Philadelphia Union ushered in a new era on Wednesday when Head Coach Bradley Carnell led his first Philadelphia Union training session.
After the action at Marbella Football Complex in Spain, the new team leader offered his first impression of the group and his hopes for the team's time abroad.
First official training session as Head Coach, how was your first day out there on the pitch with the group?
It should have been the second session. Yesterday, unfortunately, we had a few delays with some of the gear getting here, so we had to improvise a little bit. I think [Head of Performance] Ryan Cotter and his team did a great job for us, just getting that first little sweat out after a bit of a travel.
Today was amazing. I think intensity is something we discussed a lot as a group in the last couple of days prior to traveling. Getting together as a group now, for the very first time, although on foreign soil, you can just feel a sense of togetherness, a sense of purpose already in this short few days. I'm excited about what's to come. I see a lot of opportunity, which excites me even more. I can't wait to see it happen day by day where we get to build this thing and take it on leaps and bounds.
What's your first impression of the team?
I would say chippy, edgy, confident. I see a lot of what I like to say is 'positive arrogance.' And I like this, this is something that creates an edge on the field. We just have to learn now to bring chaotic moments to the game, but learn to control those moments, and then we can put those intrinsic weapons to full use.
This trip to Spain is a very unique way kick off your new role as Head Coach. What are you looking to accomplish in this two week span abroad?
I don't think it's too unique -- over 200 teams come here within a calendar year so I think it's pretty common to come to these facilities. Usually it has good weather and good fields, so it's good, right?
Part of it now is filing away the principles. We have some things identified that we have to work on. The first part of the camp is just going through those identities and clear philosophy and implementing the principles, especially in our defensive nature.
Is there anything you're looking forward to most?
To bring a bit of chaos. Bring a bit of energy and a bit of excitement in the group. I know everyone's waiting back home to see something different. My first goal is to create a signature. What does this team look and feel like after five weeks? This is the first step, and there's many steps to go, trust me, but that's the beauty about what we do, and that's the beauty about a team coming together over time.
For fans back at home, what does the day-to-day look like for this team in Spain?
Listen, there's a lot of work to do on and off the field. It's planning sessions, guys having breakfast, guys doing pre-activations in the gym, and then we head out on the field.
It's pretty much a full time job when we're out here. We've got guys doing double sessions. We've got guys in the gym. We're also doing video sessions in the evenings.
The team started with a session on the beach and there were so many smiling faces out there right by the water. How important are moments like that -- when you're not only getting work done physically, but also building camaraderie and cohesion with the team?
I'm principally based. Yes, tactics and the Xs and Os are very important. But for me, it's principles, and if I can guide the players and make them feel comfortable in their principles, then they'll become a lot more confident, a lot more happy around the group, and a lot more trusting within the group. That's been a bit of our strategy over the last couple of days, and will be definitely moving forward in the next couple of weeks.
One of our club's most important pillars is development, and players on our team range from 15 to 37 years old. What's the value in having vets around the younger players coming up through the system?
I've had good conversations with the whole team. Prior to my arrival, I phoned almost every single player, whether they were 15 or 37 or whatever. It's important for me that we come connected as one and to know that certain players will have certain responsibilities and roles on the field and off the field. I believe everyone's a role model for the club, and everyone's a good teammate, and we should approach that with the respect it deserves. I think that's the way to grow and get the best out of everybody.
