It was a real privilege to have spent over an hour in the company of one of Europe's most esteemed player developer's; João Tralhão. The former academy manager of Benfica has enjoyed a coaching path which has taken him from U6 to First team coach. From being involved in the growth of Ruben Dias and João Cancelo to coaching Rui Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Radamel Falcao at first team level, João is not short of anecdotes. As always we look behind the curtain and João gives us the full lowdown on some of the methodology, coach development practices and periodisation he has employed at various stages. In addition listen to hear more about;

- Building your football methodology upon solid foundations.

- What it was like being thrown into the deep end coaching Benfica's first team at 27?

- Changing the culture surrounding youth development at Benfica.

- Reflecting upon failures in player development as much as successes.

- The art of turning pro.

- How João Cancelo's development changed his opinion on early specialisation?

- Cultivating an identity and the formula behind it?

- Working alongside Thierry Henry at Monaco.

Timestamps;

00:00 - 10:00 - Coaching Career

10:01 - 17:40 - Benfica First Team

17:41 - 25:18 - Benfica Academy

25:19 - 34:19 - Managing Expectations

34:20 - 40:52 - Turning Pro

40:53 - 47:56 - Methodology

47:57 - 57:20 - Generalisation v Specialisation

57:21 - 1:08:32 - Thierry Henry & Monaco

1:08:33 - 1:18:20 - Advice