The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me
The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me is a podcast dedicated to young soccer players and their families who dream of going pro. Hosted by soccer mom Megan Linke and her son Liam, this show brings in professional players, coaches, and industry experts to share their journeys and offer insights into what it takes to climb the ranks in the soccer world. Whether you're just starting or already on the path, we provide real stories, practical advice, and inspiration to help you reach the next level.
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The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me
Episode 30 | Jesús Pérez (USMNT Assistant Coach)
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A behind-the-scenes look at elite preparation, mindset, and what young players can learn from the highest level of the game.
About This Episode
In Episode 30 of The Soccer Ladder, we are joined by Jesús Pérez (@jpp_71), assistant coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team (@usmnt) and longtime collaborator of head coach Mauricio Pochettino (@pochettino).
With the next World Cup on the horizon, Jesús Pérez shares what elite tournament preparation truly looks like behind the scenes — and why this U.S. team genuinely believes it can compete to win it.
From passion and commitment at the highest level to youth development, parenting advice, and the importance of unstructured play, this episode delivers a powerful perspective for players and families navigating today’s game.
In This Episode
- How Jesús Pérez transitioned from aspiring player to elite coach
- The impact of sports science on his coaching philosophy
- What makes his 15-year partnership with Mauricio Pochettino work
- What fans don’t see during major tournament preparation
- Why no one truly knows the final roster until the last moment
- The two qualities Jesús Pérez values most in USMNT players: passion + commitment
- How to reduce the gap between your best version and your worst version
- The potential impact of hosting a World Cup in the U.S.
- Advice for 12–15-year-old players dreaming of the national team
- Why staying close to family matters during early development
- Honest thoughts on rushing careers and early moves abroad
- Clear advice for parents: be a parent, not the coach
- Winning vs. development — and why competitive mentality still matters
- Why young players should stop worrying about money
- Why kids need more unstructured, free play
- Rapid fire: the one word that defines a World Cup player
Key Takeaways
✔ Passion and commitment separate elite players
✔Consistency matters more than occasional brilliance
✔Stay close to family during foundational years
✔Free play builds creativity that structured training cannot
✔Parents should support — not coach from the sidelines
✔Winning and development can coexist
Connect
Jesús Pérez
📸 Instagram: @jpp_71
U.S. Men’s National Team
📸 Instagram: @usmnt
Mauricio Pochettino
📸 Instagram: @pochettino
🎙 Hosted by @meganlinkeofficial & @liamlinke18
🎧 Listen now on The Soccer Ladder