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The Fans Week – Edition #13

By
Ali Afzal-Khan
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Welcome to the 13th edition of The Fans Week, your weekly guide to the biggest stories, controversies, and trends shaping the fan experience around the globe.

This week we explore:

Bundesliga’s Sustainable Rise
With a record €5.87 billion in combined revenue, the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga are setting the standard for financial stability and fan engagement. The DFL’s governance model and low wage-to-revenue ratios show why German football continues to thrive.

Club World Cup Struggles in the U.S.
Despite marquee matches and promotional efforts, the expanded Club World Cup is drawing sparse crowds in most host cities. With underwhelming attendance, visa complications, and slashed ticket prices, FIFA’s test run for the 2026 World Cup is under scrutiny.

Català FC Brings Spanish Football to Miami
A unique fusion of Real Madrid and Barcelona youth philosophies is taking root in Florida. Català FC’s La Masia-meets-La Fábrica model offers U.S. players elite training and international exposure—bridging cultures and reshaping local development.

Who is Levent Sürme?

By
Enes Alan
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Levent Sürme

Levent Sürme (born Arca Levent Sürme on March 30, 1983, in Istanbul) is a UEFA Pro–licensed football coach with over two decades of experience across elite youth development and international management. His career path includes long-term roles at FC Augsburg and RB Leipzig, where he worked alongside coaching luminaries such as Thomas Tuchel, Ralf Rangnick, and Manuel Baum. In his consulting work, he continues to collaborate with performance experts like Bernhard Peters, combining tactical innovation with a deep understanding of player psychology and development.

Sürme is known for his high-intensity football and for adapting his tactical systems to the strengths and personalities of his players, rather than enforcing rigid structures. His work with emerging Turkish stars such as Arda Güler (Real Madrid), Kenan Yıldız (Juventus Turin), Barış Alper Yılmaz (Galatasaray), Bertuğ Yıldırım (Getafe) and Yunus Emre Konak (Brentford) reflects his ability to prepare talents for elite European football.

Early Life & Education

Born in Istanbul to a bicultural Turkish–German family, Sürme moved to Germany to pursue higher education. He earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Augsburg while building his coaching foundations. In parallel to his academic path, he pursued all UEFA coaching licenses, culminating in the UEFA Pro Licence in 2023.

Coaching Career
  • Turkey U21 (2021–2024)
  • RB Leipzig Youth (2018–2020)
  • FC Augsburg Youth (2003–2018)
Mentorship & Influences

Throughout his career, Sürme has had the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from some of the most respected figures in football:

  • Thomas Tuchel (FC Augsburg): Shared insights during their time at the club’s youth academy.
  • Ralf Rangnick & Helmut Groß (RB Leipzig): Worked within the Red Bull philosophy, focusing on pressing, transitions, and data integration.
  • Bernhard Peters: Joint work on high-performance concepts and consulting projects for clubs and federations.

These collaborations have shaped Sürme’s holistic approach to coaching, merging tactical clarity with psychological empowerment and modern leadership.

Our Exclusive Interview with Levent Sürme

What inspired you to transition from youth coaching in Germany to taking on national-team roles for Turkey?

From 2003 to 2020, I worked in club football, first at FC Augsburg, then at RB Leipzig. When the opportunity came to contribute to Turkish football at the national level, I saw it as more than just a step forward. In Turkey, people often talk about the untapped potential that gets lost along the way. I wanted to change that. My goal was to unlock that potential—to help players realize what they’re truly capable of, both on and off the pitch.

Over the past years, we’ve guided several young players into European top leagues, and we didn’t just work on football. We focused on mindset, habits, communication, and emotional resilience. For me, national-team work isn’t just about matches, it’s about shaping people, not just players. That’s what inspired me.

How do you balance long-term project development with the daily demands of preparing a youth national team for competitive qualifiers?

It’s all about clarity and consistency. We define strong development principles that guide everything we do, from training design to team communication. At the same time, we must deliver results. I treat every training session as a moment to build the bigger picture while preparing players to compete today. We empower players by helping them understand the “why,” not just the “how.” When they feel ownership, they commit deeply.

Which mentor or figure has had the greatest influence on your coaching philosophy?

I’ve learned from many, but working around people like Thomas Tuchel, Ralf Rangnick, and Bernhard Peters shaped my thinking profoundly. Tuchel taught me to look deeper into details. Rangnick inspired me with his clarity, intensity, and systemic thinking. Peters showed me how to connect long-term development with performance. I’ve always aimed to take the best from each and translate it into something that fits my own style.

What books, research topics, or areas of study do you pursue in your personal time to sharpen your tactical and leadership skills?

I read broadly across psychology, leadership, and tactical theory. Books like “Legacy” by James Kerr or “The Culture Code” by Daniel Coyle have influenced how I think about team dynamics. I’m interested in game theory, decision-making under pressure, and tactical periodization. I also explore topics like cognitive training and the impact of language in leadership.

How do you navigate the cultural and operational differences you’ve encountered coaching in Germany’s academy systems versus Turkey’s national setup?

Germany offers structure, planning, and long-term thinking. Turkey brings passion, flexibility, and emotional strength. I tried to bring the best of both worlds together. In Turkey, I introduced more structured processes and data usage. At the same time, I embraced the emotional power and adaptive mindset of Turkish players. Coaching across cultures teaches you to lead with empathy and precision.

After leaving the U21s in 2024, what are your next ambitions, are you targeting senior club roles, international appointments, or perhaps another path within football?

I’m ready for a new challenge, ideally in senior club football. I’m looking for a project that allows me to build a team identity, develop individuals, and compete at a high level. Whether it’s in Germany, Turkey, or elsewhere in the world, I want to work in an environment that values growth, honesty, and shared responsibility. Long-term success requires clarity, courage, and collaboration, that’s what I bring to the table.

The Players Week – Edition #19

By
Ali Afzal-Khan
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Welcome to the 19th edition of The Players Week, your essential guide to the insights and strategies shaping every step of a footballer’s journey.

This week we explore:

Club World Cup Spotlight
The expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup kicks off in the U.S. with a $1 billion prize pool, historic attendance highs—and empty seats. We break down the money, surprises like Botafogo’s shock win over PSG, and what it means for players like Dembélé sidelined by injury.

Confidently Achieve Your Goals – Part I
Self-efficacy is the hidden superpower behind peak performance. This mindset guide offers key questions players can ask themselves to gain clarity, confidence, and control over their football journey.

How Footballers can Transition into Business Angels: Part II
In part two of our angel investing series, we dive into the mindset, strategy, and legacy-building opportunities for footballers entering the startup world. It is not just about profit, it is about purpose.

Stay focused, stay curious. Your football journey is about more than just the game.

Who is João Aroso?

By
Enes Alan
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João Aroso

João Aroso is a respected Portuguese football coach, lecturer, and technical expert with over 20 years of experience in elite football. He is currently the Assistant Head Coach of the South Korea national team, where he is responsible for the team’s overall preparation. This includes developing the tactical framework, designing and leading training sessions, and coordinating closely with fitness coaches and game analysts. He plays a key role in supporting head coach Hong Myung-bo in shaping the team’s identity and performance.

Aroso holds a UEFA Pro Licence and a Master’s degree in Sports Sciences with a focus on High Performance Training from the University of Porto. He has taught at the University of Lisbon and is also a regular lecturer in an international post-graduate program in High Performance Football Coaching, founded in connection with José Mourinho. This course has featured several well-known participants, including Rúben Amorim.

His coaching journey began in 2003 at Sporting CP, where he worked as assistant to Fernando Santos, José Peseiro, and Paulo Bento. During this period, Sporting reached the 2005 UEFA Cup Final, won two Portuguese Cups and two Super Cups, and earned multiple Champions League appearances. In 2005, he moved to AEK Athens with Fernando Santos before returning to Sporting.

In 2010, he joined Paulo Bento on the Portuguese national team staff, contributing to a Euro 2012 semifinal run and qualification for the 2014 World Cup. He later took on head coach roles with Portugal’s U15 team, Braga B, and Morocco’s U20 side, guiding the latter to the semifinals of the Arab Cup. His ability to work across youth and senior levels reflects his adaptability and long-term approach to player development.

In the 2022–23 season, Aroso led Vitória SC in the Primeira Liga. Officially registered as head coach, he handled media duties and helped the club qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League. He also stepped in as interim manager for one match, which he won. Shortly after, he worked as Technical Director at FC Famalicão, overseeing football development from the U16 level to the first team, before returning to coaching.

Known for his modern football philosophy, Aroso favors an attractive, offensive, and efficient style of play. His approach to training is built around tactical clarity and ensuring that every session reflects the demands of the game itself.

Outside of coaching, he is deeply involved in coach education, contributing to both academic and professional development settings. Over the years, he has worked with many top players and collaborated with respected managers across Europe, Africa, and Asia.

João Aroso speaks Portuguese (native), English, Spanish, and French. His biggest aim is to work in the United Kingdom in the future.

Our Exclusive Interview with João Aroso

Who is João Aroso outside of football, and how have your personal experiences influenced your coaching journey?

I have always tried to guide my professional conduct by the same values I follow in my personal life. I often say, “a better person is a better coach,” because coaching is a complex process where human relationships play a major role. I also want to highlight the importance of family. I’ve been fortunate to maintain a good balance between my coaching career and family life, and the time I can spend with them is always a key factor when deciding whether to accept a job.

Looking back, what first drew you to the technical and strategic side of football, and did you ever imagine building such a long-standing career in it?

Since I was a child, I was passionate about football, both watching and playing. I couldn’t become a professional player, so I pursued a degree in Sport Sciences. I started as an academy coach at 22 and had my first experience in professional football as a fitness coach at one of the top clubs in Portugal, Sporting CP. However, my role went far beyond fitness, as I was deeply involved in training methodology and tactical team development.

I also worked as a head coach at the U23 and youth national team levels, which helped strengthen my leadership skills. These experiences have been valuable in my recent roles as Assistant Head Coach at Vitória SC and with the Korea National Team, as well as during my time as Technical Director at FC Famalicão.

It has been nearly 30 years since I started coaching. While I have had fortunate moments in terms of opportunities, I believe they only come when we are perceived as competent.

What has been the most rewarding or unexpected part of working with national teams and top-level clubs?

I would say that representing our country while working with the Portuguese National Team and hearing the national anthem was truly an unforgettable honor. Another remarkable moment was when I started at Sporting CP and found myself working with players I had only seen on TV, some of whom were almost idols to me.

How do you define leadership in a football environment, especially when working across cultures and age groups?

Leadership is our ability to influence others, whether players or coaching staff, to follow our direction. This depends primarily on the quality of our human relationships. We may have deep knowledge of training and the game itself, but if those relationships fail, everything else falls apart.

You’ve been part of significant projects, from Sporting CP to the Portuguese national team. Which moment or contribution are you most proud of?

At Sporting CP, winning my first trophy in professional football, the Portuguese Cup, was a special moment. With the Portuguese National Team, reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2012 and losing to that great Spanish side only on penalties was also a proud and memorable achievement.

What qualities do you believe young coaches need today to succeed in modern football?

The level of exigence is higher now, as there are many coaches competing for limited opportunities. They must prepare thoroughly and show strong dedication, because only the best will succeed. I still believe that maintaining a good attitude always plays a key role in that journey.

How has your work as a lecturer and educator shaped your approach to coaching and football methodology?

When we teach, we also learn. Educating other coaches in post-graduate courses helps us develop the ability to identify strengths and weaknesses in their coaching, which in turn improves our own approach. By sharing experiences in training methodology and tactics, and engaging in discussion and reflection, we refine our own process as well.

Looking ahead, what aspects of the game do you think require the most development, and how do you see yourself contributing to that progress?

I would highlight tactical flexibility, which allows us to maintain our core tactical concepts while adjusting our actions in both offensive and defensive phases based on the opponent’s positioning. Football is often a cat-and-mouse game, with both teams trying to surprise each other through different shapes or dynamics. This approach helps develop intelligent players who can adapt to various tactical challenges.

Chaos, Frustration, and Injustice: June 2025 FIFA Football Agent Exam Review

By
Jamie Khan
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girl facing chaos and injustice in fifa football exam
Photo by SEO Galaxy on Unsplash

The June 2025 sitting of the FIFA Football Agent Exam was supposed to mark a new beginning after some interesting in-person exam reviews. The new format was set to offer a streamlined, global digital experience. Instead, it left thousands of candidates across the world frustrated, locked out, or flat-out robbed of the opportunity they spent months preparing for.

Held for the first time exclusively online, FIFA’s transition to a fully virtual format meant every candidate had to configure their own setup: software downloads, dual-device compatibility, system checks, Secure Exam Browser installations, and exam app synchronisation. In theory, it was a way to modernise the process. In reality, it was an unmitigated disaster.

Candidates Did Their Part

This wasn’t a test people stumbled into. It was a moment months and maybe years in the making, particularly for those who have operated as agents since the regulations changed in 2015.

Aspiring agents around the world treated the FIFA exam with the gravity it deserved. They cleared work calendars. Some took unpaid leave. Many paid hundreds for preparation courses, revision guides, private tutors, and mock exams. They joined study groups, worked through hundreds of case scenarios, and memorised regulatory frameworks line by line.

They understood the stakes: this exam governs their right to operate professionally in football, to build a business, to legally represent players and clubs, and to shape careers at every level of the game.

They did the work. But when it mattered, the system let them down.

Candidates logged in early. Devices tested. Internet speeds checked. Cameras working. Mics working. Yet the platform failed them.

“Everything works on my end but they couldn’t connect my computer to share the screen. I wasn’t able to take it. What a waste.”

“The invigilator’s screen froze, the session disconnected and he couldn’t give me the PIN. I stayed restarting over and over until it finally worked, 20 minutes in.”

These weren’t isolated glitches. They were global and systemic. Entire exam sessions collapsed due to technical malfunctions. Screens froze. Audio cut out. Invigilators lost connection or couldn’t assist. Basic functionality, like the search bar in an open-book exam, disappeared without explanation.

“When I finally joined, only 35 minutes were left. I told the invigilator. Nothing they could do.”

“My study materials disappeared 25 minutes before the end. So I had to go from memory. The invigilator just shrugged.”

Some candidates were logged in, present, and prepared, but couldn’t even begin.

Others fought through system crashes only to see their hard work wiped out mid-exam due to bugs and poor platform design.

“I noticed that upon scrolling, some answers had disappeared. I had to go back and re-enter them.”

“The bar froze halfway through. I couldn’t search anything. It’s an open-book exam where you can’t open the book.”

One candidate put it bluntly:

“Deplorable exam conditions that are totally inexcusable.”

Poor Support and Unequal Conditions

For many, the tech issues were compounded by inadequate, or at times, hostile, invigilation.

“I tested my camera and mic before joining. All worked. Then the invigilator accused me of being unprepared. No support, just blame.”

“When I couldn’t share my screen, I asked if I could resit later in the day. She said no, wait until next year.”

Some invigilators never turned up. Others left mid-session. In several cases, it was the invigilator’s platform that failed, not the candidate’s.

“My invigilator was supportive, but he couldn’t send the PIN. I waited 25 minutes with the app open before it worked again.”

There were also clear inconsistencies between candidates. Some had working search functions. Others didn’t. In an exam where the regulations are hundreds of pages long, that’s not just an inconvenience, it’s a fundamental inequality.

“I didn’t have the search bar. Others did. Isn’t this supposed to be a level playing field?”

The confusion didn’t end with technical problems. Several candidates reported misleading questions that didn’t fairly test their understanding of the regulations.

“You could fully understand the concept, but still drop a mark because the wording was intentionally confusing. What’s the point of that?”

A Heavy Financial and Emotional Toll

Beyond the exam itself lies the real cost, emotional, financial, and professional.

Candidates paid substantial entry fees. Many invested in expensive study courses. Some travelled abroad to take the exam from more reliable internet environments. Others paused work commitments or turned down client opportunities while preparing.

Now, under the current system, they may have to wait a full year to try again.

“It’s shameful. We did everything we could. We were prepared. This was out of our hands.”

“FIFA stripped away our chance to even sit the exam. It’s not fair, people’s livelihoods are on the line.”

“They must add another sitting this year. It’s not optional anymore. It’s necessary.”

What Needs to Happen Now

This goes beyond technical glitches. It’s a question of fairness, accountability, and the credibility of a system that regulates careers and licenses in the most powerful sport on the planet.

FIFA cannot proceed as if this was a minor inconvenience. The agent exam isn’t just a test, it’s a gateway. For many, it’s years of study, sacrifice, and investment in a future within football. And that future was taken out of their hands by a system failure they couldn’t control.

FIFA must immediately commit to running a second exam sitting this year. One annual attempt is no longer good enough, not after this breakdown. Dozens, possibly hundreds, of well-prepared candidates were denied the opportunity to take the exam through no fault of their own. Their careers are now on hold indefinitely.

That’s unacceptable.

A re-sit is not a bonus. It’s a bare minimum. FIFA owes it to the individuals affected, and to the integrity of the profession, to put this right.

The New Club World Cup: A Financial Goldmine?

By
James Rowley
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Photo by Alessio Patron on Unsplash

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s recent free transfer to Real-Madrid was, undoubtedly, the worst kept secret in football- an expected end to a saga that had dominated the headlines for months. However, it seems that even certainties can offer twists: Real Madrid reportedly paid €10m to register Alexander-Arnold a month before his official contract expiry on July 1st, in order to ensure his participation in Madrid’s Club World Cup run.

Similarly, other participating clubs have also used the unique Club World Cup transfer window to strengthen ahead of the competition, with Manchester City and Chelsea spending a combined £205m. Shockingly, Al-Hilal almost succeeded with an astonishing proposal to take N’golo Kante from Rivals Al-Ittihad on a loan specifically designed for the competition.

These peculiar short term transfer moves seem to paint a distinct picture: Clubs are beginning to place great emphasis on the ability of their squads to compete in the Club World Cup. Why, one could ask, would the titans of modern football suddenly seem to care so greatly about a competition colloquially branded as a ‘mickey mouse’ trophy?

In this article, I wish to explore the main driving factors behind the new financial benefits of the club world cup, and how that is informing the way clubs approach transfer business in the run up to the competition. In the run up to the first iteration of the new format, we have a pattern of transfer business that shows a distinct preference towards the short-term, contrasting the typical long-term approach of most clubs. This article will hopefully illuminate the primary reason for this change in strategy- the flexibility the windfall from the club world cup brings to modern football finance planning.

The New Format

The Club World Cup has undergone a significant financial transformation: it has expanded from a 7 team tournament with a £15m prizepool, to a 32 team competition with a  £775m (USD $1B) prize pool. Already, this guarantees clubs a healthy windfall for participation, with European clubs in particular being expected to earn between £9.93–£29.59m.

This provides clubs with the incentive to qualify for the Club World Cup itself, but it doesn’t explain the importance that participating clubs are placing on the competition through their transfers- the answer to this lies in the financial value of deep runs in the competition.

In addition to the participation windfall, clubs that go far into the competition stand to earn record revenues for a single tournament. For example, the club that wins the competition is expected to take home a resounding £97m ($125m). This means that winning the Club World Cup allows clubs to earn amounts similar to the UEFA Champions League’s £115m winner prize pool, despite playing significantly fewer games- only 7 compared to the Champions Leagues’ 13.

A Balancing Act

Speaking from a club’s view, then, a deep run in the club world cup offers such a high financial upside for the amount of games played that paying €10m to get a world-class player for the tournament seems like a fair price to pay. Furthermore,  it is not only the amount of money that clubs can earn that is spearheading this short-term mentality in transfer business- it is also what kind of money a tournament generates.

Tournament winnings, for clubs, directly increase revenue. As a result, participation becomes a simple equation for high expenditure clubs: the more revenue a club makes, the more it can spend on player wages, transfer fees and organisational costs, without the pressing need to sell players. For a club like Real Madrid, combining the Champions League revenue with the potential windfall from the club world cup allows them to exercise far more flexibility in the transfer market than before.

Premier league clubs, like Chelsea and Man City, are also painfully aware of this fact: the Premier league’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) allow for revenue to be used towards the allowed losses a club is able to incur over a three year period. This creates a situation where, if Man City were to win the Club World Cup, the revenue that they receive could directly ‘pay off’ the recent transfers of Tiijani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki- which could give them the ability to spend a similar amount of money on players in future windows.

These examples show two important points. First is that the expanded club world cup provides an unprecedented opportunity for big-spending European  clubs to offset previous expenditures, and second, that the opportunity for clubs to do so will change the landscape of how clubs view transfers in the weeks leading up to the Club World Cup.

Perhaps, then, we will see more ‘Alexander-Arnold’ type transfer situations: instances where a club decides that an extreme short-term expenditure is validated by the possibility to secure long-term financial health through a significant cash injection. Or, perhaps, we will see an even shorter-term move, like the proposed type of move Al-Hilal tried to accomplish with N’golo Kante become a cogent and constant reality within the football world. This revamped format of the Club World Cup actively invites clubs to consider a new dimension of strategy: the short-term extreme expenditure of terminating a contract a month early, in order to secure the financial future for the next two years of a club’s transfer business.

Conclusion

Ultimately, a football club reaching the latter stages of the revamped Club World Cup offers a level of financial flexibility that was not previously possible in the modern world of Financial Fair Play. It offers the ability to do away with the ‘pound in, pound out’ model, and place emphasis on continental success in order to fuel domestic success. It is no wonder that clubs are attempting to maximise their chances of achieving this freedom.

 

The Agents Week – Edition #69

By
Ali Afzal-Khan
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Welcome to the 69th edition of The Agents Week, your trusted source for the latest insights, challenges, and updates in the world of football agency.

This week we explore:

  • National Laws vs FIFA Regulations
    As legal battles escalate, we break down the critical differences between FIFA’s global agent rules and national laws, and what agents must know to navigate this complex legal landscape across jurisdictions.
  • Who is Audry Matadi?
    Belgian agent with Congolese Roots and a legal background. Active in both Belgium and the Netherlands, Audry Matadi brings an ethical, detail-driven mindset to football agency. His story is a masterclass in building value through trust and preparation.
  • Should Parents Become Their Child’s Agent?
    This guide explores the motivations, risks, and mindset needed for parents considering agency roles—offering clarity for families navigating one of football’s toughest choices.

Who is Rita Guarino?

By
Enes Alan
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Rita Guarino

Rita Guarino (born 1971 in Turin) is an Italian football manager and former forward. A prolific striker in her playing days (approximately 35 goals in 99 Italy caps), she transitioned early into coaching. In 2015 she took charge of Italy’s U-17 women’s national team, after having worked with Italy’s youth national teams as assistant coach since 2008 and two years later was appointed as the first head coach of Juventus Women. Under Guarino’s leadership (2017–2021) the newly formed Juventus side quickly became dominant in Serie A. In June 2021 she left Juventus and was hired as head coach of Inter Women. After three seasons at Inter, the club announced in June 2024 that it had “reached an agreement” to terminate her contract.

Coaching Career and Timeline
  • 2008-2015 Italy U-17 (Assistant Coach). During this period, she helped develop Italy’s top youth talent and achieved two bronze medals at European championship in 2013 (England) and at the world cup in 2014 (Costa Rica).
  • 2015–2017: Italy U-17 (Head Coach). Guarino made her coaching debut with Italy’s U-17 women’s team in 2015, leading the team to the final European Championship in the 2016.
  • 2017–2021: Juventus Women (Head Coach). In June 2017 Guarino was named the head coach of Juventus Women – the club’s inaugural season. She would lead Juventus to unprecedented success over four seasons (details below).
  • 2021–2024: Inter Women (Head Coach). On 17 June 2021 Guarino was announced as the new head coach of Inter Milan’s women’s team. She remained in charge for three seasons, leaving by mutual agreement in June 2024.

Guarino is widely respected as one of Italian women’s football’s leading figures. As Pirelli’s life-magazine notes, “Guarino is one of the most important faces of Italian women’s football,” both as a former champion player and as a coach. She herself has said she feels “part of the path taken by women’s football…our journey has just begun,” emphasizing the ongoing development of the women’s game.

Juventus Women (2017–2021): Dominance and Silverware

Guarino’s tenure at Juventus Women was marked by instant and sustained success. She took charge of a newly formed team and immediately instilled a winning culture. In their 2017–18 debut Serie A season, Juventus and Brescia finished level on points. In a historic title playoff on 20 May 2018 at Novara, Guarino’s side won on penalties (5–4) to claim Juventus’s first-ever Scudetto. This victory set the tone for an era of dominance.

Over the next three seasons, Guarino’s Juventus swept almost all domestic honours:

  • 2018–19: Retained the Serie A title and won the Coppa Italia for the first time.
  • 2019–20: Won a third consecutive Serie A title and captured the Supercoppa Italiana (her first Super Cup).
  • 2020–21: Delivered a fourth straight Serie A title – this time completing a perfect 22–0 record in the league – and a second Supercoppa.

Her four league titles, one Coppa Italia, and two Supercoppa titles earned her a total of seven trophies during four seasons in Turin. (As Inter’s announcement notes, Guarino “boasts four league titles, one Coppa Italia, and two Italian Super Cups”.) In all competitions she won over 80% of her games with Juventus, and her teams scored far more goals than they conceded. Juventus’s official farewell message praised her leadership and “ruthless” high standards, noting that under her tutelage the players developed a winning mentality from the very first match.

Guarino’s Juventus teams were known for attacking width and possession control. In tactical analyses of her play, observers note that she favored a 4-3-3 formation, with fullbacks and wingers stretching the field. For example, in one analysis of a 2019–20 match against Milan, Juventus was described as “the most comfortable side” in the first half – they “held onto possession better” than Milan and built play through close passing triangles. Guarino’s teams frequently switched the ball to open up the flanks, and attackers such as Cristiana Girelli and Barbara Bonansea had the freedom to exploit space. Her emphasis on possession with purpose and technical skill was praised by players. England star Eniola Aluko, who played for Guarino in Turin, called her “one of the best technical coaches I have had in my career” and noted that Guarino often personally demonstrated techniques to the team. Aluko also said Guarino was “an extremely technical coach who gave me a lot of freedom last season to express myself on the field”. These comments reflect Guarino’s reputation for technical training and player freedom.

Crucially, Guarino’s impact extended beyond tactics. Juventus credited her with exceptional leadership and player development: under Guarino, the young squad “established itself as the best in Italy right from the start”. She coached and developed many of Italy’s top players – for example, long-time captain Sara Gama, goal keeper Laura Giuliani, defenders Lisa Boattin and Cecilia Salvai, midfielders Martina Rosucci, Aurora Galli, Arianna Caruso and Valentina Cernoia, forwards Barbara Bonansea, Benedetta Glionna, Sofia Cantore and Cristiana Girelli (now Italy’s leading scorer) all flourished under her (Guarino has been praised for giving young Italians confidence – “her leadership, work ethic and knowledge” allowed players to pursue and achieve their dreams.) Team players have spoken warmly of her; in one interview Aluko thanked teammates like Lisa Boattin and Aurora Galli for their support, implicitly noting the positive environment Guarino helped create. In interviews, Guarino emphasized values such as passion, loyalty, and sportsmanship. She has remarked that the values of women’s football – passion, fairness and close fan support – should never change, praising the healthy support fans show their teams.

Key Juventus Matches and Moments
  • Serie A Playoff 2018 (Juventus 5–4 Brescia on penalties): Clinched Juventus’s first title under Guarino.
  • Coppa Italia 2019 (Final vs Fiorentina): Juventus won the cup under Guarino’s guidance (semi- and quarter-finals in the cup also saw tactical switching that Guarino highlighted as crucial).
  • Supercoppa 2019 & 2020: Victories over Fiorentina (2019) and Roma (2020) added to her trophy haul.
  • Last Match 2021 (Juventus 2–0 Napoli): Juventus clinched the 2020–21 league with a 22nd win in a row, a “business-like effort for Rita Guarino and Co.” (as a fan recap noted) and a fitting final match for her Juventus tenure.

Guarino stepped down after the 2020–21 season, seeking a new challenge. As Juventus noted, she left a “glorious” legacy of “unforgettable memories, silverware and pure joy”.

Inter Women (2021–2024): Development, Identity and Structural Challenges

In June 2021, Guarino took charge of Inter Women with a clear objective: not to win immediately, but to structure the technical project and close the competitive gap with Italy’s top teams. The club entrusted her with the task of developing the potential of a young group and gradually raising the team’s level.

From her very first season, Inter showed signs of growth: in the 2021–22 campaign, the team finished fifth and delivered strong performances, especially against the league’s top sides such as Juventus, Roma, Fiorentina and Milan. Guarino’s teams maintained a clear tactical identity, based on possession, organization, and attacking football—even when facing more experienced opponents.

However, over the course of her tenure, there was no consistent long-term planning in building a truly competitive squad. This lack of continuity limited the team’s ability to stabilize results and build a winning cycle. Despite these challenges, Guarino left a clear mark in terms of both methodology and sporting culture.

In June 2024, Guarino and Inter mutually agreed to part ways. The results of her three-year tenure should be viewed in light of the original objectives: growing the team, enhancing its style of play, and strengthening its technical foundations—rather than simply chasing immediate success.

Titles and Achievements (by Season)
  • 2017–18 (Juventus): Serie A Champions (first-ever title; won playoff vs Brescia on penalties).
  • 2018–19 (Juventus): Serie A Champions, Coppa Italia
  • 2019–20 (Juventus): Serie A Champions, Supercoppa Italiana ( the Coppa Italia was cancelled due to Covid-19.)
  • 2020–21 (Juventus): Serie A Champions (22–0 record), Supercoppa Italiana

In total Guarino’s Juventus era yielded 4 league titles, 1 Coppa Italia and 2 Supercoppa (7 trophies), establishing the club as Italy’s dominant women’s side. (No trophies were won at Inter, though the team improved its domestic standing under her guidance.)

Notable Players Coached

Guarino worked with many of Italy’s top players. Many of these players thrived in her system and later featured prominently for the Italian national team. Juventus commentators have noted that “many players had played together… but it was Guarino who got this team to establish itself as the best in Italy right from the start”. In interviews, players have highlighted Guarino’s role in allowing their talents to flourish.

At the youth national team level, she helped develop future Italy internationals (for example, several U-17 and U-19 players she coached have since earned senior call-ups). Her reputation for technical training and player trust has made her a respected figure among young Italian footballers.

Coaching Style and Philosophy

Guarino is known as a technically focused, possession-oriented coach. Multiple players and analysts emphasize her emphasis on ball skills and team play. Eni Aluko, writing about her time at Juventus, praised her technical coaching: “There is also a lot of emphasis on technical drills… Rita Guarino is one of the best technical coaches I have had in my career – often she demonstrates a specific technique and shows the players up!”. Tactical analyses describe her teams using width and close passing: Juventus under Guarino used 4-3-3 with fast wingers and overlapping fullbacks, “attacking with speed and width” to break down opponents. Her sides typically build patiently from the back, providing multiple passing options (“close triangles”) so the ball carrier can always find an outlet.

Guarino also emphasizes adaptability and professionalism. In press conferences she has noted that “tactics and organisation will be crucial” against strong opponents. Club statements repeatedly praised her leadership and work ethic. Juventus’s official homage remarked on “Guarino’s impact beyond the trophies,” highlighting that “her leadership, work ethic, [and] knowledge” enabled players to realize their ambitions effortlessly. Her personal philosophy stresses values: she often speaks about passion, loyalty and respect as the core of the women’s game and believes that continuous improvement (rather than complacency) is the key to success.

In sum, Guarino’s methods blend technical training, tactical organization, and man-management. Players are given creative freedom within a structured system. As one Juventus profile noted, from her very first training session she instilled “a winning mentality” and belief in development. This approach has allowed both established stars and young prospects to thrive under her coaching.

Influence and Legacy

Rita Guarino has been a pioneering figure in Italian women’s football. She took on the challenge of building Juventus Women from scratch and led them to national prominence. Her success helped raise the profile of the women’s game in Italy – Juventus’ four titles under her (2018–2021) coincided with a surge of interest and investment in the league. Players and observers credit Guarino with helping to set a professional standard; for example, her physical preparation and training regimes at Juventus introduced new ideas to Italy’s women (as noted by Eni Aluko).

Off the pitch, Guarino has spoken widely about the growth of women’s football. In interviews she has remarked that the game has changed dramatically since 2015, when major men’s clubs began forming women’s sides, and that “women’s football has become an integral part of the professional system”. She remains vocal about the importance of fostering a strong football culture for women, including support for professionalization of the league. Indeed, her public comments – and high-profile roles at Juventus and Inter – have made her an influential voice. As she told Pirelli: “I feel part of the path taken by women’s football…we have experienced standstill moments, but now there is growth, and in reality…our journey has just begun”.

Her legacy also includes mentoring a new generation of Italian coaches and players. Having co-authored a book on women’s coaching methods and regularly speaks at FIGC coaching courses, Guarino is contributing to the development of coaching expertise in Italy. In media coverage, she is often cited as an example of a successful former player turned coach, helping to change perceptions about the role of women in Italian football leadership.

In summary, Rita Guarino’s career is distinguished by consistent winning, technical emphasis, and leadership. Her Juventus teams were unprecedentedly dominant, and her tenure helped elevate the status of the women’s game in Italy. Players and clubs repeatedly highlight her influence: as Juventus wrote, Guarino gave her players the tools to achieve their dreams “effortlessly and with finesse”. With her departure from Inter in 2024, Guarino leaves behind a legacy of trophies, talent development, and an enduring impact on Italian women’s football.

Our Exclusive Interview with Rita Guarino

Who is Rita Guarino outside of football? What values or experiences have shaped your approach to life and leadership?

Outside of football, I’m a curious and reflective person, passionate about discovery. I love traveling, reading, and staying active in the mountains, experiences that help me recharge and maintain personal balance. But I also find deep joy in simple things: a family lunch, dinner with friends, an honest conversation.

The values that guide me were instilled early on. My father, a serious and tireless man, taught me the importance of hard work, respect, and integrity. These principles have become the compass in both my personal and professional life: responsibility, passion, and authenticity are at the heart of everything I do.

You built Juventus Women from the ground up into a dominant force. What were the biggest challenges and lessons in leading a brand-new team to sustained success?

Juventus was a fascinating and unique challenge. When I arrived, there was no existing team and no history, we had to create everything from scratch. Alongside Sport Director Braghin, we immediately built a competitive squad and laid the foundations for an ambitious and forward-thinking project.

The biggest challenge wasn’t just winning, it was winning and continuing to win, maintaining the highest standards over four consecutive seasons. That required an exceptionally strong mindset, both in the staff and the players. We learned that true growth demands vision, structure, daily motivation, and a deep sense of team unity. Every season became a new challenge within the challenge, with new goals to achieve and limits to push beyond.

Your coaching style is often described as technical, possession-based, and player-focused. How would you define your football philosophy, and how has it evolved over the years?

My philosophy has always been centred on the quality of play and the individual. I believe in a structured, possession-oriented style where the team has a clear identity, but within that structure, players are given the freedom to express themselves. Technique, intelligence, and timing are fundamental. Over the years, I’ve refined my tactical ideas, but my core belief remains: football is a game of space, movement, and decision-making. As the women’s game has evolved, I’ve also adapted to new demands, blending tactical discipline with creativity and emotional intelligence in managing the group.

You’ve worked closely with many of Italy’s top talents. What qualities do you look for in a player, and how do you foster growth on and off the pitch?

First of all, I look for an attitude. Talent is important, but without humility, dedication, and the desire to grow, it’s not enough. I value players who are curious, willing to learn, and open to feedback. On the pitch, I encourage them to take responsibility, to think, and to develop technical confidence. Off the pitch, I try to support their growth as people, through dialogue, trust, and a shared culture of professionalism and respect. Growth is holistic: if a player feels seen and supported, she will give her best in every aspect.

Women’s football in Italy has grown significantly in the past decade. What role do you think you’ve played in that transformation, and what still needs to change?

I’ve had the privilege of being part of a key moment of transition, especially through my work at Juventus, where we helped raise the professional standards and visibility of the women’s game. I believe I’ve contributed by building not only winning teams, but a culture based on work ethic, ambition, and credibility. However, there is still a lot to do. We need more continuity in investment, stronger youth development programs, and above all, more female leadership in technical and executive roles. The foundation is there, but the next step is consolidation.

After your time with Inter, what are your future goals? Are you considering club or national roles, or perhaps contributing to the game in a different capacity?

I’m strongly motivated to continue coaching, that remains my passion and my priority. I deeply enjoy the day-to-day work on the pitch: the preparation, the competition, the growth of a team. Right now, I’m evaluating the seriousness and vision behind the projects being proposed, because I believe in working within clear, structured environments where there’s room for development and ambition. I’m open to both club and national roles, as long as they align with my values and my idea of football. At the same time, I remain attentive to broader opportunities that contribute to the game’s evolution, whether in youth development, technical education, or mentoring. Whatever the next step is, it must be meaningful and built on commitment, professionalism, and long-term vision.

Genç Futbolcuların Yurtdışı Deneyimi: Hayaller, Zorluklar ve Adaptasyon Süreci

By
Cagri Yildirim
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Bilinmeze Yolculuk

Futbol, gençler için sadece bir spor değil, aynı zamanda büyük bir kariyer fırsatıdır. Ancak, yetenekli gençlerin uluslararası arenada kendilerini göstermeleri için yabancı bir ülkeye taşınmaları ve yepyeni bir hayat kurmaları gerekir. Başka bir ülkede futbol oynamak, daha iyi antrenman olanaklarına ve büyük kulüplerde forma giyme fırsatına kapı aralasa da, beraberinde büyük kültürel ve psikolojik zorlukları da getirir.

Futbol, Uyum Süreci ve Memleket Hasreti

Yeni bir ülkeye adapte olmak sadece sahadaki performansla ilgili değildir. Genç futbolcular, yeni bir dil öğrenmek, farklı antrenman sistemlerine uyum sağlamak ve alıştıkları düzenin dışına çıkmak zorundadır. Bunun yanında, ailelerinden ve sevdiklerinden uzak olmak duygusal açıdan da büyük bir yük oluşturabilir.

Özellikle dil bariyeri, futbolcuların hem saha içinde hem de saha dışında zorlanmasına sebep olabilir. Antrenörlerini, takım arkadaşlarını ve günlük yaşamlarını tam olarak anlayamamak, yalnızlaşmalarına ve performanslarının düşmesine neden olabilir. University of Stirling tarafından yapılan bir araştırma, yabancı bir ülkeye transfer olan genç futbolcuların yüksek stres seviyelerine sahip olduğunu ve uyum süreçlerinin uzun sürdüğünü ortaya koymuştur (Smith et al., 2019). Bu da kulüplerin, oyuncuların psikolojik ve kültürel adaptasyonlarına daha fazla yatırım yapmaları gerektiğini gösteriyor.

Kültürel Farklılıklar ve Zorluklar

Her ülkenin futbol anlayışı, taktik yaklaşımı ve hatta oyunculara olan bakış açısı farklıdır. Kimi liglerde disiplin ve fiziksel mücadele ön plandayken, kimilerinde daha teknik ve taktik ağırlıklı bir oyun tarzı benimsenir. Genç oyuncular, bu değişime ayak uyduramazsa, performansları olumsuz etkilenebilir.

Futbolun dışında, günlük hayata adapte olmak da büyük bir sorundur. Beslenme alışkanlıkları, sosyal yaşam, çalışma disiplini ve hatta iklim bile genç futbolcuların alışması gereken unsurlar arasında yer alır. Kendi kültürü ile yeni ortamı arasında sıkışıp kalan oyuncular, bu süreçte ciddi psikolojik baskı hissedebilirler.

Zihinsel Baskılar ve Performans Kaygısı

Yabancı bir ülkede futbol oynayan genç oyuncuların sadece dil veya kültürel farklarla değil, aynı zamanda yoğun bir sportif baskıyla da başa çıkmaları gerekir. Sahadaki performanslarının sürekli göz önünde olması, yeni takımlarına kendilerini kanıtlama zorunluluğu ve yüksek beklentiler nedeniyle stres seviyeleri artabilir.

Genç futbolcuların en sık yaşadığı psikolojik zorluklar şunlardır:

  • Yalnızlık ve Sosyal İzolasyon: Aile ve arkadaşlarından uzak kalmak, gençlerin mental dayanıklılığını zorlayabilir.
  • Özgüven Kaybı: Dil engeli ve kültürel farklılıklar, futbolcuların kendilerini ifade etmelerini zorlaştırabilir.
  • Yoğun Performans Baskısı: Başarısız olma korkusu, futbolcuların potansiyellerini tam olarak ortaya koymalarını engelleyebilir.
  • Uyum Problemleri: Yeni ülkenin beslenme alışkanlıklarına ve yaşam tarzına uyum sağlamak zor olabilir.
Kulüplerin Çözüm Arayışları ve Destek Programları

Bazı kulüpler, genç futbolcuların adaptasyon süreçlerini kolaylaştırmak için çeşitli destek programları geliştiriyor. İşte bu konuda öne çıkan bazı uygulamalar:

  1. Dil Eğitim Programları: Yeni bir dil öğrenmek, oyuncuların takımlarına daha hızlı entegre olmalarına yardımcı olur. Özellikle futbol terimlerini içeren özel dersler, iletişim sürecini hızlandırabilir.
  2. Psikolojik Destek Hizmetleri: Spor psikologları ve mentorlar, futbolcuların adaptasyon sürecinde karşılaştıkları zorlukları aşmalarına yardımcı olur. Kendi ülkelerinden gelen mentorlar, genç futbolcuların daha hızlı uyum sağlamasını kolaylaştırır.
  3. Kültürel Uyum Çalışmaları: Kültürel farkındalık çalışmaları ve oryantasyon programları, gençlerin bulundukları ülkeyi daha iyi tanımalarını ve sosyal uyum süreçlerini hızlandırmalarını sağlar.
  4. Takım İçi Sosyal Entegrasyon: Takım arkadaşlarıyla düzenlenen etkinlikler ve sosyal projeler, futbolcuların yeni çevrelerine alışmasını destekler.
Örnek Kulüpler ve Uygulamalar

Bazı dünya çapında ünlü kulüpler, genç futbolcuların adaptasyon süreçlerini destekleyen örnek projeler yürütmektedir:

  • FC Bayern Münih, “FC Bayern Global Academy” kapsamında dil kursları, kültürel atölyeler ve psikolojik destek içeren kapsamlı bir entegrasyon programı sunmaktadır.
  • FC Barcelona, La Masia altyapı programı ile genç futbolculara hem sportif hem de kişisel gelişim açısından özel eğitim sunmaktadır.
  • Ajax Amsterdam, genç futbolcuların kendi kültürlerinden mentorlarla eşleşerek daha hızlı adapte olmalarını sağladığı programlarıyla bilinmektedir.
Sonuç

Yabancı bir ülkeye transfer olan genç futbolcular için bu süreç hem büyük bir fırsat hem de büyük bir sınavdır. Dil engelleri, kültürel farklılıklar ve yoğun performans baskısı, oyuncuların kariyerlerini doğrudan etkileyebilir. Ancak, kulüplerin sağladığı profesyonel destek ve futbolcuların mental dayanıklılığı sayesinde bu süreci en iyi şekilde yönetmek mümkündür. Doğru destek mekanizmalarıyla, genç yetenekler uluslararası arenada kendilerini kanıtlayarak uzun vadede başarılı kariyerler inşa edebilirler.

The Student Athlete – Edition #49

By
Ali Afzal-Khan
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The Student Athlete magazine cover with stadium background and text reading "for student-athletes".

Welcome to the 49th edition of The Student Athlete, your digital source for the latest and most impactful stories in the life of student-athletes.

This week we dive into:

The Transfer Portal Surge
Over 20,000 athletes entered the NCAA transfer portal this year, reshaping recruiting, team dynamics, and career paths. We break down the data, the trends, and what families need to know in this fast-moving environment.

Inside the Journey: Becca Moros (Arizona Women’s Soccer)
From standout student-athlete at Duke to a rising star in college coaching, Becca Moros is building a resilient, high-performance culture at Arizona. Her story blends tactical brilliance with leadership on and off the pitch.

How to Fake a Rest Day
You don’t need to skip training to recover smart. This practical guide shares how to stay sharp, show up, and protect your body when it’s begging for a break.

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