Jose Mourinho delivers address to packed house of NSCAA coaches in L.A.

By Charles Boehm

Some 200 soccer coaches from across the United States took part in a rare educational opportunity in Southern California this week: a three-day coaching seminar led by Real Madrid’s flamboyant manager José Mourinho.

The two-time UEFA Champions League winner and his coaching staff are in Los Angeles as part of Madrid’s preseason preparations, and from Sunday through Tuesday they also carved out time to explain their methods and philosophies in conjunction with the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

NSCAA administered the event as one of its “Special Topics” courses, titled “Tactical Thinking with José Mourinho.” It included a lecture component, interactive observation of two of Madrid’s closed practice sessions  and a copy of “Tactical Board Pro with José Mourinho,” a software program designed to help teams with formations, shape, set plays and preparation for opponents.

“It is hard to explain the reason for our success; I have been asked it many times throughout my life, especially by the press. Quality, unity, passion, work methods…there is not just one or two reasons. There are a lot of factors and they must work in unison,” Mourinho told the assembly of club, high school and college coaches in attendance, showcasing his trademark charisma and humor as he discussed the principles behind a managerial career which has seen him prosper at top clubs in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain.

“I’m not even the boss at home, that’s my wife. How am I supposed to run my club? When everyone grows in the same direction and I can see they are doing so, I’m very happy and everything is much easier.”

In addition to Mourinho’s sessions, NSCAA also provided some of their own signature coaching education to participants and feedback from the three-day event was largely positive.

“It’s a blessing for us to have Mourinho give this talk,” Joe Cummings, NSCAA’s CEO, told RealMadrid.com. “From the first moment we contacted him, he has shown himself to be very willing to come. He is the best coach and is aware of his responsibility to football both in America and around the world.”

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Editor’s note: Did you or someone you know attend the Mourinho seminar in L.A.? If so, we’d love to hear your perspectives on the event. Either leave a note in the comments section below, or send an email to [email protected].