014: German Torwarttraining with Carsten Eisenmenger

Since 2006, Carsten Eisenmenger has helped to shape the careers of several of the top goalkeepers in the world. Working first with the 1992s, later the ’94s and now the ’99s, Carsten has served as a goalkeeper coach for the German Youth National Teams. Among his pupils were Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen and Arsenal’s Bernd Leno.

In today’s episode, Carsten talks about his playing career in Germany’s Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga, and his later transition to coaching. In addition to the youth national teams, Carsten has also plied his trade with clubs in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, currently serving as the head of academy goalkeeping for FC St. Gallen 1879.

Carsten addresses the many changes in the game and the goalkeeping position over the past two decades and the importance of mental strength in a time when scrutiny and pressure are at an all-time high. He also discusses some of the distinguishing marks of top-level talent, and the value of coaching education. I hope you enjoy it!

Special thanks to Carsten Eisenmenger for joining me! And thanks also to Mike Freitag and the Colorado Soccer Association for making the interview possible.