What monkey see, monkey do. The world of football is in the midst of a fad of changing coaches as soon as a key match is lost. And life goes on as if the problem is solved. The man on the streets of Trinidad and Tobago had been longing for some type of change in the technical department, since the distasteful performance of the team against USA last Wednesday in Nashville, Tennessee. So the resignation of the Colombian coach Francisco Maturana seemed to have sounded like music to the ears of those who were desperately in search of a scapegoat.
Because the decision by the authorities had just been handed down in a manner in which the perception of a smooth changeover was reached after friendly discussions about the past few matches and the players’ performances, I needed time to supply an answer. My experiences regarding that “fire the coach” scenario always tended to leave all the stakeholders smelling like roses, just so that their reputations will remain intact and their future requests for jobs will not be affected by a heated departure on either side.
I commend the Colombian for his mild-manneredness and diplomacy, both of which are signs of the characteristics of his true profession of a doctor.
Maybe one day, the real facts will be revealed, but without any meaning, as we shall all forget the issue within seven days. Strangely enough, my take on this matter is far from what seems to be the trend of thought of the experts. I have heard all sorts of comments from members of the public, some very positive, others negative, while some are overjoyed and others are concerned over the change of technical personnel. Maybe I look too deeply into every aspect of the game, and this can be a dangerous thing. To view the game and make comments on what is seen is like looking at a movie and walking out of the cinema saying that it was rubbish. No one concerns himself with the producer, the director or the cinematographer.
They are focused upon the actors and their good or bad performances. So while many are relishing in the change and hoping for better days, the problem is still very much there, and it will take a revolutionary adjustment in the player department in order to bring some level of competence to the team. It’s funny how no one ever mentioned the absence of commitment and dedication to the job for which they are paid. Has anyone ever tried to come to terms with the lack of basic understanding of highly-paid professional players, whose fundamental technical equirements are way below average, and when flavoured with nonchalance in their approach to the game, make their performances sub-standard?
Which soccer team can enjoy only 38 per cent possession and expect to win a match? How could anyone account for three prolific goalscorers on the field, all highly-paid, with years of experience among the English leagues, and not taken one shot to goal in 90 minutes where Tim Howard was made to save. Who could explain the horrible first touches which caused our star players to be dispossessed? Which coach in the world must be blamed for having an experienced defender sell himself to an attacker when he is the final defender before the keeper?
With eight highly-paid professionals on the field, how does one account for them not being able to string six passes together even once? Which well-oiled soccer unit can be seen literally arguing with each other as though they are confused, while the Yanks are enjoying themselves at our expense? Now, that is what you saw on the field or on your TV sets. Does the type of body language which you detect amidst this performance lend itself to attitudes which may have emanated elsewhere? In spite of public perception, the chemistry of the game begins in the hotel, at team meetings, in exchanges regarding the likelihood of tactics which are being discussed.
My own belief is that no Maturana, no Latapy (despite his extraordinary magical ability), no Zoran Vranes (who is probably the most recycled coach in the Caribbean), can turn this around, unless there is drastic change of player personnel. It’s not only a better-equipped player needed, but players with more disciplined attitudes, commitment and desire to succeed. There is need for players who will listen to the coach’s instructions and implement as much of them with diligence and assertiveness. Yes, with seven matches to go, there is still a mathematical chance to qualify. However, with similar attitudes and atrocious performances, 77 more matches will not be sufficient.