Interview with Stephen Tucker, Academy and 1st team coach at HKFC
Interview by Christopher KL Lau
Stephen Tucker, HKFC first team coach and UEFA 'A' license holder, is one of Hong Kong's leading coaches. He believes in inspiring young players to play to their full potential. He appreciates that dreamers are the ones who can achieve their goals in life. Tucker took some time to discuss his coaching heroes and his views on Hong Kong football. He cited inspiring children as a priority.
"You have to inspire. I'm from Nottingham and you hear many good stories about the legendary Forest manager, Brian Clough. You hear that he was so charismatic and that he was a dreamer. Clough would have dreamed about taking a small team to the top for example. You then work hard to reach that dream."
Tucker then gave his views on who he thinks are the best managers and coaches right now in the modern game.
"I would say José Mourinho for his professional and organisational skills and Pep Guardiola is doing it right now and inspiring a whole new generation of youngsters. While with Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, it is captivating just listening to him. I can listen to him all day long!"
Tucker also talked about what he deemed the best live game that he has seen.
"The most recent game was the first half of Spain and Germany. It was a great game of football even as an international friendly, a true football game.
I think my all time favourite game that changed me as a coach was Atletico Bilbao against Manchester United. The inspiration I took from that game was that Bilbao had lesser players than Manchester United but played a superb game. They looked better on the ball and off the ball and had an aggressive tempo with and without the ball. I have asked Spanish coaches for the DVD to watch it again, but cannot find it. It is hands down the best game I've ever watched!"
Tucker also shared his views on his favourite player growing up in Nottingham.
"It was Stuart Pearce of Nottingham Forest! I didn't understand it at that time when I was 10, watching him smashing all the people."
Tucker has observed Hong Kong football for several years and talked about how the game can improve.
"Hong Kong needs inspirational people here. HKFC played Kowloon City a few weeks ago and regardless, the score was a win 5-0.
The opposing technical director came and shook my hand and said our players played years ahead of their team.
The coach was inspired as it showed them how strong my players were and he asked how long I had coached them for. It usually takes two years to transform their mind-set and technical level."