Coach Kicks: Gemma Grainger (Wales)

The magazine’s regular coaches’ questionnaire, taken by the new Wales manager. Her favourite session is one she calls best in both boxes, defending and attacking, which she says is a big part of her coaching philosophy. The biggest influence on her was Silvia Neid, whose German national-team camp she spent a week at in 2014 while completing her Pro Licence, and who still inspires her. Her office is full of tactics boards and books rather than cones. She would take Abby Wambach for her leadership, having just read Wolfpack. Her biggest resource, she says, is staff, across both the men’s and women’s games, and the best thing anyone can do is pick up the phone. Her advice to a new coach: be yourself.