| Mike Matkovich |
This article appeared in March 2003.
The Director of Coaching for the Chicago Magic Soccer Club since 1989, Mike Matkovich led teams to two national titles in 2003 (at the U-14 and U-17 levels), marking his fourth and fifth national championships. He holds the NSCAA Advanced National Diploma and a USSF “A” license. Since 1997 he’s been a USSF National Staff Coach, and he’s coached the Chicago Fire’s reserve team in PDL competition since 2001. A two-time NSCAA/adidas Regional Coach of the Year, he was named the NSCAA/adidas Youth Boys National Coach of the Year in 2000. He has coached 28 players who have gone on to berths on the U.S. National Team, including Ned Grabavoy, the 2000 NSCAA/adidas High School Boys National Player of the Year.
When did you decide to become a soccer coach? Why?
I decided to become a soccer coach because of my passion for the game. After I blew out my knee (a torn anterior cruciate ligament), which was in the mid-’80s, my (playing) career had ended. At that point I decided to pursue a career in coaching.
What are the most important ingredients for a successful team?
The following are some ingredients for a successful team:
- Good players
- Committed players
- Discipline
- Good chemistry on and off the field
- Strong work ethic
- Good coaching
When building a team, what is the first thing you look for?
The first thing to look for when building a team is good players. You must have players who can score, defend, be creative, a good goalkeeper, etc. The key to good players and building a team is the right balance of piano players v. piano carriers.
Who were your coaching mentors? What was the best advice you have received from them (or anyone) in regards to coaching?
My coaching mentors have changed throughout the years, however, I value all of them greatly. I would not be where I am in my career without each and every one of them. In chronological order: (high school coach) Leo Ley, (college coach) Alex Hernandez, (professional colleague) Tim Carter, Jim Launder (a professional coach with the Columbus Crew) and Brett Hall (a former pro player and coach). The best advice I ever received came from Brett Hall. He said, “Always be yourself and have confidence in your ability.”
How do you define a championship team? What is/are the most important aspect(s) of a championship team?
If I had to define a championship team and what is the most important aspect of a championship team, it would be a team that knows how to “win” when it comes time to win. It’s a team that knows how to play through adversity and perseveres through adverse situations.
Does a player come with motivation, or is that something a coach can teach?
I’m not sure if it is motivation that is the key, or if it is passion or desire for the game. The players who have a passion for the game are the players who usually make it in the game and in life. You can motivate; however, when, where, why and how become important.
In your mind, what are three adjectives that best describe the perfect coach?
There is no perfect coach. Just like in life, there are no absolutes. My advice is just be yourself. However, if I had to identify three adjectives to describe the perfect coach, I would say honesty, fairness and commitment.
Does a coach need a philosophy to be successful? What is your philosophy? Has it changed over time?
I don’t think a coach needs a philosophy to be a success. In many instances a team will dictate the way it will play. The most important thing for a coach is to define the team and help the players play to their strengths. Getting a team to play its best and to be effective makes a coach and team successful.
Is it important for a coach to be liked by his/her players?
Yes, as long as the players also respect the coach. You must always earn every player’s respect.
Looking back on your career, what event(s) gave you the most satisfaction?
By far winning a national championship is the most rewarding event in my career. The culmination of hard work and the tough road of putting the pieces together make the final result memorable and rewarding.
Is a coach born with leadership skills, or can they be learned?
I think coaches are born with the gift to be a leader.
Can a coach create a competitor, or is that something the players bring to the team?
Both the coach and players create the environment to compete.
Can teams really learn from losing?
Without a doubt. Sometimes you have to go backward before you can go forward. You can always pull more learning experiences from a loss.
Is there a formula for success? Are there any shortcuts to success?
I’m not sure anyone can come up with the formula for success, but some important ingredients would be hard work and being fair, organized and committed. There are no shortcuts to anything in life.
What is more important, game preparation or in-game adjustments?
I think they go hand in hand. You must be prepared for each game; however, the best game plan must be adjusted to the situation. Just like life, there are no absolutes.
How important is discipline on a soccer team?
Very important. If players and staff are not focused and willing to suffer through the good and bad, you (as a coach) are wasting your time.
How does a coach create respect for him/herself in the eyes of the players?
First and foremost is being honest. Tell players what they need to do to get better. Most importantly, give good, accurate information that makes sense, and know each player individually and what motivates them.
How important is goal-setting? Team goals? Coaching goals? Win-loss goals?
Goals are important. Just as with life, you must have something you are working to achieve. It’s a way to measure the success of your season or year.
What was the biggest mistake you made in your coaching career?
I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my coaching career. However, that’s why I’ve had a lot of success, because I always learned from my mistakes.
How would you describe yourself as a coach?
I don’t know – I’ve never really thought about it. I guess you would have to ask my players.
Have you changed as a coach during your career?
Yes. Just as in life, your priorities change and in coaching you change. The areas where I have changed the most in my coaching are communication with my players and not being as emotional during games.
What advice would you give to the coach just starting in the profession?
Have a passion for the game. Always be willing to listen to others. I’ve found over the years that those who think they know everything really know nothing. Have faith in yourself – it becomes very easy to second-guess yourself and think you did the wrong things. Stay true to yourself. Learn from your mistakes. Don’t be afraid to fail. Some of the biggest moments of my life happened when I failed, but those are times I’ve learned the most about myself and the game. Be humble.
How has the game changed during your career?
There have been a lot of changes in the game during my career; however, I think the biggest effect on the game is that we are starting to get better athletes to play the game of soccer.
How did you get involved in soccer?
I grew up in Chicago and moved to the suburbs at a young age. Thank God! If I stayed in the city, I don’t know how I would have turned out. I played basketball and my neighbor, Dudley Dupuy, moved in and he played soccer. When he introduced me to the game, I fell in love with it.
Why have you chosen a career in youth soccer?
I chose a career in youth soccer because you have the most impact with youth players. Watching a player at 10, 11 and 12 and seeing how they develop at 18, 19 and 20 is a very rewarding thing, more rewarding than any trophy. Bottom line, I just love coaching. |
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