Interesting Gary Ablett interview

[jimmylibel]

In an exclusive in-depth interview, former Reds defender Gary Ablett talks about how he's settled into his new role as Liverpool reserve team manager.

 

Gary, eight months into the job, how's it going?

 

I came into the job with my eyes wide open and not really knowing what to expect but I've settled in really well and I'm enjoying it immensely. I'm working with good people. Hughie (McAuley), on the football side, and Antonio (Gomez), on the fitness side, have been a great help, their advice has been tremendous and I've been very lucky in that respect. Hughie, in particular, has been here a long time and knows the job inside out, while Antonio's physical programme is really starting to pay dividends with the young lads now. Everything seems to have gone smoothly so far and hopefully it will continue that way.

 

Is it what you expected?

 

I'd say it's probably everything and more. Just being around the place and working in such a wonderful environment is an experience in itself. Talking and listening to the likes of Rafa and Pako on a daily basis and watching them out on the training field is something you can only learn from.

 

When you sent in your CV to Rafa, was it more in hope than expectation?

 

Without a doubt, yes. I only got to hear about the vacancy during a chance conversation with a local journalist I knew from my playing days and it was he who encouraged me to apply. My initial thoughts were that they'd be looking for someone more high-profile and I dismissed the idea. But he then went on to explain a bit more and I thought 'why not?' As a boyhood Liverpudlian and former player, I know all about the history and traditions of this place and felt that having worked at the Everton Academy I had a lot to offer. So I sent off my application, more in hope than expectation as you say, got a reply and the rest is history

 

You said your first meeting with the boss was fascinating, can you expand on this?

 

It was just a real eye-opener. He questioned me about my background, coaching in general and what I'd been up to with Everton for the previous three to four years. He then got the tactics board out and I was asked to solve some hypothetical problems. It was a quite intense two hours. He really grilled me but at the same time I enjoyed it.

 

I was invited back for a second interview and asked to submit a small programme/plan for the following season. You only get one chance at a job like this though and I was determined not to mess up so I sat down at the computer and ended up with a seven page report! There was no way I could have went in with it all written down on the back of a beer mat!

 

I was quite nervous and not sure how it had gone but later that night when I took a step back and reflected on our meeting I started to think that it had gone well. From our conversation it became clear that we shared the same basic principles and that the role was a developmental one, working with young players and preparing them for the first team.

 

Given the calibre of the other candidates I was still under no illusions about my prospects of landing the job but I felt that my time at Everton stood me in good stead. The other names being mentioned did not have has much experience of working with young players. Some of them had been managers in their own right but they didn't have the history I had in developing youngsters, which was obviously what Rafa was after. It was only then that I began to think that maybe I had a chance.

 

About two weeks passed before Rafa was back in touch. He wanted to see me at Melwood immediately. So after a quick shave and change I'm sitting downstairs again at the training ground, the sweat was pouring off me and my mind working overtime. After about half an hour he emerged at the top of the stairs and asked me up to his office. Still, I didn't have a clue about which way it was going to go. One part of me was thinking he wouldn't have asked me to come along if the answer was no but at the same maybe he just wanted to pass on the bad news face-to-face. However, I was soon put out of my misery. I reached the top of the stairs he turned to me and simply said 'congratulations, the job is yours'.

 

What was your immediate feeling upon hearing this?

 

I think it was just one of total amazement. To say I was delighted would be an understatement. No disrespect to anyone at Everton but to go from working with the under-18s there, to being given the responsibility of heading the reserve set-up at Liverpool was a massive step up. The first thing I did when I got back to my car was phone the wife, she burst into tears and then set about contacting all our family and friends to relay the good news. The fact I then went on holiday to Portugal was a good thing because it got me away from the constant stream of calls that came my way once everyone found out. Knowing how intense this job would be once pre-season started, and the hours I'd have to put in, it was also nice to spend some time with the family before the real work began.

 

So what does the role actually entail, apart from the obvious?

 

My job, along with Hughie and Antonio, is to prepare reserve players for the first team and ensure that if they are called up by Rafa the transition between the two is as smooth as possible. It's up to us to get the players playing the way Rafa wants and should they eventually make the step up then all that should be needed is a bit of fine tuning.

 

All the boys have to know what is required of them. Whether they've been brought in from another club or been promoted from the Academy.

 

We're constantly striving to get our players onto the fringes of the first team. The fact that Danny Guthrie, Lee Peltier and James Smith ? were given a chance in the senior side for the Carling Cup tie against Reading earlier in the season was a big boost to everyone involved with the reserves. Nabil El Zhar was also given a taste in the Premiership, while Peltier and Guthrie have also experienced Champions League football. Seeing them perform on this stage is great but our aim is to then see them there on a regular basis and we know what a difficult job that is going to be.

 

For some of the foreign lads, who are maybe living away from home for the first time, I suppose I could also be looked upon as a sort of father figure and I'm always there for them if they have a problem. If I can't help them then I'll find someone who can but this is another vitally important part of my role because if footballers are unhappy in their personal life it'll show in their performances out on the field.

 

Results-wise, how satisfied are you with the season so far?

 

Obviously, professional pride dictates that I want to win every game. Positive results breed confidence, not just for the staff but, more importantly for the players. The boss was quick to explain, however, that it's not all about results at this level, which is good because we lost our first four games of the season! I remember thinking then 'Oh my God, what's going to happen now!' But Rafa was great. He told me not to worry, that I was doing the right things and that he was pleased with how everything was working. It was a case of just plugging away and eventually our results picked up. It's been difficult for the players because they've had to get used to working for a new manager with new ideas and I've had to get used to working with them. But I'm pleased with how it's going now and think we've all developed and grown in stature together, especially since Christmas.

 

On a daily/weekly basis how much contact do you have with Rafa?

 

We speak every day. We'll speak about the reserve team game, if there's been one, or the first team game. He'll ask my opinion on certain situations that may have happened and I'll do likewise. I'm learning from him and all the other coaches all the time. I think you?d be a fool not to want to learn from such experienced and talented people like these. I try to get the best advice as possible from everyone.

 

Does he take a lot of interest in the reserves?

 

Most definitely. He'll always enquire as to who is playing well and the general welfare of the lads. Lately, we've been liaising quite a bit about some of the players who've been sent out on loan. I'll always be asked to give my input before any decision is taken. We get together with the chief scouts Frankie Mac and Eduardo and decide what's best for the player.

 

Last week Rafa voiced his concerns over the structure of reserve team football in England, saying that the current set-up is stalling the progress of our young players. What are your views on this and how do you think the problem can be rectified?

 

Last season the reserves played 28 games and this season that figure was cut to 18. I'm keen on the league becoming more regionalised because that cuts down on the travel but I think we have to find a way of playing more games, maybe get to at least 24 a season.

 

With so few games is it hard then to motivate the players at times?

 

When there is a long break with no games motivation can be difficult. Playing is what it's all about and we all want to be involved in competitive games. We do arrange quite a few friendlies so that we're not just training all the time but it's not the same. In my day, the reserves would play every Saturday, just like the first team, and sometimes in midweek too. This kept everyone on their toes and fully motivated because we'd be training all week in the knowledge that there'd be a competitive game at the end of it. And, of course, with that came the chance to impress and stake your claim for a first team place.

 

It's also important that the boys are not allowed to fall into a comfort zone because of the environment they find themselves in. Some can fall into the trap of thinking they've made it as a Liverpool player because they are training here at Melwood every day. It's up to us to remind them that they are only Liverpool reserve players and until they've made that move from our dressing room to the big dressing room it'll remain that way.

 

Come in and do your best every day, this is what we constantly drum into them. There are millions of people all around the world who'd love to be in their shoes and that should be all the motivation they need to make the most of this unique opportunity they have.

 

Has it been a conscious decision to field mainly young players in the reserve team these days?

 

I think the manager and Pako can provide the more senior players with the level of training that allows them not to play in reserve games. That's not to say this is set on stone. Some games we could be quite senior, like against Blackburn last week, and sometimes we can be quite junior, as against Newcastle last night. It just depends on circumstances and first team fixtures.

 

With a lot of players being sent out on loan it must be frustrating not being able to field a settled side?

 

I suppose it is one of the most difficult aspects of the job but I expected this. We know that players will be moved on during the course of the season, it's all about helping them find their level. Unfortunately, some will go to a lower league club and find that is their level. If this is the case then they won't progress any further here and we'll look to move them on. Being sent out on loan though isn't the end of the world, as some players seem to think at the time. I should know. As a young reserve player here at Liverpool I was sent out on loan a couple of times and came back a better player.

 

A number of young players were brought in from the continent during the January transfer window, how difficult has it been for them to settle in?

 

Adapting to a totally new culture is always going to be difficult. We have to remember that they are only young lads and it takes time for them to come to terms with a whole new lifestyle, language and diet, so we have to be patient with them. They're learning all the swear words off the lads and a couple of them are a bit mischievous but we all have a laugh and a joke about it. Sometimes things can get lost in translation so to help, myself and Hughie think it may be advantageous if we start to learn a bit of Spanish as well.

 

You mentioned earlier that a number of regular reserve team players have already tasted first team football this season, how rewarding is this for you when it happens?

 

Myself, Hughie and Antonio take a tremendous amount of pride when one of our reserve players is called up into the first team. We know that it's not just down to us that they are being considered. If the player is homegrown, for example, then a lot of good work will have already been done at the Academy. Alternatively, if a player has been signed from another club then they must have had talent to attract the attention our scouts. But maybe we've just tweaked a little something within them that's helped push them into Rafa's thoughts.

 

Do you think any more of the young lads from the reserves are ready to make that next step up into the first team squad?

 

Hopefully, but we know it's not going to be easy. The manager has a first team squad of 22 players now and any young player has to be exceptional to break into this pool. But the majority of our players are still only 18 or 19 and we have to be careful not to make decisions on players who physically maybe wouldn't be able to cope just yet. Their bodies may not yet have allowed them to show the ability we want to see. A lot of them will not reach the required level but it's a big part of our job to identify the ones that could be worth waiting for.

 

This time last year a lot of fans were buzzing about the form of Jack Hobbs and Paul Anderson but not much has been heard of them this season, can you update us on how they are doing?

 

Both went away with the first team in pre-season and you wonder if maybe they then set their expectation levels a little too high. Their attitude on the tour was first-class and they did well but once all the senior players returned they found themselves back with us in the reserves. We have to remember that they are still young boys and mentally they're probably not as strong as we think. In situations such as this the demons have probably been racing through their minds and it's easy to suddenly start thinking that the club don't want you.

 

This season will have been a reality check for them and in a way they have been brought crashing back down to earth. It's been up to us to pick up the pieces. Unfortunately, Jack suffered a really unusual injury and has only just returned to action. On his comeback match for the reserves, he was excellent, captained the side and really led by example. Paul has had an up and down season but his ability is unquestioned and it was a great boost for him to be involved out in Galatasaray for the Champions League game in December.

 

Both have fantastic attitudes towards their football. They want to listen, they want to learn and they're not afraid to ask questions, which is good.

 

Craig (Lindfield) is another. He scored on his first team debut against Crewe in pre-season and because of this his expectations were no doubt raised a notch or two. Like Jack and Paul, though we're hoping Craig will go on and experience life at that level again on a regular basis in the near future.

 

The Youth team have made exciting progress again in this season's FA Youth Cup, what have you made of that?

 

It's been great to see them do so well and everyone at the club is now hoping they can go on and lift that trophy for a second successive season. A number of the youth team are regulars in our reserve side and I'm really pleased for them. Before I arrived, Paco and Hughie made a decision to bring five second year scholars up from the Academy. It was hoped they'd benefit from the Melwood environment and I think we can say that they have. Young Ryan Flynn has scored goals, so too has Craig. The two at the back Stephen Darby and Robbie Threlfall have been models of consistency. And last, but not least, is goalkeeper David Roberts. David took the plaudits last year, when he did really well, but young Martin Hansen was brought in during the summer and has done fantastic. As a result, David has unfortunately found himself on the bench during this season's run to the final but remains a valuable member of the squad.

 

Do you think the fact that you came through the youth/reserve system as a youngster here at Anfield, helps you in this job?

 

I think it is a positive because I know the level these players are trying to reach and I've experienced the emotions they will go through as they strive to achieve their goal. It was a long long time ago since I was in their shoes but I'm here to give them guidance if they need it. I don't force it on them but sometimes I can relate to certain problems they are experiencing or anxieties they are feeling and if they want to open up and tell me about then I'm only too happy to help.

 

Of course, you were part of a very successful reserve team at Liverpool, how has the system changed since those days?

 

There are a lot of obvious changes. The number of games is one we've already spoken about. Then there are things like diet and nutrition, treatment of injuries and rehab. The facilities, of course, have also come on leaps and bounds. I'd never been to the new Melwood complex before my interview and what we've got around us here today is all a far cry from the old pavilion that was on the opposite side of the training ground in my day. But despite of all these changes there's still that same togetherness that you get with any group of young lads. You're all growing up together and chasing the same dream. It helps to create a great team spirit. We have a great set of lads here. This season has been a learning curve for us all but one which I'm sure will benefit us in the long-term.

 

It was often said that the Liverpool second string back then could have held their own in the lower divisions of the Football League, would you agree?

 

I think so, yes. Our team back then was virtually the same week in week out unless a senior player dropped down from the first team or was coming back from injury. It was packed with quality players ? the likes of Davey Fairclough, Howie Gayle, Mick Halsall, Colin Russell, Alan Harper, Bobby Savage, Tony Kelly, Paul Jewell and Mark Seagraves. We won the old Central League most seasons and were not used to losing. The majority went on to enjoy good careers in the lower leagues and higher so I suppose on this evidence you would say that we could have held our own.

 

You're one of a select band of local players to have come through the ranks and enjoyed a successful career with the Reds, but do you think it's at times more difficult for local lads to make the breakthrough?

 

It's always been tough for local lads to break into the Liverpool first team. I remember when I was 16 and leaving school to start my apprenticeship at Anfield people were asking why I was doing it because they thought it would be too tough to break through. But I was confident in my own ability so why would I have wanted to take a step down by joining another club then have to battle my way back up? That may sound cocky but it's how I felt, I genuinely believed I was good enough to play for Liverpool.

 

Having won League and FA Cup honours here as a player you must reflect with pride on your playing career at Liverpool...

 

I don't ever regard myself has an established regular at Liverpool and if I'd have had a more positive mental approach then I could probably have made more of my time at Liverpool. Saying that, when I look back on my playing career I don't regret a thing. I won medals and played in a team that is regarded as one of the best ever. I'm quite happy with what I accomplished as a player at Anfield and now my aim is to do my bit for the future of the club by helping to bring through young players who can go on to establish themselves as regulars in the first team.

 

 

Was coaching something you'd always planned on doing?

 

Not until I spent some time out in America towards the end of my playing career when I became player/coach at Long Island. I then gradually became more and more interested in this side of the game.

Is there any one coach in particular who you cite as having a major influence on you?

 

I've been fortunate enough to work under some great coaches down the years and I've learnt something from all of them, whether that be Joe (Fagan), Roy (Evans), Kenny (Dalglish), Graeme (Souness) at Anfield or even Steve McMahon who I played under for a short spell at Blackpool. In fact, I'm still learning. I learn something new every day. It's important to take on board everything and I'm always telling this to our players.

 

When you walked out of Anfield for the last time as a Liverpool player in January 1992, did the thought of one day returning in a coaching capacity ever enter your head?

 

No. Not at all. Not in a million years. I was about to become an Everton player and crossing Stanley Park is a very strange feeling. Although I'd always been a Liverpudlian all my thoughts and energies were suddenly focused on Everton and I wanted to prove Liverpool were wrong for letting me go. When I eventually hung up my boots and returned to England it was Everton who gave me my break on the coaching side and that's all I was concentrating on. I would never have dreamt that four years down the line I'd be crossing sides again.

 

Finally, would you say you're now living the dream for a second time?

 

Without a doubt. What happened to me over the summer was phenomenal and to now be back in the inner sanctum of Liverpool Football Club is a dream. I want to be the best I possibly can and I've come to learn from the best there is. I've been so lucky to have been a player here and the fact I'm now coaching here is...well, you can't get any better can you?

 

Link

[Kahnee]

Where's the 10-words-or-less version?

[jimmylibel]

Reserves are for blooding youngsters. Most won't make it.

[slapnuts]

he thinks Souness is a great coach

[nrkintheuk]

Gary Ablett was responsible for my Dad hearing me say the F-word for the first time...

 

... 'For f*cks sake Ablett' I said (often as it happens)

[johngibo YPC]

he thinks Souness is a great coach

 

Haha

I think he's just being polite

[Leo No.8]

I have to say I wasn't too sure on Ablett coming back to coach the reserve team, he never seemed the brightest to me and I didn't rate him as a player.

 

I've definitely warmed to him since his arrival though; turns out he's actually an intelligent bloke who speaks very well about what he's trying to do with the reserves.

 

I think he's doing a good job, particularly with the young lads under him.

Edited March 29, 2007 by Leo No.8

[Phil M (ET Crew)]

I think he's doing a good job, particularly with the young lads under him.

 

He also learnt from Dave Jones?

Edited March 29, 2007 by Phil M (ET Crew)

[Phil236849]

well, he's got high hopes for anderson, hobbs and lindfield, we can see that...

[Kite]

Sounds all very professional, modern and very progressive. Ablett comes across well too. Good to read that and see how we are truly building future squads etc

[Falconhoof]

Comes across as a down to earth and determined character, hope he has a good coaching career with us.