In a meeting of the minds, we played host to an intimate dicsussion between Jagoba Arrasate and Steve Kerr on sport, management and leading at the elite level of sport.
Following the conversation format by basketball legends Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki at our training ground, Steve Kerr, the Golden State Warriors coach and current US national team coach, winner of nine NBA championships (five as a player) and shareholder in the Mallorcan club was on the island this summer.
Arrasate took the time to meet and invite our media team to film the discussion.
The current coach and the importance of data in sports
Kerr explains that coaching today is similar to how it was done when he was a player: "because it's still about managing people," but emphasises that "the biggest difference is social media." "They put a lot of pressure on the players, and they definitely feel it," he adds.
For his part, the Basque coach speaks about the importance of constantly evolving in a profession where data is increasingly important: "We have a lot of data at our disposal and we adapt to all of it. The key remains managing people, and that's sometimes the most difficult part, but it's true that this is evolving, and we have to open up and have a different perspective, because otherwise, we'll fall behind."
"It's true that sometimes we focus a lot on the physical aspect, but today we have a lot of possibilities, and I think that's good. We don't have to be blinded by that, nor do we think it's the most important thing, but I use it as a support. I like the sensations, but the data serves as a support."
Young players, expectations and managing the dressing room
On the other hand, Kerr and Arrasate stress the importance of the process, the journey, and the work that must be done to achieve a goal.
They also discuss the expectations of the younger players and how fast they sometimes want to go. According to Arrasate, the combination of youth and experience in a dressing room, the example that the veterans can set, and the fundamental importance of communication and listening are key.
In this regard, Kerr says honesty with players is important: "As a coach, you can't tell them what they want to hear; you have to tell them what they need to know, and there's a way to say it. You have to be diplomatic, but direct at the same time. For me, that's coaching. The way you convey the message is as important as the message itself."
Much Better Physically Prepared Athletes and the Impact of Talent
On the other hand, Kerr outlines that currently, "athletes are better in all sports. I watch tennis and they hit the ball very hard and quickly; in soccer and basketball, the players are faster and stronger... They're in good shape all year round and have never been so well prepared as athletes."
"Physical evolution is one of the big changes," Arrasate added. "Before, we looked for resilient players; now we want fast, strong players who repeat their efforts. I think the cult of the body has changed, and now everyone has a personal trainer, a nutritionist."
And what is the coach's job? The Mallorca coach explains that his job is "to give them the tactical arguments and to make sure they understand what they need to interpret so that, with everything they've developed, they can then take advantage of the tactics," while the American coach speaks of "putting the players in the best position to reach their full potential."
The nine-time NBA champion as both player and coach highlights talent as one of the main differentiating elements for achieving success, and Arrasate adds that his job is "to put that talent at the service of the group, because if you achieve that, the result is better."
Football in the NBA
On other topics, Kerr talks about how popular LaLiga has become in the United States and the football fan base within his team: "Gary Payton Jr. loves European soccer. He was very jealous when I told him I was part of the Mallorca board and said he'd love to be there. Jimmy Butler is a huge PSG fan, and many players have their own team that they follow."
Keep RCD Mallorca growing
Finally, the American star describes how he follows RCD Mallorca's work from afar, the amazing change the club has undergone in less than a decade, and how much he enjoys being part of the institution.
He also praises Arrasate's work, expressing his gratitude for his words and calling the basketball legend an "eminence," highlighting everything he has achieved.
The Berriatúa coach also explains that he will strive to grow the team and the club "step by step, with humility" and to "take another step forward" each year. To achieve this, he says, they need "unity and experts like Steve" to convey his experience and perspective. "I can be with him throughout the year and try to absorb everything so I can then apply it to my daily routine," he adds, concluding an enriching conversation between two great figures in coaching.