DC United head coach Ben Olsen admits he has learnt more this year in seven months at the helm than he has in his entire coaching career prior.
The 36-year old, who took the interim reins at DC in 2010 before taking over permanently in 2011, sees his side sitting at the foot of the overall MLS table after 24 outings.
Olsen admits it has been a very tough season but also a steep learning curve as he prepares his squad for the remainder of the campaign which includes the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup final against Real Salt Lake late next month.
"As far as what I've learned: managing, managing emotions, teaching," Olsen said.
"Every facet of this job, I have learned more in these six, seven months than I have up until this year. There has been no shortage of lessons for all of us. And if I survive this, I'll be a much better coach for this. I will."
He added: "I always knew there'd be some type of dip at some point and all coaches go through it. I didn't want it to be this disastrous in the results category.
"But if I can step aside and learn as much as possible during a tough time like this, I'll be a better coach for it, our players will be better for it and our staff will be better for it."
