"In reality it is a coach’s ability to develop leaders that will make the biggest difference to the ultimate altitude of our players in soccer and in life...In truth, the coaching component that separates the good from incredible, well done from masterful, and simply OK from fantastic, is first maximizing the self-concept and then the leadership abilities of ones players. Only by constantly fighting the emotional battle to extract the extra 10% effort out of your players will this self-concept and leadership component be maximized. You must use every tool at your disposal in unique and varied ways to challenge your players to develop maximum creativity, skill, tactical speed, fitness, self-belief & mental toughness. You must create an attitude of training intensity and sense of purpose that promotes total immersion in elevating personal performance. The unique drive and focus you bring to each practice and game will enhance the abilities and self-concept of the players, thereby developing their leadership capability to its fullest possible potential. This is the X factor that most coaches never really focus on. It is the one component that differentiates the truly awesome coach from the rest and separates the team leader from the pack. "
- Andy Barney
Training Soccer Legends