New York Red Bull interim head coach Mike Petke admits working alongside the likes of Gerard Houllier and Andy Roxburgh has been an eye-opening experience.
The 36-year old former Red Bulls, Colorado Rapids and DC United defender is currently in charge at the Red Bull Arena following the November sacking of Hans Backe and admits it has been a great learning curve thus far.
"I've taken it for what it is, which is a valuable learning experience," Petke recently told MLSsoccer.com.
"Even though it was only around six practices, just preparing for those practices, communicating with the rest of the staff, setting things up, getting players in, it was an experience that was phenomenal for me."
And the Red Bulls manager of business operations also pointed out that working closely with former Liverpool boss Houllier (Head of global soccer for Red Bull) and ex-Scotland manager Roxburgh (Red Bull sporting director) in regards to player retention and transfers has been an intriguing process.
"Being able to sit in on those meetings and see certain things was eye-opening," added Petke.
"I played for 13 years, but I was always a guy like the supporters saying, 'How the heck could you cut this guy?' But when you look at that bottom line number you have to be at and look at who's guaranteed and who we need, there's a lot of casualties involved."
