PHILIPPINE Football Federation president Mariano ‘Nonong’ Araneta said he was not out to attack Michael Weiss but only gave his candid personal take on the Azkals’ performance under their German coach in an interview granted to Spin.ph on Wednesday.
Araneta said he is not denying Weiss credit after an eventful year for the national football team and only gave “constructive criticism” so the flaws in the Azkals’ game can be addressed – something that he felt had been blurred by “negativity” in the story. (To see the full article, click here)
“Of course, we should also credit Weiss for the national team’s success. Nagawa niya ring third place ‘yung ating team sa Challenge Cup, nag-champion tayo sa Peace Cup,” Araneta said. “Medyo nasapawan ng negativeness (yung story), may nagawa naman siyang maganda.”
Weiss’ contract is up for renewal this month and his performance is currently under review by the PFF’s technical committee.
In pointing out the weaknesses in the Azkals’ game, the former national booter said he hopes these could be addressed as the team moves forward.
“Sabi ko nga, we should look at the weaknesses and magnify the strengths,” said the PFF chief. “In the implementation of anything, there are some things that don’t go well. But next time, you have to see to it that these are corrected.”
Meanwhile, former Philippine Olympic Committee president and staunch PFF critic Cristy Ramos insisted Araneta’s observations which came out in the Spin.ph story painted the true picture of the state of the Azkals’ game.
The outspoken former presidential daughter, also a former Fifa and AFC match commissioner said: “The story is a reality check. Nonong shouldn’t be ashamed of what he said. Unless he is pressured, Nonong should let the story stay.”
“No one likes negative criticism, but I think it’s about time everybody wakes up. We didn’t even rule the Suzuki Cup, and that’s just Asean (level),” she continued.
spin.ph
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Mr. Araneta hit the nail on the head. And I agree completely with his assessment. To those who are knowledgeable in the technical key aspect of football --ball control is the single most important element of being a football player. Players that have perfected the art of ball control (first touch, creative dribbling and ability to control the ball with both feet which can be achieved through diligent practice on a variety of drills) are usually the most effective players. For 2 years now coach Weiss has been charged with the national team and has achieved some success and should be given credit but it is evident that over the last 2 years he has done little to address the lack of proper ball control of our players an essential ingredient in any successful team. Likewise, the problem of players playing very often in different positions greatly affects the performance of the team. After 2 years of coaching the national team Coach Weiss must already have players holding permanent positions instead of constantly experimenting which obviously affects our performance particularly in terms of team cohesion and communication in the field of play.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine why Weiss a German resort to long balls as system of play to the Philippine Team..
ReplyDeleteAt the last world cup the Germans created some great scoring oppurtunities with long balls to big fast strikers. The azkals do have a size and speed advantage over many of their opponents in the AFF. Why keep the ball on the ground when you can dominate in the air?
DeleteReally??? Long balls are 50% the most. surgical precision of breaking down an opponent is the most effective. I guess that really explains why Germany did not win the competition did it? Mind you that our strikers are not that tall really except for Angel, and the rest of the big guys are in the back. If any we have the best chance of defending long balls, crosses, corners, etc. because of our size in the back line. That also explains why we are tough to break down. But I am also not quick to suggest that there are absolutely no chances to be created by long balls though, specially that we are primarily a counter attacking team, but the chances of controlling the game and creating chances with authority is far slim with long balls. Not unless if the opponent is too oblivious and stay up too high and forget to defend. But the logic basically is that if you can't control the ball in your possession then you wouldn't have much chances to create chances (if that makes sense) and basically that's what we are seeing from our team since by mainly defending and counter attacking. Our touches and passing is really what's hindering us from controlling the game because they need improving.
DeleteEwan ko bakit may pumapansin pa dito kay Ms. Ramos. Alam niya ba ang sinasabi niya. Huwag na siyang makialam, dahil nabigyan na siya ng pagkakataon at wala siyang nagawa. Tumigil na siya ng kaka epal. Tignan nga niya ang sitwaston ng football ngayon ! Si FVR magaling na presidente pero siya, wala. Kaya tumahimik na sana.
ReplyDeleteAnon 3 Jan 20:18 has certainly hit the nail on the head. Good ball control and the ability to
ReplyDeletepass and shoot accurately with both feet are the prime essentials for any improving footballer.
But the current Azkals have a fatal flaw.
Any experienced coach will tell you these talents must be acquired before the age of 16.After that it's virtually impossible to teach an old dog new tricks. Unless mature players are naturally gifted a coach can do little more than concentrate on tactics, fitness and motivation.
Bottom line: take care of the kids.
The success of Barcelona and Spain has convinced many that they play the game the way it is supposed to be played and that by emulating their tactics teams will be more successful. The truth of the matter is that there is more than one way to play the game and it is a mistake to try to force players who play a style that does not fit their skill set.
ReplyDeleteCoach Weiss is not responsible for teaching players the basic ball control skills. He is a national team coach. His job is to take the best players available and devise a system that will take advantage of the skills and attributes that they have so that they have a chance to win. The skills are taught at the club level when children are 5 and 6 years old and take years to develop. If they have an advantage in speed and size then a long ball strategy makes more sense than a possession game. Celtic F.C.scored 2 goals and defeated Barcelona despite Barca's immense talent base. This shows that the possession game is not the only way to win.
The MNT have been marketed as a private club but they are not. To suggest that in two years Coach Weiss should have been able to take players from different clubs and countries and significantly enhance their skill levels shows a lack of understanding of his role.
I don't pretend to be a tactics expert. Over the years, a lot of expert coaches have been fired because they made this mistake of trying to impose a system on players who were not suited to it.
If the PFF wants players on the Azkals who are skilled in the possession game, then set up leagues and clinics for 5 year olds. set up courses for coaches. Make DVDs available. try to give each boy and girl a ball. Don't expect the MNT coach to make up for a lack of grass roots programs.
Though what you are saying is true, but given the numbers, there is much higher percentage of team winning when they can control possession. What is suggested is that for a coach to instill a system. Look, I was surprise to see Stallion FC play a system that is really beautiful to watch by our standard. I mean, this is a local team, but they had a system and they played with that system and shocked Global didn't they? Our NT players are not beginners and they can adapt to a system, but I think it comes to the coach communicating that to the players. Coaching is really much more of a communication that teaching techniques. So maybe, just maybe, that Weiss is a good tactician but just not quite sending the right message to the players effectively ( not just talking about his Germanic accent which is fine).
DeleteHow can you be an NT coach if you can't convey tactics to your team? Other staff can take care of everyday training; Weiss's job is to organise an effective system. We're still waiting to see a system - never mind one that works!
ReplyDelete