Not the Reserves - Ali's Words

Most footballers perceive being in the reserves as a nightmare. As we finalize our first team squad, it is inevitable for some players to be moved down to the reserves. We always encourage the players in the reserves to work hard to earn a spot in the first team. But it never fails to amuse me why footballers have a phobia of being a part of the reserves. What do the reserves mean to them? Is it a scrapyard or a place where you put players that are not good enough? Absolutely not. Reserves are simply the players in development.??

Currently, we have around ten to fifteen boys in reserves. And the reason for them being there is that they need development in terms of their fitness and performance; which could be physical, psychological, technical, or tactical. They just need these aspects to be worked on. It by no means implies that they don’t stand a chance to play as part of the first team.?

As a footballer, if you’re sent to the reserves instead of being selected for the first-team squad, you have two alternatives. You either leave the club or take up the offer to be in the reserves. Of course, being in the reserves is not the same as being in the first team. There are differences in terms of status and finances. But if I was a footballer in a good team with a good coach and I was told that if I work on my development while in the reserves, I’ll be selected for the first team, I would jump at the opportunity. Whether or not you choose to do the same is of course your personal choice. But I'm amazed how many players view the reserves as a place of failure instead of opportunity. This give-up mindset and approach are precisely why players are sent into the reserves; it means they are not ready for the first team.

If you want to play in the main team, you’ve got to be ready for it both physically and mentally. And being in the reserves allows you to do that. So instead of whining and giving up, roll up your sleeves, work on yourself, push your limits and prove that you are indeed a player worthy of the first team.?