As part of our interview series, we present Igor Tasevski, a former Macedonian goalkeeper and a member of the professional staff at Villarreal Masters Academy.

Igor has an extensive playing career behind him, having played for several domestic clubs, including Makedonija GP, Rabotnički, Metalurg, and Vardar. For more than 10 years, he has been a licensed goalkeeper coach, with experience working across all age categories – from the youngest beginners to professional goalkeepers.

His coaching career also includes significant experience with Macedonia’s youth national teams, and he is currently the active goalkeeper coach of the U17 national team. In addition, he has worked as a goalkeeper coach for the first teams of FK Vardar, FK Shkupi, and FK Makedonija GP.

In this interview, Igor speaks about the development of young goalkeepers, the importance of mental preparation, and the approach to building confident and reliable goalkeepers from an early age.

• What is the role of the goalkeeper in modern football, and why is it important to start developing goalkeepers at an early age?

The role of the goalkeeper in modern football is very different and far more demanding than in the past. Since the rule changes regarding playing with the feet, the goalkeeper is no longer just a shot-stopper, but an active participant in the game who organizes the defense, initiates attacks, and provides psychological stability to the team. As goalkeepers increasingly become outfield players, there is a growing need for broader technical skills.

That is why development must start at a very young age, so young athletes can adopt proper technique early, learn to play with both feet, and fully understand the responsibility of the goalkeeper position in modern football.

• What is your approach when working with young goalkeepers at Villarreal Masters Academy? What do you focus on the most?

My approach is individual and adaptable to each child, based on their age and level. At Villarreal Masters Academy, we focus on correct technique, coordination, basic goalkeeper movements, and footwork, but also on fun and creative games that motivate children to enjoy the training process.

At the same time, we work on developing the ability to solve problems effectively in real time. Goalkeepers learn how to think quickly, read situations, and react consciously rather than instinctively. We use visualization and dual-task training programs that allow the brain and body to work as one. These methods help improve decision-making, focus, and self-confidence – key elements for every modern goalkeeper.

• What are the most common mistakes young goalkeepers make, and how do you work on overcoming them?

The most common mistakes among young goalkeepers include poor positioning, standing too statically and reacting too late, weak passing skills, fear of playing under pressure when building attacks, focusing too much on diving while neglecting footwork and movement, and poor communication with the team.

We address these through many exercises focused on footwork, coordination, and quick movement, small-sided games (4v3 / 5v4) to help them get used to pressure, learning proper technique before diving and quick recovery after saves, and constant communication during training so it becomes a habit.

• How important is mental preparation for a goalkeeper, and how do you help children build confidence on the pitch?

The goalkeeper is under constant pressure because every mistake is highly visible. That’s why we focus on building confidence through positive communication and setting realistic goals. We celebrate small wins 🙂 – a good save, proper positioning, successful communication, or a well-executed action in training.

We create a culture where mistakes are a natural part of learning, not a catastrophe. We expose goalkeepers to pressure in training so young athletes can get used to tension in a safe environment. The more confident they become under pressure during training, the more confidence they carry into matches.

• What can parents expect from goalkeeper training, and what message would you send to children who dream of standing between the posts?

Parents can expect an individual approach and dedicated attention to each child. The focus is on long-term development rather than short-term results, because goalkeepers are developed patiently over many years.

One of our most important goals is to help shape healthy individuals and strong characters through sport – personalities who will be better prepared to face life’s challenges. My message to children is to be brave leaders, because goalkeepers are heroes who can change the course of a match with a single save. Believe in yourselves and don’t be afraid of making mistakes, because at Villarreal Masters Academy, mistakes are part of learning – never a punishment.