Real Salt Lake Head Coach Mike Petke has the word “accountability” tattooed across his right arm. To say it is an important tenet in his coaching philosophy is an understatement.
Throughout preseason, Petke has spoken about tactics and fitness and new additions and the growth of young players. All of these on-field factors have exuded optimism for a team that reached the Western Conference Semifinals in 2018. However, there has been one other point of emphasis this year for Petke that may take on a much bigger role than any of those factors as RSL looks to go beyond their 2018 finish as the team readies for kickoff in the 2019 season on Saturday with a bout on the road against the Houston Dynamo – culture.
Accountability is chief among the qualities that fit under the umbrella of culture and has been a focal point during preseason.
“It’s always been a belief of mine to be able to hold your hand up and not point a finger,” Petke said. “Within a team, it’s far less important for a coach to point a finger at somebody than to say ‘What happened and how can we all make it better?’”
With a competitive group of players and depth throughout the roster at every position, the accountability is not only important to the coaches, but also to their teammates. This year, Petke and his coaching staff asked the players to put together a players council that meets regularly with the coaching staff and can address concerns and keep the messaging and culture at its best.
The group – which was selected by the players – met several times with Petke and the coach has been happy with the initial returns on his new initiative.
“It’s worked out really well and they’ve taken responsibility,” he said. “They’ve enjoyed it and it puts responsibility in their hands.”
While accountability has been a big portion of the emphasis on culture, respect and loyalty are also among the focal points for RSL.
“We all have our own families, but this is a second family. When we are together for 90 minutes, or two or three hours or six weeks on the road, loyalty becomes a big factor,” Petke said. “We’re all chasing a common goal. No matter what goes on behind the scenes, we have to get to that ultimate goal and the way to do that is to become a family and treat each other with respect and loyalty.”
To the players, the emphasis on and definition of culture is an important step toward long-term success. While talent can get you so far, having the right environment and winning mentality throughout the locker room can go a long way.
In a league loaded with highs and lows, that culture is important to keeping belief in the common goal that Petke speaks of.
“The longer that Mike has been in charge, the longer he and Craig have been able to make this into what they see this program and that identity comes to fruition,” defender Tony Beltran said. “We’re at a very good position in terms of overall leadership and experience and eagerness throughout the group. I think that reflects in our training load every day. Everybody is excited to show up every day and we’re not taking anything for granted. The identity that Mike has instilled has been a positive change.”
Real Salt Lake kicks off the 15th season in club history on Saturday at BBVA Compass Stadium against the Houston Dynamo before returning to Rio Tinto Stadium for the home opener against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on March 9.
