Jim McGuinness’ move into mainstream soccer coaching has moved up a level by putting on a presentation at the FAI Pro Licence coaching course.
A generation ago such a move could have earned a lifetime ban from GAA but with attitudes a little more relaxed the two sports are able to co-exist with the Celtic coach the clearest example of that.
McGuinness’ presentation was certainly appreciated by former Chelsea keeper Carlo Cudicini who is now working with the Ireland u-21 squad.
Just listened to Jim McGuinness presentation at the @FAICoachEd Pro-License course…Very Interesting and motivating.His work is outstanding
— Carlo Cudicini (@Capitancarloc) June 2, 2015
Three years ago McGuinness took his first steps into the world of football when he took up a role in Celtic’s development squad but since Ronny Deila took over as manager the former Donegal coach has been working with the first team.
Explaining his new role on RTE last October McGuinness said: “Since the new manager has come in he wants me to work pretty much exclusively now with the first team. I work on the psychology things with players.
“We are very like-minded in our approach. Other than the fact I was very defensive and he is very offensive, the principles are exactly the same. And that is what he wants, high-octane football, energy, workrate, a lot of preparation and a lot of offensive energy going forward – taking the game to the opposition.
“That’s the style of play he brought from his previous club and he wants to implement that. If you take that philosophy forward there are a lot of demands within it. The energy levels can sometimes become a problem so the key thing for a manager is that the players are happy and have high energy levels.
“If you want to train at 100 per cent every day and work hard every day and want high energy on the pitch and in drills then you have to be demanding. That’s why my role has become more important. If it was a situation where he wasn’t demanding that much it would be a bit easier for the players.”
