Q&A with Des McAleenan

Des McAleenan is in his seventh season as goalkeeping coach. Through his seven years with the Red Bulls, Des has enjoyed remarkable success training four U.S. National Team goalkeepers, including Tim Howard, Jonny Walker, Zach Wells and Tony Meola. Under his tutelage, current English Premier League goalkeeper Tim Howard developed into one of the best young international goalkeeping prospects in the world.
Prior to joining the Red Bulls, Des served as goalkeeping coach for the Connecticut Wolves of the A-League and NCAA Division III Trinity College in Hartford, CT.
A native of Dublin, Ireland, Des was a goalkeeper for four years while attending college at Central Connecticut State, before going on to play professionally for five years in the USL with the Connecticut Wolves and with the Albany Alley Cats.
McAleenan holds a master's degree in elementary education from Sacred Heart University and is a U.S.S.F. licensed coach. 

Q. When you finished playing did you find coaching the natural progression?
A.  I was able to coach simultaneously as I was playing in college and I always enjoyed that.  Since I was doing this it gave me an idea of what I wanted to do upon graduation so I pursued my degree in education.  I also don’t think you have to be the best player in order to coach but you certainly need to have played the game to have an understanding.

Q. How many hours a week do you spend coaching at all levels?
A. I’m with the Red Bulls for most of my day working with the first team goalkeepers.  I do spend a few hours per week working with youth goalkeepers at all levels.  It’s quite rewarding to see the development of the younger players and how they advance in their careers both academically and athletically.

Q. What most do you work with on your keepers and why?
A.  I try to keep everything well balanced.  I don’t feel the need to identify a problem and go through it as I have some experienced goalkeepers.  Also, with Ronald Wattereus at 37 and Jon Conway at 30 I try not to wear them out too much so I don’t have them throw themselves around a lot.  Unlike some teams, we do a fair amount of shooting with the team so they get the chance to throw themselves around then and get a great deal of handling work.  We’ll start with 3 laps, then lateral movement, some form of dynamic stretching, next feet or coordination, plyos, acceleration and sometimes some hoop and ladder work.  In addition to the coaching, I do the fitness for the goalkeepers.  We’ll then start with the feet; all surfaces and the body, and then we’ll move onto handling.  Next will be shots from different angles and combining coordination with it. 

Q. Do you talk with other goalkeeping coaches? Do you talk about training drills etc?
A.  I’ve had the opportunity to watch Mike Kelley the former England Goalkeeping Coach and he was fantastic.  Everything was set to 10 and he was very big on shape and form and catching.  I’m fortunate working with Red Bull NY as there are a lot of international matches played at the Meadowlands.  I get the chance to see a great deal of international goalkeepers train and see the different coaching philosophies.  Having Ronald Wattereus here also gives me the Dutch perspective. I certainly enjoy comparing notes.

Q. How do you prepare keepers for a game?
A. The day before the game, if it’s a home game, we’ll train in our stadium, if it’s away we’ll go to the stadium, first to look at the surface and to get acclimated, then we’ll train there.  Bruce Arena always gives me some extra time the day before a game in order to prepare more with the goalkeepers.  We’ll keep the same format as our normal training but we’ll tweak the volume as it will be a lot lighter.  Tim Howard and Jonny Walker didn’t have a real set routine and were very flexible.  Tony Meola was very regimented and had a set routine.  Jon Conway likes hard ½ volleys and rolling balls at angles.  Ronald Wattereus keeps a little bit lighter.

Q. What advice do you give young goal keepers trying to get into the game?
A.  Hunger!  There is no substitute for hunger and desire.  You must be disciplined as there is not substitute for a good foundation and training habits.  Always listen to advice and keep your eyes and ears open.  Hopefully you’re lucky enough to come across a good teacher and utilize them.  Don’t squander your opportunities.  Of course you need good hands and in addition, you must me strong with both feet.  If you can’t use both feet, you won’t be successful.

Q. What gloves and boots do you regularly wear?
A.  I like the Adidas Response Pro.  I know Fingersaves are very popular but since I didn’t grow up wearing them, I don’t use them.  I think Adidas Predator boots are excellent.  I prefer simple gear to flashy gear, but still great quality.

Q. As a young player who were your heroes?
A.  I think probably the same as most people my age, Peter Shilton, Ray Clemence, Sepp Maier, Neville Southall, Peter Schmeichel and Dino Zoff.  Right now I like to watch Ollie Kahn, Petr Cech as well as Buffon and Van der Saar.

Q. If you had to pick a first choice keeper in MLS this season who would you pick?
A.  Matt Reis the best goalkeepers in MLS.  I feel that the standard of goalkeeping in MLS is very high and I’d like to pay due respect to all the keepers and back-ups in the league.  If American Goalkeepers had easier access to work permits there would be many more playing overseas, I really think the level is that high.