Soccer Savvy- Rob McCourt

We are proud and delighted to welcome Monmouth Men's Head Coach to TrickyLeftWinger for our second Soccer Savvy Interview.

Coach McCourt took the time out after his most successful season with his Monmouth program to answer some questions.

TLW-Now that your season has ended, how pleased are you with the season, what was your personal highlight, and what next for Monmouth?

Finally getting to look back I have to be proud.  Proud, yet disappointed.  Losing to Harvard was tough.  Having played 4 games in 8 days compared to their 2 was always going to be difficult.  When you look back though...National ranked for 11 straight weeks, conference regular season for 5th straight time, and conference tourney.... wow.  Truly amazing.  When I got the job people always asked if we were D3.  Final regular season ranked #5.  Makes you keep it in perspective.

Personally the atmosphere at the NEC final and the UConn game were particularly gratifying moments for me and the program.  It is scary to think the crowds we could get if we had lights.  Next for MU is hopefully more championships and an extended run in NCAA's. 

TLW-Which seniors this year will be the one to look for in the pros? Or which young Americans oversees do you see becoming the next stars of the U.S national team?

There is no real marquee name player in college soccer this year.  Personally I'd like to see Big Boz (Monmouth Captain Dan Bostock) get a shot.  Young players overseas...Michael Bradley is young and playing regularly.  It is important that players get games when they sign for overseas clubs.  He is performing well on a regular basis in the Bundesliga. 

TLW-Do you think college coaches have to be 'smarter' than pro coaches (pro coaches pick a team, you guys have to deal with all of the rules of NCAA, eligibility, clearinghouse, academics), and do you think that as an extension of this, this is why foreign coaches fail in the MLS, they just don't know how to work with all the rules?

Smarter is a tough adjective.  Most successful MLS coaches from USA have been college coaches.  The amount of paperwork we do as college coaches is ridiculous.  In general understanding the psyche of the American player is the most important part of the job at both levels.  MLS like college has some awkward rules.  Like the rest of the world.... recognizing talent is not so difficult.  It’s the managing of that talent and the psychological aspect of the game that makes coaches successful. 

TLW-What do you think could improve collegiate soccer, if you had the ability to bring in 3 rules tomorrow, what would they be?

Going to Fifa rules on substitutions or closer to FIFA rules.  Too many college coaches take short cuts and manipulate the game due to the substitution rules.  The number of games needs to be spread out.  Every game can make or break your season.  Success or failure often at times depends upon the mentality of a 17-22 year old and their ability to give 100 percent in 18 cup finals in 2 months.  More points for away wins.  Bigger conference teams rarely play away in non-conference matches.  Incentives need to be put in place for teams to travel and win games on the road. 

TLW-I know you have coached all over the world with select and National teams and the US compete with the best of the best at youth level, what is the problem that hinders the players from taking 'the next step'? Is it college? Is it a lack of Professional exposure at a young age? Is it the MLS?

College for some hinders progression, but can help late bloomers.  I feel that there are not enough quality games that have ramifications.  Meaning there are too many games that equal playing time happens because kids pay to play.  There are also too many games that do not matter.  Each loss can be met with.... Ah well I have another game tomorrow or next week.  No matter what age kids need high level games that matter.... if you lose there are ramifications. 

TLS-What has been your proudest moment in soccer, as a player and as a coach?

As a player......hmm hard to say.  Last year I slipped some guy a meg in a over 30 league and hit a bomb upper 90 from 30.  Being 20 lbs overweight...cant think of a better moment. 

As a coach...any time you win a trophy it’s a big moment.  I have been fortunate enough to win quite a few...no one seems more important than the other. 

 TLW-I know you admire Alex Ferguson, any other managers or teams that you try to emulate?

Sir Alex, Jose, Guus all come to mind.  Jock Stein from older days.  I have a particular place in my heart for David Moyes as he always seems to do more with less...I feel like at my level I have a lot of the same obstacles and experiences.

TLW-Messi or Ronaldo? Gimme your top 5 All Time

Maradona, Pele, Ronaldo of Brazil Ronaldinho (before night clubs ruined him) and CR7

 TLW-Best player you have coached? Best player you have played with? 

I played with Paul Mariner...he was a madman.  Harksey (Former U.S Captain and close friend of McCourt, John Harkes) was tireless 18 to 18.  Tab Ramos may have been most gifted though.  In coaching I have coaches Freddy Adu, Eddie Gavin and a bunch others in the league.  They were all young at the time. 

*Since this interview took place Coach McCourt has turned down job offers from several programs in order to complete the project he started at Monmouth.