Welcome to this week’s edition of The Roundup, where we keep you updated on all things Hartford Athletic, as well as what's going on around the United Soccer League and the Soccer world. This week, the Club announced that Harry Watling has been appointed the third head coach in Club History heading into the 2021 season! We take an in-depth look at some quotes from a positive and exciting first press conference from the new Gaffer.
Key Quotes from Harry Watling’s First Press Conference:
Playstyle
Welcome to this week’s edition of The Roundup, where we keep you updated on all things Hartford Athletic, as well as what’s going on around the United Soccer League and the Soccer world. This week, the Club announced that Harry Watling has been appointed the third head coach in Club History heading into the 2021 season! We take an in-depth look at some quotes from a positive and exciting first press conference from the new Gaffer.
Key Quotes from Harry Watling’s First Press Conference:
Playstyle
Really encouraging words from the new boss in this clip. “I want us to win games and score goals” is music to any fan’s ears! In the modern game, we see some managers with negative tactics with an emphasis on defending. Watling’s words suggest he is planning on the exact opposite here. “Suffocating” and “dominating” are words you often associate with the best teams in European Soccer. Athletic faithful will be coming to Dillon Stadium in droves when Watling's words translate onto the pitch!
What influences shape his coaching
Really encouraging words from the new boss in this clip. “I want us to win games and score goals” is music to any fan’s ears! In the modern game, we see some managers with negative tactics with an emphasis on defending. Watling’s words suggest he is planning on the exact opposite here. “Suffocating” and “dominating” are words you often associate with the best teams in European Soccer. Athletic faithful will be coming to Dillon Stadium in droves when Watling’s words translate onto the pitch!
What influences shape his coaching
A lot to uncover in this clip, but the first thing that stands out is Watling’s experience with Futsal. Athletic midfielder Arthur Rogers has also mentioned in an interview his vast experience with Futsal back in England. Rogers, who is of course English as well, will without question be a huge asset for Watling’s midfield in 2021. Another connection to draw is Watling’s work with West Ham United and their “Academy of football”. In particular, Watling mentions his work with Declan Rice, who has become a regular in Gareth Southgate’s English national team. You have to think that someone like Conor McGlynn will be relishing the opportunity to work with Watling. Rice and McGlynn’s game are very similar in the way that they can put in a tackle and pass between the lines. Watling also mentions his work with Callum Hudson Odoi and his appreciation for attacking and exciting players. Based on this, you’d have to expect more signings in the future that fit this mold!
Obsession with the game
A lot to uncover in this clip, but the first thing that stands out is Watling’s experience with Futsal. Athletic midfielder Arthur Rogers has also mentioned in an interview his vast experience with Futsal back in England. Rogers, who is of course English as well, will without question be a huge asset for Watling’s midfield in 2021. Another connection to draw is Watling’s work with West Ham United and their “Academy of football”. In particular, Watling mentions his work with Declan Rice, who has become a regular in Gareth Southgate’s English national team. You have to think that someone like Conor McGlynn will be relishing the opportunity to work with Watling. Rice and McGlynn’s game are very similar in the way that they can put in a tackle and pass between the lines. Watling also mentions his work with Callum Hudson Odoi and his appreciation for attacking and exciting players. Based on this, you’d have to expect more signings in the future that fit this mold!
Obsession with the game
Arguably the best part of the interview was the ending. One of the reporters asked what Watling does in his free time. His answers in this clip show you that this guy is all Football. His obsession for the game is infectious and a phrase that you’ll be hearing a lot is “All in”. One thing is for sure, Harry Watling seems all into this project and the foundation that was built in Hartford before him!
Around the USL:
– Last season USL standout Tyler Pasher makes big move to Houston Dynamo of MLS
https://twitter.com/houstondynamo/status/1349769497008238594?s=21
– Charlotte Indepence plans to move into beautiful Memorial Stadium
https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1140855
A New Hoppe: FC Shalke’s American hero
FC Schalke, one of the German Bundesliga’s oldest and most storied clubs had not recorded a victory for 30 matches. That changed last week thanks to an unexpected hero from Yorba Linda, California. Mathew Hoppe scored a hat-trick against Hoffenheim to propel Shalke to its first win since January 17th, 2020! The 19 year old has featured in only a handful of games before this one. Now, Shalke will be looking to him to provide the goals they need to stay in the division. Shalke are six points away from safety and need all the help they can get. After the full time whistle, the Veltins Arena played “California Dreamin” by The Mamas and Papas in appreciation for their new Hoppe.
Arguably the best part of the interview was the ending. One of the reporters asked what Watling does in his free time. His answers in this clip show you that this guy is all Football. His obsession for the game is infectious and a phrase that you’ll be hearing a lot is “All in”. One thing is for sure, Harry Watling seems all into this project and the foundation that was built in Hartford before him!
Around the USL:
– Last season USL standout Tyler Pasher makes big move to Houston Dynamo of MLS
https://twitter.com/houstondynamo/status/1349769497008238594?s=21
– Charlotte Indepence plans to move into beautiful Memorial Stadium
https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1140855
A New Hoppe: FC Shalke’s American hero
FC Schalke, one of the German Bundesliga’s oldest and most storied clubs had not recorded a victory for 30 matches. That changed last week thanks to an unexpected hero from Yorba Linda, California. Mathew Hoppe scored a hat-trick against Hoffenheim to propel Shalke to its first win since January 17th, 2020! The 19 year old has featured in only a handful of games before this one. Now, Shalke will be looking to him to provide the goals they need to stay in the division. Shalke are six points away from safety and need all the help they can get. After the full time whistle, the Veltins Arena played “California Dreamin” by The Mamas and Papas in appreciation for their new Hoppe.
