Coleman Reveals How He Has Developed As A Leader

Seamus Coleman says he takes “great pride” in helping young players and new signings adjust to life in the Everton first-team squad, as he revealed how his communication skills have advanced during 11 years with the Blues.

Allied to his dynamic, whole-hearted performances on the field, Coleman’s loyalty, humility and strength of character has seen him widely-regarded as an individual who embodies Everton’s ethos.

Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti has described the Irishman as a player with a “great sense of belonging” and, during his spell as caretaker boss last December, Duncan Ferguson said Coleman “is an incredible servant who makes me a better Evertonian”.

Coleman saw his exemplary service at Goodison Park recognised ahead of the 2019/20 campaign when he was announced as Everton’s Club Captain, succeeding Phil Jagielka.

The 31-year-old, who also captains the Republic of Ireland national team, explained how learning from teammates past and present has helped him develop as a leader.

“I’ve taken great pride in trying to help younger lads as I’ve got older because I had some great older players to learn from,” he told evertonfc.com.

“Phil Neville was fantastic with me. Leighton Baines isn’t that much older than me, but he’s been great.

“For me, it’s important how you communicate with people. I think my communication skills have developed with experience.


“You pick up little bits from people along the way. It’s about treating the person first, making sure they are all right, and making sure they know that everything you do is for the right reasons and you’re wanting the best for them at all times.

“It’s something I’ve really enjoyed [providing guidance for teammates].

“You can’t just tell people, ‘you’re doing this wrong’, for example. You have to ask them how they are and make sure everything is all right.

“I’d like to think, if the young lads look back in a few years’ time, they’ll think, ‘he tried to help me’.”

Seamus Coleman
It’s important to understand everyone’s background

Coleman also outlined how he strives to ensure new arrivals at the Club are welcomed into the squad.

He added how learning more about the personality and temperament of each player influences how he approaches them as a leader.

“It’s important to understand everyone’s background, and everyone’s story, really,” he added.

“For me, that’s a massive part about being at the Club for so long.

“It’s important to take the new players under your wing as quickly as you can and try to understand more about them as people.

“You’ve got to understand that everyone’s different, and it takes different things to motivate different players.”

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08:23

EVERTON CAPTAIN COLEMAN DETAILS TRAINING RETURN

Blues were back at USM Finch Farm on Wednesday.


Everton boast a multi-national squad and Coleman says he savours the opportunity to discover more about his teammates’ respective cultures and upbringings.

He also paid tribute to the players who have joined from overseas for embracing “the Everton spirit”.

“I share a table with Andre Gomes and Yerry Mina at breakfast and lunch and speaking to them is something I really enjoy, learning about their backgrounds,” he said.

“I’m still to learn more, too. Yerry said, as his English gets better, he will tell me a lot more, so I’m looking forward to that.

“I have to say, the foreign lads who have come into the Club have been exceptional. They are good people.

“I’m delighted with the players we’ve got. They have really bought into the Everton spirit.

“They really fit into the Club very well. They are great personalities, great people and, of course, very, very good footballers.“