‘…it is possible with a professional conception’
German-born football coach Otto Pfister arrived in the country on Monday to engage in discussions with officials of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation regarding the position of head coach of the National Men’s Senior Team.
Pfister spent his time visiting some of the facilities and he also witnessed the Toyota Classic match at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium between Ma Pau FC and Caledonia AIA.
TTFF technical adviser Keith Look Loy, technical director Lincoln Phillips as well as other TTFF officials were in Pfister’s company on Wednesday prior to his scheduled departure a day later.
A composed Pfister said he was here to make his observations and hold relevant talks on his first visit to the country.
“I came here for some information and I received this like with all stadiums and other kinds of information. I have seen the infrastructure and that is enough and also yesterday I saw one game in the Local League.
I see a lot of work to be done here. For the moment I don’t talk about any contract. I am just taking some information with me,’ Pfister told TTFF Media.
Described as one of Germany's most successful coaching exports, Pfister was voted Africa's Manager of the Year in 1992.
He has been to four African Cup of Nations competitions with Burkina Faso, Zaire, Cameroon and Ghana and reached the African Cup of Nations final twice, with Cameroon and Ghana.
The 73-year-old Pfister also led Ghana to the 1991 FIFA U-17 World Cup title.. He has also won the Under 19 African Cup of Nations with Cote d'Ivoire and coached Togo during the 2006 World Cup. Pfister also qualified for 1998 FIFA World Cup with Saudi Arabia.
“I have experiences myself similar to that of Trinidad I took Togo to the World Cup in Germany. It’s a big challenge but it is possible with a professional conception,” Pfister added.
“We need to concentrate. You have a lot of talented players but talent is not all. You need very good planning and training. You also have to keep your eyes on Trinidad players playing outside. It’s a very complex work.”
On the job at 73, and having began coaching as a player coach at age 23 in Switzerland back in 1961, Pfister says working with players, younger than him, keeps him fresh and vibrant.
“If you work always with young people, like I was with World Champion with Ghana, you don’t feel age. It’s a passion and it’s no problem.”
Look Loy commented that "Pfister's coaching resume is remarkable. He has enjoyed success in fifteen countries on three continents.
He is well experienced in World Cup qualifying and final tournaments, and has managed some of the international game's established names. This knowledge could serve us well
Pfister’s impressions of Concacaf is nothing strange, as he sees Mexico and the United States as the two giants.
“I know very good and I have general information about Concacaf. In this area. Mexico and the United States are also favourites.
And Trinidad and Tobago,Canada Jamaica, Costa Rica, Honduras fight for the third position. This is the reality. I was very happy that T&T last time could break this tradition and go to the World Cup. In football everybody has a chance,” he said.