Pa-Modou Kah implements the Dutch school in America “Cruijff is Cruijff, Michels is Michels and Kah is Kah”

Kah’s interest in Dutch football arose before he was active in the Netherlands. “From a young age I enjoyed Dutch football. Enjoyed watching Dutch teams in Europe. For example Ajax. I really liked the way they played. Attacking, bold, beautiful football. That’s what you’re looking for, right? When Rhoda JC came knocking in 2004, Kaw wasn’t sure how quickly to get on the plane. “I got a chance to play football in the Netherlands. I didn’t have to think about it for long. I had a great time in the Netherlands and learned a lot. During training it is always about ‘playing spaces’ and ‘making triangles’. I have never heard of it in Norway. Scandinavian football focuses mainly on the physical aspect: becoming as strong and fast as possible. In the Netherlands it is completely different. It was a whole new world for me, but I loved watching it and fell in love with the way it played out. At a certain point, I began to closely analyze the playing styles of my Dutch opponents. I learned a lot from it. I wanted to adapt as well as possible and learn as much as possible about the Dutch school.

That love never dies. At all the clubs Kah has led, he starts with the same principle. I always like to play 4-3-3. Applying to a Dutch school. I am a fan of beautiful football. It is best done in that setting. But of course it depends on the players you have at your disposal as a coach. Sometimes I have to make changes to my playing style, but I always try to reflect as many Dutch fundamentals as possible: triangles, using more pressure, playing in spaces; I use those terms often in the training field. Are there things American players struggle with the most? Players always find it difficult to understand a coach’s tactics. It doesn’t matter if you’re in Europe or America, haha. If you have football talent, intelligence and sense of responsibility, I think everyone can play football according to the Dutch model. Additionally, someone should be able to perform a role and know the roles that belong to other positions. If all that is in order, a team can play the Dutch way. Even in America.”

A Gambian Norwegian who expresses his love for Dutch football in America. It seems unlikely, but Kah would prefer nothing else. “I love it here. I love life and I really enjoy being a coach. I think it’s important to make a personal connection with players and make them better people in all areas. As Sir Alex Ferguson once told me: ‘A manager has to understand a player’s personality. He What is going on in life? How is his family? Only when you know about someone can you understand him and make him better.’ He knew everything about his players, absolutely everything. Who can say that? I try to emulate him, especially on a personal level, feel the players to make them better. That’s what I do here in America now, and I did the same in Canada. Ever in the Netherlands? As far as I’m concerned, yes. For me. If the opportunity comes, I would definitely love to. Maybe it will come my way one day.”

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