Paul Munster is a British football coach who was born in Belfast but now finds himself as the head coach of Bhayangkara in Indonesia. Jobs4football caught up with Paul to talk about his career as a coach abroad.
You spent a lot of you playing career abroad in the Czech Republic and Sweden, was coaching abroad something you always wanted to do?
People forget I started coaching at 18-20 years old in Canada before I turned professional. I majored in Travel & Tourism, spending two years as technical director, coaching all age groups and men.
I was always curious about that is out there beyond Ireland. Learning from the coaches in the Czech Republic and Sweden was an eye-opener, which always stood by me, even when I have time off I visit my coaches in the Czech Republic as they coach top teams. I stay at their homes, as I’ve built up a good relationship with them.
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After 6 years coaching in Sweden you moved to Minerva Punjab in India as technical director, how did that move come about?
Going to India was perfect timing, I had just won the Swedish Cup and also just finished my Pro Licence. India needed a Pro Licence Coach, I did an interview, after 5 minutes they give me the job as Technical Director and Head Coach.
I was always at the club around 5:30/6 am and got home around 10 pm. My main focus was the 1st team, but I made sure I went around all the teams and coaches, knowing their names, so when I left everyone was upset, it was sad leaving, to this day they still contact me.
Was it hard to adjust to a completely new way of life, not just in football but in lifestyle?
India living was very different, food was a big problem for me as I don’t like spicy food so I lost a good bit of weight.
There were cows on the roads and it's not the cleanest place to be, but I was there for work and to do well, which I did winning two Trophies.
Choosing the right club in a new country must be important, you want to be as a club that pays on time or doesn't have a President that picks team!?
Choosing the right club is very important, you must do research and get as much information as possible, thankfully for me I pick the right team. I have control and the clubs trust me.
Did you have any issues with communication? Understanding culture must be so important?
I have a translator in Indonesia as people, in general, do not speak or understand English but they understand much more especially on the pitch.
As for the culture, I’m learning here as they pray a lot and you have to be very respectful. Even at training when they need a drink they must sit or kneel, at first I was like no sitting you must always be on the move but I learned about it and adapt to the culture, small things which I know and the players would give me tips.
Do you think coaching abroad has improved you as a coach and manager?
Coaching abroad has been massive, everyone is watching me closely and listening to every word I say, as I have a massive responsibility, with the local and foreign players, the pressure is big as I’m always expected to win, which I love.
As a person in different cultures and the environment with all players is very enjoyable, as a player playing abroad I understood each culture, for example, Brazilian players, I have three here, I know how they are because as a player I have played with Brazilians.
What's the best thing about coaching abroad? What are the areas that frustrate?
The best things are, once arriving the expectations, what is expected of you, because they know as a player and as a coach I have won things.
In each country you have to quickly set up a style of play with the players., adjusting to situations, because on game day as I say it’s all in.
Timings can be an issue. You have to adjust as there are times for praying. Elections sometimes your venue might change, but as I said before you adapt and adjust, be open-minded and the rest will take care of itself.
Would you like to return to coach in Europe one day?
1 Day Europe yes, I’m Hoping clubs are aware of me, but that day will depend if a club wants me and if I want to go to that club. Europe needs to be attractive, League, club, ambitious, many factors, for me I want to win, win leagues and Cups so going to a club it would need to fit.
If you had one bit of advice for a young coach who wanted to move abroad what would it be?
Embrace the opportunity, you must be 100% committed, I know a few coaches in Asia that are doing well at senior and academy level, but if you are going to senior level it’s about winning. If you feel you can’t handle the pressure or not ready, go and coach academy kids abroad to build up experience and confidence. Competition is high for coaches in Asia.
Your eyes will open more, but you have to be ready, even in the training, cause if your not sure you will get found out quickly. You will learn so much about yourself being away from your comfort zone.
Going abroad is a big sacrifice as you will miss family and friends but it’s a journey, give everything you have, the future will take care of itself.
How did you enjoy your time as a National Team manager with Vanuatu?
It was a great experience, totally different from club level. Watching games and planning training camps.
Working out the best players and who will fit into your style of play, calling up players from outside the country then more meetings and planning, I learned so much.
Playing against higher National Teams was a great experience, the whole country supporting you, and to win the Tri-Nations was big and also drawing with New Zealand.
Vanuatu culture was so relaxed and so friendly, the players are hungry and want to be better, as a team through the months we got stronger and to leave was sad.
I always get emotional when leaving as I miss them all, having that relationship with your players and when they still keep in touch is a special feeling. Sweden - Vanuatu - India.
You recently joined Indonesian side Bhayangkara, how are you finding your new role?
To get Coach of the week in my first week was a nice feeling, but I’m always looking forward to the next game to win.
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