2023 NWSL coach of the year Juan Carlos Amoros: ‘Live the journey’

If anybody can be judged an expert in dealing with cultural change as a coach, it is Juan Carlos Amoros.

In the past few years, he has coached in England, Spain and the US, where he moved to in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Every time you change clubs or go to a new environment...I suppose the word is ‘idiosyncracy’,” he grins wryly, “[It’s about] how every team is run, how every club culturally is completely different. 

“When you change countries, [you find out] there are roles that don’t exist in other countries or roles that are really important in a different one. That’s something you need to adapt to. For me, that’s key.”

After moving to the NWSL as interim head coach for the Houston Dash in mid-2022, following the conclusion of his spell in charge of Real Betis, Amoros took over at NJ/NY Gotham FC at the end of the year.

He knew when he accepted the job it would be a challenge; the club had finished in last place the previous season, with just 13 points and a goal difference of -30.

On the plus side, it meant they got first pick in the player draft before the 2023 campaign and Amoros was able to put together a roster that finished the regular season just inside the play-off spots.

Amoros’s team ultimately won the NWSL Championship game, beating OL Reign 2-1.

“It was a fantastic year,” he tells WSC as his players prepare for the 2024 season.

“We finished in sixth position and almost ended up out of the play-offs, but in America what matters is what you do in the play-offs. You have to be ready to compete. 

“It was a dream come true and put the icing on the cake of an amazing season, with an amazing group of players that made our job really enjoyable from day one. 

“We were able to instil a new style, a new way of doing things – people enjoy watching us.”

Amoros’s own achievement was recognised, too, as he was named NWSL coach of the year, which is giving him added impetus to progress even further in 2024.

He said: “I always say, ‘If you think you’re at the top of the mountain, the only way is down’. We’re still climbing, and a lot of work that we’ve been doing in this off-season is to make sure we’re in the best shape possible.”

One of the most important considerations for a head coach in the professional game, says Amoros, is putting a team together – and that isn’t just on the pitch, but behind the scenes as well. 

He is grateful for the trust Gotham placed in him, allowing him to put together his own support team to help him with tactics, analysis, strength and conditioning and more.