–1988 Paris St-Germain
1988–1992 France National Team (assistant)
1992–1993 France NAtional Team
1998 Liverpool (joint with Roy Evans)
1998–2004 Liverpool
2005–2007 Lyon
2010– Aston Villa

I got the chance to ask him some questions last night. I hope you find his answers interesting.

•After leaving Liverpool FC what did you miss most about English football/ the Premier League?

The passion for the game - the build up to the weekend, the atmosphere in the stadium, how much it means to the fans.

•Which other top Coaches/Managers do you admire?

- Sir Alex Ferguson (stayed at the top for so long)
- Jose Mourinho
- Arsene Wenger

•What do you consider to be your greatest achievement in football, what gave you most pride?

There are 2:

1. Winning 5 trophies between February and August 2001 with Liverpool while at the same time qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the first time. That was such an intense and exciting period.

2. Winning the League title twice in France with Lyon, making us the first Club ever to win 6 successive titles. I'm particularly proud because we changed the style of play and won with a new formation that I created - 4 1 2 3

•Three key words that reflect, sum up LFC?

PROGRESS
PERFORMANCE-
PLEASURE

As well as the satisfaction from winning trophies, I took great pleasure in helping to improve players like Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.
It was also important to me that all the players enjoyed their football - not just during the game but in everything we did.

•Do you have a particular quote or phrase that inspires you?

"Alone you lose, as a team we win."

And by team I didn't just mean the players. I mean all the staff including the groundsmen who prepare the pitches. Creating the right environment for success is incredibly important.

James