Our guest on Episode #59 of the TGG Podcast, in association with Hudl, is Reading manager Ruben Selles.
The highly-rated coach gained plaudits for the way he managed Southampton for the second half of last season and there were high hopes when he took over at Reading in the summer.
However, an ongoing financial crisis has plunged the very future of the club into doubt.
In this episode the Spaniard gives us insights into the challenges he and his players have faced, while also looking back on his career to date and ahead to the future.
SHOW NOTES =>
02:07: Challenges as Reading manager. Pre-season with nine pro players.
06:48: Transfer embargo in January window. Will fight to hold onto players.
09:13: Foregoing wages in November along with Director of Football Mark Bowen. "As Simon Sinek says, leaders eat last."
10:41: Having impressive infrastructure at the club, in terms of Academy and new training ground. "Yes, but you can have an amazing house and very cheap furniture. The real thing is to build a culture inside the club and make people feel safe."
12:05: What is situation regarding ownership and potential sale?
12:58: Has the project been what was promised to you?
13:30: Started coaching at 16 and gained Pro Licence at 25. Was it an advantage starting so young?
20:37: Travelled around the world as a young Spanish coach: to Greece, Russia, Azerbaijan, Denmark and England.
25:09: Move to Southampton. Had been tracked by Rasmus Ankersen. Mentored by Matt Crocker. Difficult being parachuted in as an assistant rather than the Head Coach choosing you himself?
30:02: Innovative club: individual coaching/ specialist coaches/ Playbook etc. How did it work?
32:44: Taking over as Southampton Head Coach when Ralph Hassenhuttl and then Nathan Jones were sacked.
37:48: Management is all-consuming. Impact on family. Using psychologist support for both himself and his family. "The kids were suffering."
45:53: Could you have stayed at Southampton after Russell Martin came in as manager?
48:59: Did you get offers from other clubs after leaving Southampton? And why did Reading appeal to you?
50:25: What is your playing philosophy?
54:47: Proving he is a development manager.
56:08: Working with young talented players. Example of Rasmus Hojlund, now Manchester United, at Copenhagen. Convinced he will become world-class. A "mentality monster."
1:00:25: Ambitions: for the rest of the season and remainder of career.
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