England’s interim manager, Lee Carsley, is determined to continue coaching students at a local academy in the Midlands, which he believes will help him develop new tactics for his national team players like Harry Kane and Cole Palmer.
Despite his new role, Carsley is committed to his weekly sessions at the Strachan academy in Warwick, where he works with aspiring players aged between 16 and 21. He believes that this hands-on approach will allow him to test his coaching methods and refine his tactics before implementing them with the national team.
Carsley, who led the under-21s to Euro glory last year, is confident that his grassroots coaching will help him communicate more effectively with his Premier League players when they report for international duty. “I still find a way to coach, which gives me the chance to practice what I’m going to do with any teams I’m working with,” he explained.
England interim Lee Carsley wants to carry on his ‘other’ job coaching students
By coaching at the academy, Carsley can experiment with new ideas and refine his approach without the pressure of an international match looming. “I could potentially be practicing for two months on what I’m going to try, rather than a day when you’ve got two games in an international window,” he said.
Carsley’s commitment to coaching is rooted in his desire to continually improve and develop as a coach. “My biggest strength is coaching, so that is one of the things I didn’t want to stop,” he said.
The academy, which is part of the Strachan Football Foundation, provides Carsley with the perfect platform to work with young players and share his expertise. The foundation, founded by former Manchester United and Leeds great Gordon Strachan, aims to bring together education and football for aspiring students and footballers.
He will use the coaching as a chance to help him try out new tactics for the likes of Harry Kane
Carsley’s passion for coaching is evident in his approach, and he is determined to make the most of his opportunity to lead the national team. “I have other priorities within the job as well, I have to be creative and make sure I have got a couple of hours every week on a Friday morning that I’m able to get out there and try things and get it wrong!” he said.
As he prepares to face the Republic of Ireland on Saturday, Carsley is confident that his coaching experience will serve him well in his new role. “I think I’ve got a good understanding of what’s required at this level,” he said.
Carsley is in temporary charge of The Three Lions for the first time against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday, having led the under-21s to Euro glory last year
With his commitment to coaching and his experience with the under-21s, Carsley is well-equipped to lead the national team forward. As he prepares to face the Republic of Ireland, he is confident that his coaching expertise will shine through.