Principles Over Patterns: Ray Power on Rethinking the Modern Press

In one of the most thought-provoking Modern Soccer Coach episodes of the year, Ray Power returns to discuss why so many teams — and coaches — have become trapped by their own structures. Ray challenges the modern obsession with scripts and patterns, arguing that football has become too rigid, too risk-averse, and too reliant on “shopping-list” coaching.

“Football needs to be that little bit freer, that little bit more expressive — I threw the patterns out for principles a long time ago.”

From re-imagining pressing traps to redefining what control really means, Ray and Gary explore how coaches can develop players who solve problems, not follow instructions. The conversation moves from the realities of modern match preparation to deeper questions about coach development, learning habits, and creativity on the training pitch.

As Ray explains, the aim isn’t to abandon structure — it’s to build environments where decisions, freedom, and resilience thrive. You can watch Ray's full presentation on the MSC Insider by clicking here.

“If every part of the game becomes a set piece, players stop thinking.”

This episode will challenge your thinking about how we teach the game — and why letting go of control might just be the next big step forward in coaching.

You can watch the full interview below. Please 'like' and subscribe if you enjoy it.