With Whitecaps FC 2 in the midst of their inaugural season in the USL, the club probably did not have a more important hire this year than head coach Alan Koch.
He took a break from steering the WFC2 ship and sat down with whitecapsfc2.com to talk about his favourite soccer pitch and which actor can pull off his distinct South African accent.
1. If you weren't working in soccer, what would you be doing?
Probably something in business, maybe working as a recruiter. I did my undergraduate at Simon Fraser University and then I did my master's in human resources while I was coaching down in the States.
2. Who would play you in the film of your life?
Leonardo DiCaprio had a pretty good South African accent in Blood Diamond. But I'm probably more of a Colin Firth (laughs).
3. What's the last thing you read?
Probably a football autobiography but it's been a month so I can't even recall. I'm usually reading football autobiographies or a motivational book.
4. What’s the most embarrassing song on your iPod?
Probably the most embarassing thing is that I don't even have an iPod. I only really listen to music when I'm in my car on the way to training. I listen to a little mixture of everything - I stick to the Top 40.
5. Do you have any superstitions?
I used to have some as a player but now, as a coach, you become more of a realist. You become pretty bland and lose your superstitions. As a player, I always needed to put both socks on before putting on a boot.
6. If you were stuck on a deserted island, which WFC2 team member would you bring?
We have a really good group, I get along with all of them. I'll go with a practical choice and take Ryan Leaver, our physiotherapist. With his medical background, if anything goes wrong, he can take care of me.
7. What is your most treasured possession?
I'm going to go soppy here and say my family is the most important thing to me.
8. What's your worst habit?
I buy a coffee every single day. My drink of choice is not healthy, I need to kick that habit.
9. When are you happiest?
When I'm on the football pitch and when I'm on the beach. Those are my two favourite places on the planet. My favourite pitch I played on was the old Kings Park Stadium in South Africa - it was pretty special experience playing there. The nicest one to coach on this year is Bonney Field, home of Sacramento Republic FC - it is special and intimate.
10. What’s your greatest fear?
Probably heights. I'm not a fan of standing near the railings or getting up and cleaning the roof.
PREVIOUS 10 QUESTIONS INTERVIEWS
Come and see the next generation of Whitecaps FC stars as USL arrives in Vancouver. WFC2 matches are a unique and affordable experience for fans, families, students, and supporters. Flex packs are available to fit your schedule – get seven tickets to use any way you want, to any matches you want. For more information on all WFC2 ticket options, call 604-484-7862 or e-mail wfc2@whitecapsfc.com.
