First and foremost congratulations on a fanstastic Champions League journey.

–        Thank you!It has been my pleasure to work with such wonderful players and leaders.  There  has been talk that it was not possibe to get all these ”strong individuals” to play together as a team in such a short time but the fact is this TEAM formed a strong base which resulted in a national title in 2012.  This title gave us a ticket to the Champions League. It was the TEAM that was strong and it took us the whole way to the the Champions League final.

Have you had time to digest the impression from the final?

–        To a certain extent. It was a humbling experience in many ways. It was also the ”last trip with the gang.” In my book, the players and the team were winners. They did everything in their power to perform at their best and that is a success. We also showed that small Tyreso could get all the way to the final and disrupt the reigning champions. As long as we were whole and fresh (primarily thinking of Marta and Vero) we showed that we can play an attacking football that no one can stop.

Is it time for some new challenges?

–        I assume you are refeering to the USA’s women’s national team. Yes, it will be so much fun to come back to U.S. Soccer.  It is one of the most professional environments I’ve worked in and I have the chance to work together with my very good friend Jill who I had the privilege of knowing during the Olympic games in London.  It is a privilege to work with a group of leaders and players who are extremely developed and competitive.

When do you start?

–        I will continue with Tyreso through the Spring season and try and work with talent development. I know that they want to put more of a focus on it in the club as well as the A-Team.  My first day with the U.S. national team will be in the international matches against France on the 14th and 19th of June.  After that I will come home and coach the last matches with the Tyreso women before summer break.

Will you have any time to spend on your development with TikiTaka?

–        Most of the development work is already completed in the training methodology and training packages. Understandably my time is limited but it is possible. I have time to take on one task, for instance, a coaching course or seminar.

Congratulations and good luck!!

 

 

Tony in Valencia. One of his many visits to study football around the world.