NPSL Feature: The Back Story on Brazilian Head Coach Musatti
NPSL Soccer News: Daniel Musatti began his coaching career in Brazil in 2004 following his graduation from college — Oceans away, he never thought one day he would be coaching an NPSL soccer team in Southern California.
A proud Brazilian who is fluent in English, Musatti began his career with São Paulo’s Corinthians Youth Academy and from 2005 until 2009, he was a youth scout and head coach for U15 and U17 soccer teams.
A passionate soccer lover and ardent coach, Musatti had the pleasure to help develop great soccer talents including many who have become professionals — Willian (Chelsea), Marquinhos (PSG), Dodo (Inter Milan), Dentinho (FC Shaktar Donetsk), Fagner (Corinthians), all of whom were a part of the Brazilian Men’s National Team from 2014-2016. Musatti was also part of the coaching staff for U17, U20, U23 and professional side.
“I have learned from the great, iconic youth coaches in Brazil such as Otacilio Camargo, Cilinho, Adailton Ladeira, Ze Augusto and many others,” said Musatti who attributes his success to his mentors — and hard work.
“I feel very honored and happy to be part of the 2017 National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) season as head coach for the Southern California Sports Club,” says Musatti.
“This is an unique opportunity to contribute with a positive impact to the soccer scenario. It is a challenge — and we will work hard to achieve the best outcome we can in this NPSL season.”
“The environment at SoCal SC is perfect for players seeking their first step on the professional soccer scene.”
“We’ve got full support from the owners and directors, 17 fields to train — 4 with lights — plus a club house with brand new locker rooms for 22 players, a team of trainers with indoor facilities, a wonderful relationship with Hummel & Gatorade. We have secured relationships with the MLS and USL teams in the San Bernardino area so our players have access to the next level in the USA soccer pyramid,” says Musatti.
While at the SC Corinthians, Musatti also scouted in Brazil for Arsenal. In 2007, he participated in an internship with the famous Hans Van de Zee at Ajax Amsterdam.
Musatti moved to the United States in 2010 and served as a youth coach in San Diego from 2010-2016 where he coached alongside of Nomads SC‘s Derek Armstrong on the U.S. Soccer Development Academy teams and also coached at San Diego Surf and Albion SC.
“At Nomads during the 2015-16 season, I was able to revive the Corinthians times by helping to manage a wonderful group of players to the USSDA Finals, placing 70% of the group into top universities and professional clubs such as the Portland Timbers and LA Galaxy,” said Musatti.
Musatti’s coaching philosophy is based on positive leadership, professional respect, and 100% honesty with his players and those around him.
“I also like to use what I call the Pyramid of Performance with a top fitness condition as the base, allowing top level technical skills, a complete understanding of tactics and, finally, a solid management of psychological behavior through motivational tools,” said Musatti.
“Any team or player must excel in all four fields to reach the top, and once on the top, they must be even better to maintain their position at the top.”
Musatti is a strong believer in player development and creating a perfect balance to achieve the highest level of accomplishment.
How does Musatti connect with his players? “It’s usually based on the athletes personality type as well as the team characteristics, but I always try to find sources of motivation based on reality. “Coaches must know their players very well in order to have the correct timing for motivational talks if they want to achieve the desired outcome,” said Musatti.
“When I started my coaching career, I had hoped to coach men’s soccer and I am proud to have this opportunity now — a few years before I planned — it’s recognition all the many years of hard work on the youth soccer level.”
“I love to develop players, to help them achieve their dreams, it’s a priceless feeling.,” said Musatti.
I come from a very professional background, my “soccer school” is — until the present day — the biggest producer of top level soccer talents worldwide. It is very hard for me to perform my job properly if the level of professionalism around me isn’t appropriate because I know the results also won’t be the same. I understand that there are cultural differences everywhere, but also I believe we must always follow the successful examples to be able to improve ourselves,” said Musatti. “I am a great supporter of Futsal as a developmental tool for all players U11 and below.”
“The greatest change for me now is to have 100% freedom to manage the team as I wish with the full support of club directors, staff and players. No matter what level you coach, this is the differential that builds a successful work environment in any soccer club,” added Musatti.
Musatti earned his UEFA B License in the U.K. in 2005 and his FIFA A License in Brazil in 2007. Musatti earned an MBA in Sport Management in 2008 and his Brazilian P.E Council Membership in 2009.
