#021 - Ruben Cnobel - The Importance of Dual Speaking Professionals in Sport

In this episode, Spanish language coach and founder of Spanish for Football, Ruben Cnobel, gives us a honest and insightful look into what it really takes to teach, learn, and grow. He explains why the best coaching starts with patience, honesty, and adapting to each individual, whether they’re a high-profile figure in the Premier League or someone learning their first Spanish phrase. Ruben talks about the responsibility he feels when someone invests their time and trust in him, why praise must be earned rather than handed out, and how progress is ultimately the teacher’s responsibility, not the student’s. He also shares powerful stories from his work with players, coaches, and executives around the world, including major transformations achieved in just a few months. He discusses the rise of Spanish for Football, and why language is becoming a competitive advantage across the game.Timestamps:(00:00) Passion for Football and Language(02:16) The Importance of Learning Spanish in Football(05:30) Communication: The Key to Success(09:52) Cultural Nuances in Communication(14:56) Overcoming Language Barriers(18:53) Common Mistakes in Learning Spanish(23:44) Unlearning English Habits(25:53) The Role of Immersion in Learning(29:16) Motivation and Consistency in Language Learning(31:38) Maintaining Fluency Over Time(34:16) Myths and Misconceptions in Learning Spanish(37:48) Effective Study Methods for Spanish(41:41) Adapting Teaching Styles to Individual Needs(46:58) Building Trust and Connection with Students(50:37) The Importance of Patience in Teaching(54:45) Transformative Learning Experiences(58:50) Innovative Approaches to Language Learning(01:02:41) The Future of Spanish for FootballFind Ruben: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubencnobel/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubencnobelFind Richie:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richieobrienxInstagram: ⁠⁠https://ww.instagram.com/richieobrienx/⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@richieobrienx⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/richieobrienx/⁠