Sydney FC skipper Terry McFlynn talks about what it’s like to get a new head coach.
A new boss can mean big changes. Sydney FC skipper Terry McFlynn talks about what it-s like to get a new head coach.
“A coach doesn-t have to make an instant impression. Every coach has their own philosophy and doing things. Ultimately the new coach is the boss and straight away that-s a given. I don-t think the coach has to stamp his authority, that-s already in place from his position.
“Reputation doesn-t matter. You have to give everyone the respect in the position they hold as head coach, and once you get down to work with them, try to do what they ask you to do on a daily basis.
“When a new manager comes in it-s a clean slate for everyone. History shows that regardless of what point of the season it happens, results pick up when a new manager comes in. That comes down to fresh ideas, everyone-s energy levels lift and competition for places becomes very healthy.
“Being an assistant previously doesn-t matter but it can help the transition. I-ve worked with the gaffer (Ian Crook) before I know what he wants from the players and as captain I can translate that to the dressing room.
“The boss is a fantastic coach and man manager, and he communicates with the boys so everything-s clear and open, and it-s a healthy working environment.
“If radical changes are made there can be a bit of resentment from players; we-re ultimately creatures of habit. The longer a manager has been in place and the way his things have been done in those routines, if that can changed radically there can be some resentment.
“But the manager-s the boss and it-s up to us to follow his instructions, and maybe that has to go through the leadership group to make his job a little bit easier.
“Consistency counts. Clubs have to have a philosophy – Viteslav was there for a few years, and Crookie has been there for a few years as well, so there-s that continuity, albeit with slightly different cultures. We-ll probably play a different style of football to how we were playing before but the philosophy and mentality within the club are constant.
“Man management is also very important. The gaffer-s got a good man management style because having played at the very top, he knows what it takes to get there as a player.
“He-s open with everything, and with a squad of 22 players only 11 can play at any time so being clear about why you are or aren-t in the team creates an environment of healthy competition and one that everyone knows their jobs and what-s expected of them.
“Nine times out of 10 as a player you know on a Thursday or Friday whether you-re going to be in the team or not. If you-ve done enough in the week, it-s yours to grab; no one-s got that divine right and it-s a rotational system, it-s a squad-based competition.
“We-ve recruited numbers in depth, so we-re not relying on 13-14 first-team players; we-ve not got 22 players that can play at any given time. There-s no favouritism towards anyone, regardless of their standing in the club or how many games they-ve played.”
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