Over the years I have noticed coaches at every level that do and don’t use their subs in soccer/futbol how they should. Every coach is different, but if it were me I’d still find ways to get the weaker players minutes. Not only does is boost their moral, but it keeps the starters from becoming complacent.
“Stay patient, keep working hard with a good attitude… Your time will come.”
Benefits to playing your subs in soccer
There are several good things that come when coaches play their subs…
When you’re on the bench there’s a burning desire inside that makes you want to play even more…
You realize how much you want it.
When players think that they might get in that burning desire can release amazing energy onto the field.
On the contrary, when you know you’re not going to play you start to really lose joy or the competitive spirit…
3 key benefits playing your subs:
- Keeps everyone’s confidence up.
- Players fitness level are all high, so if injuries happen someone else is ready to fill that spot.
- The starters play harder because they know their spots could be taken.
Example from the pros
There are so many different situations I can think of where subs make the difference.
Lets use Manchester City between 2020 and 2024…
Pep Guardiola [coach] would sit certain stars on the bench for weeks and before you know it they’re back in the line up to finish the season and lift trophies.
2 examples:
- 2022 German midfielder İlkay Gundogan sat the bench in the middle of the season, but then got back in the lineup towards the end.
- English player Jack Grealish was a huge signing in 2022, but by ’23 he was sitting the bench for a month or two.
These were not due to injury, but instead the coach had other great options…
The key is you have to keep working hard!
Super sub…
Former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjær [The Baby Face Assassin] would come off the bench and score goals like crazy…
Solskjaer said this ⇓
“Even though I would only play 5-15 minutes per game my goal was to make it look like I played 90 minutes when you look at the score card.”
That’s a great attitude… Believing in his abilities and accepting his role at the time.
Keeping a good attitude
When you’re sitting the bench for several games in a row it’s very difficult emotionally.
Players who keep a good attitude and continue to work their hardest have amazing sports maturity.
It’s easy to say that people who have this mindset will be successful in everything they do going forward.
So, keep up the good fight always looking forward to what’s to come, taking it one day at a time.
Underdog stories in sports
In sports there are so many stories of players who became overcomers.
10 pro athletes who overcame trials:
- Michael Jordan didn’t make the high school varsity team his Sophomore year… Most would agree he is the best NBA player in history.
- Didier Drogba didn’t sign a pro contract till he was 21,which is old for players outside of America is old.
- Barry Sanders didn’t start as a running back in high school till his senior year!
- Jay DeMerit has a great story! Undrafted to MLS, but ended up playing in the English Premier League and on the USMNT.
- Tom Brady was low on the depth chart at University of Michigan and almost transferred. He went on to be drafted 199th. This rest is history as is the most successful footballer player ever.
- Scottie Pippen didn’t receive any college scholarships. Went to an NAIA school and while in college went from 6’1″ to 6’8″. Became a All-American his last 2 years and drew attention to NBA scouts.
- Dennis Rodman didn’t make the HS Varsity team his Soph year. Went to a small college and wasn’t a NBA star till the 2nd half of his career.
- Mike Piazza went from 62nd round draft pick to becoming one of the greatest hitting catchers in the history of baseball.
- Jerry Rice went to a small college, yet is ranked #1 wide receiver in NFL history with the most touchdowns, yards and receptions.
- J.J. Watt was ranked a 2 star recruit in high school [5 is the highest]. Is now considered one of the best all time defensive linemen in NFL history.
Don’t give up on your dream…
Pro athletes who didn’t start HS Varsity till their senior year
Subs in soccer who became starters
There are many stories of players who went from the bottom to the top…
Therefore, if you’re not where you want to be you have to believe good things will turn out.
Yes, you will have doubts…
That’s human tendencies, but you HAVE believe you can do it at the same time.
Being open to playing different positions
Some players identity is in their position…
Especially forwards:) In their mind it’s the only place for them, but when you get to a higher level team the coach might need you to play outside back or mid.
If you want to get minutes you better do what the coach/team needs.
Sometimes when a coach needs to make a sub, they can take a forward, put you in the midfield and move another player who was playing mid up to forward.
Utility players help in so many ways and it effects how a coach subs in soccer / football.
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