Gary Caldwell - ‘The Coach's Job is To Convince’: The Pressing Matters of Tactics

Footy Talks with Steven Caldwell

Tactical Talks is the real thing - players and coaches at the highest level breaking down the mechanics of the most important footballing philosophies.

For this episode, Stevie talks with his brother, Gary Caldwell, in a wide ranging interview that includes the tactics used to face Messi and Ronaldinho as a player; and as a manager, the system that led to a 20 game unbeaten run and earned Wigan promotion to the Championship.

Episodes Notes: The Caldwell brothers knew from an early age that, lacking pace, they had to be mentally ‘one step ahead of the game.’ But while still playing for the school team they learned firsthand that the right tactics had the power to beat a better team.

Gary reminisces on the ‘passing and pressing’ advocated by Newcastle coach Tommy Craig - 20 years ahead of the gegenpress used by Klopp and others today - and how hunger and desire are essential to that approach.

We learn how Gordan Strachan sent Celtic out to play ‘sliding tackles’ against Barcelona in the Champions League, and discover the Roberto Martinez innovation that changed the face of the week leading up to the game.

Stevie quizzes Gary on his transition into management, and how tactics can be imparted to a group, even in cases when players themselves doubt their ability to carry them out.

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