In this episode we welcome Thomas Rongen. In 1979, Thomas intended to travel for leisure to the United States. Instead, he ended up playing with the Los Angeles Aztecs. From then on, he would play and then go on to coach amazing teams throughout America. Today, the discussion revolves around great players like Rinus Michels, Johann Cruyff, Gerd Müller, Elias Figueroa, and Teófilo Cubillas. Thomas also shares what it was like playing with his idol, his experience coaching in Samoa, and the documentary about it that followed.

On this episode:

● How Thomas ended up in America.

● The childhood hero Thomas got to play with.

● A little bit about Thomas’ experience playing with the Aztecs.

● Who Thomas says is the most influential player and coach of all time.

● Why after playing in Edmonton, their team never checked out again.

● What the other players got out of working with Johan Cruyff

● The greatest football friend Bob ever had.

● Other sometimes distant but legendary players.

● The new documentary about the NASL that’s coming out shortly.

● The rule change in the NASL that opened up the game.

● What happened in 2007 that looked like the reincarnation of the NASL.

● The increasing importance of branding in soccer.

● The event Bob has a warm spot in his heart for.

● What the documentary “Next Goal Wins” is about.

● How Thomas ended up coaching in Samoa.

● Thomas’ personal and professional highlights of coaching in Samoa.

● Who played Thomas in the documentary.

● What David appreciated about the documentary.