After two years now at Bulleen, how would you best describe your coaching style or philosophy?
My philosophy has always been to draw out the best from my playing group and make every session challenging. Of course it’s always important to have a bit of fun along the way. I am a strong advocate in the curriculum but don’t see it as a rigid framework to be adhered to at all costs. It is something which you use as a base and modify where required to get the best out of your playing group and encourage a simple structure and style of play.
The key is to then allow players to express themselves within that structure. We have some very youthful, talented and skilful players at FC Bulleen this year that are very capable of such expression on the pitch and combining that with another year of experience our maturity will grow as a team. The players back themselves and back each other really well – and I back this philosophy.
In terms of my coaching style, it’s quite fluid. I encourage risk taking within certain boundaries and the level of risk differs depending on which area of the pitch we are working in. I am quite passionate about what and how we do it and get great enjoyment out of seeing incremental development and improvement. I’ve had lots of enjoyment here at FC Bulleen in such a short time.
What preparations have FC Bulleen been undertaking for the season kick-off?
We have focused on building a good base of fitness and I believe we are much better placed this year than last, certainly in our pre-season games we have run them out convincingly. Given the personnel changes, we have also worked on set structure and have played many girls in different positions to ensure we have the right degree of cover in case of injury, illness or any other reason for absence. I think we are well positioned to tackle the season head on. We have a couple of niggling injuries but nothing major, so we expect to be competitive from the start.
READ MORE > WPL Coach Q&A: Heidelberg United’s Bill Mihaloudis
What do you see as a good measure of success in 2015 for this team?
Without getting ahead of ourselves, we would like to figure in a top four finish but if I am realistic, top two is my aim, as well as a good run in the cup. Other teams have recruited heavily and so we need to be mindful of that. It also goes without saying that there have been many teams in the past with what was considered to be a league winning squad who did not live up to expectations.
We need to plan for an outcome but be prepared for the unexpected. Other key performance indicators given our mantra at the club would be recognition of our players in representative squads, both State and National. If we build the right environment and develop the right behaviours, then who knows what might happen.
What’s your mantra or favorite saying (in the context of sport and/ or life)?
I don’t really go with all the chest beating motivational type of hype. However, I do draw on a couple of profound sayings which resonate with me. The first is a quote from Zig Ziglar an American author which I have slightly modified – “It’s your attitude and not your aptitude which will ultimately determine your altitude.”
I firmly believe this and yes I hate losing games of football. We all know of the Bill Shankly quote “Winning isn’t everything…..It’s the only thing.” but another great quote from Vince Lombardi an American football coach comes at it from a different angle. He says “If winning isn’t everything, why do they keep the score”. He’s the man!
Life is no different by the way. I also love the speech from Al Pacino in the movie – Any Given Sunday. I played it to the team once before a game but we were beaten on the day so it’s back in the drawer. I also recommend reading Craig Johnson’s book “Walk Alone” – it’s absolutely brilliant.
Do you have any special talents or a surprising things someone might not know about you?
I’m very shy and very quiet at first when I meet new people.
Who is your favorite coach in the WPL and why?
My favourite coach in the WPL was Salma Tawfic but she has retired now. *laughs* I don’t have a favourite really. I think there are many good coaches in this league and all I try and do is learn from observing each and every one. You are never too old to learn and if you take the time, you can always pick up different aspects from other coaches in any sport, because we are all trying to achieve the same outcome.
Who is your favourite player in the WPL and why?
Every single FC Bulleen player because of their attitude and desire. If I was pushed, there are a couple of other players who really stand out. The first is Enza Barilla from Bundoora. I coached Enza or “The Gorilla” when we were at Eltham and she is one of the most focused and brave individuals I have had the privilege of coaching. I now consider her to be a friend which is great. She makes things happen on the pitch through her genuine enthusiasm and effort and never ever gives up. She is a nightmare to coach against. Another would be Angie Rassias, now at Box Hill I believe. Angie is another player who never leaves you wondering, I love her attitude and desire and again she never stops talking and encouraging on the field of play.
Finally, how will Australia go at the Women’s World Cup in 2015?
We have drawn a really tough group that will push the team to new heights, but you just sense a new beginning and a belief in the squad which is encouraging. There are players in the squad who, if allowed to perform, can be game changers. We have the USA first up so a positive result there will really set the scene as we then tackle Nigeria and Sweden. It would be fantastic for female football in this country if we were to get out of the group stage but you can’t down play the difficulty. That being said we are Aussies and so anything is possible. In the end, their attitude will determine their altitude, so dare to dream.
McGuinness will lead his young team in Round 1 against newcomers South Yarra on the 8th of March. If this interview is anything to base opinion on, it would be fair to say his squadron is ready for action. The season is long and exhausting but McGuinness is strategically preparing for a protracted and lengthy battle that will hopefully yield the desired result.