Going to the World Cup with Leo Beenhakker
1.You have worked in several countries. On what level would you put Trinidad and Tobago football today in comparison with more traditional teams?
It’s all about football. It’s as simple as that! On this level you are more focused on making players better in individual ways rather than bringing them together in the team. With big stars like Real Madrid your main job is to manage them to play together as a team. For our team we worked on putting all of this together and making them a real team.
2. How did you analyze the Trinidad and Tobago team at first sight in 2005? They were last in last on the table in World Cup qualifying.
It was difficult. But we saw that with some changes in organization and their philosophy of playing the game, we could make them a better team in a short time. Besides that, the opponents were not better in quality but only better on performance terms at that moment.
3. When did you believe that Trinidad and Tobago would get go to the World Cup? In CONCACAF qualifying or for the playoffs with Bahrain in November?
I always felt we had a chance but really after beating Panama and Mexico within four days and especially with the way we did it I thought we had a good chance.
4. To be in the World Cup with Trinidad and Tobago can be considered a miracle? Was it in some way like winning a Championship for the country on a whole and how was it for you as a coach?
It is a historic achievement for this country. For us as professionals the main part will be in Germany.
5. What can Trinidad and Tobago people hope for the National Team in Germany from their opening game against Sweden and for the duration of it’s stay there?
The people have the right to be hopeful and dream of big success. The team knows it will be difficult to be successful but we will go for it with passion, confidence and personality. The team will not go there just to participate.
6. Trinidad and Tobago is in a tough group with Sweden,England and Paraguay as the opponents. What will the approach be to get positive results. Some people say it will play a defensive style?
Is there any group that is easy? That’s what it’s all about in a World Cup. There are no easy opponents. No we will not be defensive. We will play the way we did in the qualification matches – not wit extra emphasis on defense. It’s not only a difficult group for us but also for the other teams.
7. How important is Dwight Yorke as captain and the other players, particularly the English-based to this national team? Their knowledge about English football will be important in Germany?
He is the leader of the team inside the field so he is an important player. And eighty percent of the players play in England and Scotland so they have all the knowledge about English football.
8. You have a team with both youthful and longtime experience. This mixture is obviously important in a World Cup?
This mix is always important. You need balance in a team in every way – in age, skills, characteristics and personalities.
9. Do you believe there will be some tactical revolution at this World Cup?
No! We have seen everything. I don’t expect more surprises as long as they don’t change the rules of the game. And they have to keep it that way. Football is more than ever very successful in every way.
10. Brazil is really the big favorite for the title? Which teams can be World champions and how can they achieve it?
Brazil has the most talented players. If they can unite as a real team then they will be champions.
11. In your opinion, who will the biggest star in Germany? Any surprises?
Ronaldinho without a doubt!
12. What will you do after the World Cup? Will you remain in Trinidad and Tobago or you already have another plan. Maybe return to Europe?
No idea! That’s in the future!
13. What gave you more pleasure - Coaching a small country and helping them realize a qualification dream or being in charge of your Netherlands team in 1990 in Italy?
Football is my passion. Working on whatever level gives me a lot of pleasure as long as it’s all about football.