Tell us about your athletic career.

I’m currently an MLS soccer player for the Los Angeles Galaxy. I’m from France, and I’ve been playing professionally for 14 years.

Why did you decide to become a private coach?

A lot can be done with kids before they reach a certain age. I was always told what to do, but I want to be able to develop kids and work on what the kids want to work on.

What do you enjoy most about coaching?

I love when kids do something that they couldn’t do before. I like watching them score a goal with smiles on their faces and seeing them do something they didn’t know they were capable of.

What can a client expect from private lessons with you?

My sessions are based on the needs of the kids and what they need and want to work on. We’ll start with a general warm up. Then, we’ll play a reaction game to get the brain going. Footwork is really important in soccer, so we’ll work on that. We’ll also work on passing and receiving based on the position the athlete plays. We will focus on awareness of situations both offensively and defensively. We’ll finish by doing some 1 on 1 training while focusing on dribbling. We’ll take shots on goal and work on finishing moves. Then we can debrief and talk about the session.

What is your coaching style or philosophy?

I don’t have a particular philosophy, but I’m a technical player and will teach athletes how to score goals. I want players to be aware of what is going on around both their teammates and their opponents. Individual technique isn’t enough. Athletes need to understand game situations with and without the ball.

 

What is your favorite moment in your athletic career?

When the Galaxy played Real Madrid was amazing. Also, just recently, I scored the game winning goal against Isidro Metapan in a CONCACAF Champions League game.

What other sports or activities do you enjoy playing or practicing?

I like Jiu jitsu and boxing. Unfortunately I don’t really have the time or the energy for them at the moment.

What is your favorite sports related movie?

Shaolin Soccer. I just watched that movie with my son and we loved it. It’s so funny.

What’s your mantra or favorite saying (in the context of sport and/ or life)?

Work hard, eat well, and rest enough. The rest is out of your control.