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The Journeymen are back, and this week they’re joined by the one and only Giovanni Savarese! From growing up in Venezuela to playing in MLS to coaching the Portland Timbers, Gio shares the stories you haven’t heard before.

Plus, the guys put him to the test with two brutally tough rounds of “Start, Bench, Cut.”

Video Chapters:

0:00 – The Journeymen welcome Giovanni Savarese to the pod
3:29 – Gio’s all-time favorite player 👀 (and best jersey swap)
5:47 – Growing up in Venezuela: Gio’s earliest soccer memories
8:50 – Moving to the U.S. & joining the Long Island Rough Riders
11:28 – Why the 1995 Rough Riders season changed everything
12:48 – MLS in the ‘90s: paychecks, salaries & wild contracts
16:02 – The path to going pro (Gio’s advice)
19:20 – Life with the MetroStars
20:50 – Playing alongside his idol, Roberto Donadoni
22:00 – Rooming (& cooking!) with Donadoni on the road 🍝
24:25 – How legends like Donadoni, Beckham & Henry change a team
30:48 – First coaching gig: Head Coach & Sporting Director of the Cosmos
32:48 – Gio’s first signing & how he brought players to the Cosmos
36:00 – The Cosmos head to Old Trafford
38:41 – Cosmos vs. Red Bulls: the heated U.S. Open Cup battles
42:48 – Why Portland was the perfect move for Gio
47:03 – The one player Gio wishes he’d coached at the Timbers
51:02 – Gio’s back in the studio!
53:13 – Start, Bench, Cut (Legends Edition) 🔥
55:19 – Start, Bench, Cut (Portland Timbers Edition) 💚