There are many things that a coach needs to control : Gerard Nus - Exclusive Interview

Gerard Nus Casanova, better known as Gerard Nus is a Spanish UEFA Pro License football manager. He is a familiar name to Indian Football Fans. He lastly coached Northeast United F.C. in  Hero Indian Super League. The Spaniard was the Youngest ever manager to coach an ISL franchise. Though he had a very short playing career, his fire of passion for Football never burned out. He started coaching at a very young age. He achieved the Federation Football Coaching Level 1 at just 16 years of age. The following Level at his 17th and the UEFA Pro license at his 22nd. With his deep desire to learn more about Football, he enrolled for the Sports Science Degree at 18th age and also completed it four years later.

India was the 6th destination in his career, while Africa, England, South Korea, Australia, Spain, The US, Kazakhstan, and Sweden being his previous destinations. The Spaniard managed the Indian side, Northeast United F.C. for a short span of 11 games. He only managed to gain an average of just 1.09 with only two wins and six draws.

We are very much fascinated to have him as our esteemed guest in this Exclusive Interview.

⦁ What was your knowledge of India and its Football before joining Northeast United?

 I knew Indian football before arriving at NEUFC, I have very close friends that played and coach in this country. I was aware of the level of the league and its players. It is a country with a lot of potentials.

⦁ How contrasting do you find Indian Football and European Football, from a coach's perspective?

 It is hard to contrast because European football has many years of history and it is hard to compete against that. However, I must say that I was positively impressed with the level of the players and the league.

⦁ Can you name your football idols and why?

 I do not really have specific football idols. I love attacking and well-organized football and I always try to watch and learn from the best players/coaches in the world.

 ⦁ How was the overall Indian experience? 

It was a privilege to be able to make history and achieve such amazing results. We build a winning team that ended up qualifying for the playoff, developing local talent, and signing unbelievable players such as Machado, Camara, Fox, Lambot, etc. Our goal was to do our best to improve the team and there is no doubt that my coaching staff and I, achieved it. 

⦁ You have been in various positions like Sporting Director and Head of Academy Coaching also, other than being a Head Coach or assistant coach. Why so? 

It is simple, I love challenges. The more difficult the task is, the more I learn and the more I grow. My experiences allowed me to observe many aspects of football and they have helped me become the manager I am today. 

⦁ Every coach has a certain game style. How hard is it to implement the Spanish game style on Indian players who don't have much experience in it? 

I do not think it is hard. Since the first game, the identity of our team was clear. NEUFC loved having the ball and scoring goals. We also defended very well and we were aggressive in transitions. Indian players are disciplined and they all bought into our methodology. 

⦁ What are the main changes you had to make in your game style at NEUFC for the comfort of the players? 

Firstly, we created a competitive environment where all the players felt they had an important role to play. Then, we analyzed the types of players we had in our roster to create a style of play that allowed us to be in playoff positions for 8 out of 11 weeks that I was the manager. 

⦁ How much do you think the youngsters played a role in the teams' success and what were your thoughts while giving the captain's armband to Apuia? 

From the first moment we arrived at NEUFC, we knew that one of our goals was to develop our talented youngsters, not only for our club but also for the development of the country as a whole. I believed that Apuia not only had the skills to lead the team on the field, but also off the field. We challenged him to give his best and we gave him the necessary tools to be a great player. 

⦁ What were the challenges and problems you faced at NorthEast United?

 In every place that I have coached, I have found challenges. This is what I love the most about this job. All the clubs are different. NEUFC’s fans are amazing and I wish the best of luck to this club. 

⦁ For a Football team to be successful, it depends on many factors like Financial support, Scouting and Analytics system, Sporting Quality, Management vision, etc. How do you rate India in providing these factors for the development of Football teams? 

The level of football keeps growing every year, not only on the field but also off the field. The clubs are realizing that to be successful and achieve tittles, a team needs to have a proper structure and control of many aspects. India is learning and adapting very quickly. 

⦁ According to you, In what all aspects do Indian Football has to progress?

 Firstly, we need to be patient and understand that the players need time to grow and keep improving. Indian football is taking the right steps to progress. The biggest focus should be on having a longer season in place. You need more games, more training sessions, more competition to bring that platform that will develop players and football as a whole. I believe that the future is bright. 

⦁ Can you reveal the circumstances that led to your controversial exit from Northeast United? 

There is not much to reveal. After the tie against Bengaluru FC, we were just 2 points away from playoff positions. Making history with NEUFC was something that the fans and I will never forget; it is not easy to achieve the best-ever start of a season. 

⦁ What's your take on Khalid Jamil? 

He did a good job as the interim Head Coach after you departed from the club. Khalid was my assistant coach and I tried my best to help him grow as a coach. I am glad the team qualified for the playoff following our football principles and philosophy of play. 

⦁ Which part of your career was the most challenging? 

Every part of my career had its challenges… I still remember the first training session with Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, two of the best players in football history. I will never forget it. 

⦁ Have you planned what your next move is? Will it be in India? 

I indeed had different options since leaving India. It is time to choose carefully our options and go to the right place, this club that aims for the same ambitious targets that my coaching staff and myself do. We want to build up a competitive team, a team that makes their fans proud and a team that will be “again” at the top of the league. Everyone was aware of the job that we did and the historic start that we had at NEUFC. Sooner or later, I would love to be back in India. 

⦁ What message would you like to give to the people who are passionate about Coaching?

Be fearless and never give up. Mistakes will happen, but always remember why you started. Coaching is one of the most difficult jobs, there are many things that a coach needs to control, it is a 24 hours job with many ups and downs.

We would like to thank Gerard Nus for his time. Wishing him all the best in his future.

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