Editorial: Crystal Ball Gazing

Interview:

Which Way to the Top?

Guido Vantaggiato – A Tribute

Keeping your Balance

NEWSLETTER FOR COACHES N O .31 JANUARY 2006 IMPRESSUM

EDITORIAL GROUP Andy Roxburgh Graham Turner Frits Ahlstrøm

PRODUCTION André Vieli Dominique Maurer Atema Communication SA Printed by Cavin SA

COVER Gérard Houllier has taken Olympique Lyonnais into the next stage of the UEFA Champions League as group-winners.

(PHOTO: EMPICS)

Raul (Real Madrid), top scorer

in the UEFA Champions League since the

competition was launched in 1992. EMPICS

2 CRYSTAL BALL GAZING

EDITORIAL which stopped the goalkeeper from cope with the changes. They must handling the ball following a back- remain open, adaptable and innova- BY ANDY ROXBURGH, pass from a team-mate helped to tive about their role, no matter how UEFA TECHNICAL DIRECTOR keep the game moving; and the purge the football environment evolves. on tackling from behind reduced Occasionally, it is useful to reflect on violent challenges and encouraged the past and even to indulge in a attacking flair. little crystal ball gazing, but if a pro- fessional coach fails to concentrate Fast forward to the World Cup final fully on the here and now, if results in 2022, and with a little crystal ball go against him, then for the coach gazing, imagine the changes which concerned there may be no future. might take place between Germany As we approach the 2006 FIFA 2006 and that not-so-far-off date in World Cup, just think of the changes the third decade of the new millen- which have taken place in football nium. Maybe you can see the FIFA since the 1990 finals in Italy. In World Cup final being played on an roughly a decade and a half, a short artificial pitch in Sydney, contested by period of time in the big scheme national teams from Asia and Africa. of things, the face of the game has Every player – each plying his trade at been dramatically transformed. a top club in Europe – has a skybox In the areas of technology, business, in the stadium to accommodate his politics, legal matters and technical business associates (personal trainer, development we have witnessed a agent, lawyer, sponsor, financial total transformation. Looking back, director, dietician, etc.). The match is we see the introduction and evolu- being transmitted in 3D to stadiums tion of the UEFA Champions League, through- out the world, with the which has changed top club football crowds watching on giant screens on forever; we see the negative effect each side of the ground. of the Bosman ruling on the financial roots of the game and simultane- Millions are watching the action live ously a dramatic increase in the on their mobile phones or through the number of millionaire players, not to Internet, as they work, rest or travel. mention agents; we see football The coaches have a monitor in the clubs becoming PLCs and big busi- technical area which provides com- ness dominating the sport; and we puter simulations/data about the see the expansion of satellite TV, with game via a ‘live feed’. Meanwhile the football omnipresent on our screens. referee, who no longer has touchline assistants, has radio contact with the In addition, competition regulations IT assessor, who has the technology and certain other aspects of the available to confirm whether a player game have changed. The golden is onside or offside, whether the ball goal turned to silver and then melted is in or out, or whether or not it has without trace; the technical area crossed the line for a goal. In this became a haven for hyperactive scenario, the man in black only has coaches; the multiple ball system to decide if it is a foul, a dive, a fall IMAGES GETTY reduced waiting time; the number or a legitimate tackle. of participants in the European Championship finals increased from We do not know what the future 8 to 16, while FIFA expanded the holds, but we need to remember that World Cup from 24 to 32 contenders; ‘today is the result of yesterday – three points for a win gave victory tomorrow the result of today’. What added value; passive offside stimu- happens today in technology, business lated active debate; added time and politics will impact on the game, Rafael Benitez, a coach who is always increased the drama; the 1992 ruling and technicians must be ready to on the look-out for new ideas.

3 FRANK RIJKAARD RECEIVES THE INTERVIEW PRESIDENT’S PRIZE FROM THE BY ANDY ROXBURGH, UEFA TECHNICAL DIRECTOR UEFA PRESIDENT. UEFA-BOZZANI

FRANK RIJKAARD WAS A GREAT PLAYER. LIKE A ROLLS ROYCE CAR, HE GLIDED ACROSS THE GROUND WITH GRACE AND STYLE. HIS LIST OF CREDITS IS REMARKABLE, AND INCLUDES 73 INTERNATIONAL APPEARANCES FOR THE NETHERLANDS (1981-94) AND A EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER’S MEDAL. AS A CLUB PLAYER HE WORE THE SHIRTS OF AFC AJAX (TWO SPELLS), AND AC , WINNING THE EUROPEAN CUP THREE TIMES, THE EUROPEAN CUP WINNERS’ CUP, THE EUROPEAN SUPER CUP TWICE, THE EUROPEAN/SOUTH AMERICAN CUP TWICE, THE DUTCH CHAMPIONSHIP FIVE TIMES, THE DUTCH CUP THREE TIMES, THE DUTCH SUPER CUP, AND THE ITALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP AND ITALIAN SUPER CUP TWICE EACH. IN HIS ROLE AS COACH, HE HAS LED THE DUTCH NATIONAL TEAM (1998-2000), SPARTA AND FC BARCELONA (SINCE JULY 2003), WINNING THE SPANISH CHAMPIONSHIP AND THE SPANISH SUPER CUP. FRANK RECEIVED THE UEFA PRESIDENT’S AWARD IN 2005 FOR HIS FAIR-PLAY ATTITUDE. AS THE HEAD COACH OF FC BARCELONA, FRANK HAS PROVED TO BE A GREAT PROMOTER OF SUCCESSFUL, ATTRACTIVE FOOTBALL. DESPITE HIS REMARKABLE CV, HE REMAINS HUMBLE AND TOTALLY DEDICATED TO THE GAME. HE IS THE GIFTED… FRANK RIJKAARD 1 • How would you describe your As a player you are more concerned remember doing them. But as a team’s style of play? with the moments when you have coach, you are looking at more gen- I think you could describe it as an possession of the ball or are about eral things. Are we organised? attractive way of playing but neverthe- to receive the ball. You are watching Are the lines between the defence, less with the final result in our mind. your team-mates and trying to midfield and attack short enough? That goes with the philosophy of the decide what the possibilities are. Do you leave any space? Things like club and the way supporters think When you are a coach you are watch- that. So it is more about controlling about football here in Barcelona. They ing how the team is positioning itself the system. But the most important like to see a good team, to be offered on the field – if your team is in pos- thing and the most enjoyable thing an attractive game with good skilful session of the ball, you are already is when players create something players, but in the end they always anticipating what could happen if out of nothing and that is the most want to win. So we try to make a com- you lose the ball. As the coach, you beautiful thing about football. bination of these things, which has have more of a holistic view. When always been the task of the big teams. you are playing, you have certain 3 • To what extent have you been players who can create magic in influenced as a coach by the 2 • Does Frank Rijkaard the coach a moment – you could not even top coaches you played have the same view of the game as imagine what they will do because it under? Frank Rijkaard the player had? is not logical. If you are playing your- It is a privilege if you have No. I think your view of the game self, you are prepared to do things in had the opportunity to work changes because you are developing. the game and afterwards you don’t with great people in the

4 RUBIO/AFP/GETTY IMAGES different timezones,thegames and players exposedtolongjourneys and pare agame,andwithSouthAmerican fact. Itisnotthebestwayforustopre- situation. Teams havetocopewiththat but Iamnottheonlyonewhoisinthat we cannothaveanormalpreparation, squad areawayoninternationalduty, rest. ButIunderstand.When alotofour themsome it mightbebettertogive players,although ing toselectcertain national coacheswhentheyarepress- them. SoIcanalwaysunderstandthe tional rulesandwehavetoliveby right moment,butthereareinterna- mitments donotalwayscomeatthe as aclubcoachthenational-teamcom- meet upwithyourteam.Ofcourse, thatyouhaveto all theopportunities a nationalcoachyouwanttouse I understandverywellthatifyouare ship betweenclubandcountry? what isyourviewabouttherelation- in chargeofmanyinternationalplayers, national coachandisnowaclubboss 4 an experience. I repeat,itwasaprivilegetogainsuch ball, andhowtheyhandledtheirteams. working, whattheythoughtaboutfoot- andFabio Capellowere to seehowRinusMichels,ArrigoSacchi, necessarily worktoday. Itwaswonderful coachmadeyearsagowillnot a great cannot copyanyone.The decisionsthat with. ButIstronglybelievethatyou happens youcanrecallhowitwasdealt you becomeacoach,andifsomething past. You stillhaveitinyourmindwhen you gainmanyimpressionsfromthe • As someonewhohasbeena great experience.Ofcourse, great of working, it gives you of working,itgives THE RIGHT BALANCE BALANCE RIGHT THE and youknowtheirway 5 training areonlypart GESTURES AND AND GESTURES them personally of theproblem. recover intime players to It isverydiffi- cult forsome If youknow BETWEEN FINDING ORDERS. ORDERS. football. world of 5 to copewithit. me most.However, wesimplyhave recovery time,thatiswhatconcerns where, atanytime.The travelling,the about injury, thatcanhappenany- after internationalduty. Idonotworry 6 they arealwaysbeingscrutinised. pressures ofthemedia.Itseemslike have todealwiththeenormous that theplayersfromtopclubs matches arecoveredanditmeans over EuropeonTV. Evenfriendly that youcanwatchgamesfromall soitmeans of themediaisgrowing, The attention times arechanging. however, remainthesame,although restricted space.The basicskills, there ismorehappeninginthe be quickerthaninthepast,because the modernfootballertoreactand for teams. Itisthereforeimportant a reductioninthespacebetween The evolutionoffootballhasseen playing career? since youwereattheheightofyour tant becauseit influencestheway lege, butofcourse successisimpor- human being.Beingacoach isaprivi- coaches stillhavetodealwith each clubs alsohavebigsquadsand their about becauseotherlesshigh-profile not somethingIshouldcomplain too manytopplayersinthe squad is can viewthisasaproblem.Having type offootball.ButIdonotthinkyou results, youhavetoplayanattractive in abigteamyouhavetomake is whatweareworkingfor. Ofcourse, we willneverforget.To ofthat bepart Spanish championshipissomething the Barcelonafansafterwinning ball. This lastyear, thehappinessofall tiful thingsyoucanexperienceinfoot- must pointyourselftowardsthebeau- moment ofhappiness.Ithinkyou talk abouttheproblems.Itisjusta competition,nocoachwill important ning thechampionshiporanother If abigteam,likeBarcelona,iswin- facing topclubstoday? • • How hasfootballchanged What arethemainproblems

EMPICS BARCELONA’S STRIKER ETO’O LISTENS TO HIS COACH’S INSTRUCTIONS.

suffering and needs help, then the coach comes into play. It is part of the job to be constantly watching the group. I do not do this alone because my Frank Rijkaard staff are also part of this. Every day we was in the Dutch discuss the attitude of the players and side that won if we detect a problem, then we talk the European to the player involved. We are always Championship trying to find a way to help each player. in 1988 at Sometimes, however, you may have to the expense of the USSR. disappoint someone. Maybe you need to correct him because he will not accept this or that. So it depends. There is no book to deal with this – you have would not work. Many times I pay more

GETTY IMAGES GETTY to keep your eyes open, and if you attention to the players who are not have good people around you who playing because they are important in people think about you. I try not to communicate well, there is a better the dressing-room. The key to success think about this and focus on our goals chance that you can detect problems is to keep on working, and to have the and the job to be done. Our main which could arise in the dressing-room. right team spirit by treating everyone target is, I think, to satisfy the spectators. Motivating through passionate speeches as an individual. You never do this job Everything starts in the dressing-room, is a great gift, especially if your team alone, or without staff you can trust. with having a good team spirit. You lacks quality. This way you can get It would not be possible to achieve have the task of making decisions, of something extra out of them and you things without the support team. preparing the squad, but I do not think make them hard to beat. But if you you have the right to complain about it. are working with players of a higher 8 • Do you think the game has quality, the more passionate you get become more defensive at the top 7 • As a manager, how do you as the coach, the less credibility you level? motivate millionaire players? get. Sometimes you have to find other In professional football results are very I very much believe in self-motivation, things to motivate players, and often important and every team has the right because that is what it takes to reach these are small things. With the talents to choose their system and their way your goals. Of course, if somebody is we have, always speaking passionately of playing in order to gain points. With all respect, it was not a great moment for football when Greece, playing a defensive game, won EURO 2004. The coach did a wonderful job but it was a defensive way of playing. Playing an attacking game requires more risk, better quality players, a greater game intelligence. I think it is sad that a lot of coaches are choosing a defensive style because we must remember that we are playing for the public. Football has to be something that people want to see. It can, of course, be interesting to see talented players defending well, but it would be great if we all tried a little more to promote an offensive game.

9 • You are part of the Dutch at FC Barcelona – what has made this relationship so successful? was the first and he had

EMPICS great results. Then Johan Cruyff, Louis As a player, Rijkaard spent a few glorious years with AC Milan. van Gaal and others came to Barça and

6 ANDY ROXBURGH PRESENTS A SET OF UEFA COMPETITION MEDALS TO

FRANK RIJKAARD. UEFA

tory as a , it is an advan- tage. But the advantage stops when you start working because you have to pay the bill. If you do not get results, then you have a problem. It is the law of foot- ball. Also, having great experience as a player does not guarantee that someone can be a successful coach. I had an advantage in that I played in almost every position in my career as a player and I observed a lot. Therefore I am able

EMPICS to understand what my players are expe- riencing. Yes, I can read the game from all had a big influence. With all the suc- individual playing perspectives, but as a cess of the Dutch coaches and players coach you need to see the big picture of the past, it was understandable that and to read the opponent’s game. How Barça might try another Dutchman. can we take advantage of certain situa-

But we must not forget all the coaches ROSE/BONGARTS/GETTY IMAGES tions? When do we need to pay atten- from other countries who made a great tion? We have great scouts and we have contribution here. Personally, I must be field player to get into the first team than our video sessions to prepare the next grateful for the work of the pioneers at it is for a striker. Barça is a great club match. I delegate much of this because this club, like Rinus Michels and Johan and they always buy top players with my mentality is not to be too concerned Cruyff, because they opened the door. big names. It is therefore more difficult with the opponent. In my opinion, if I think the people here admire star to get into the top team as an attacker. you make players think too much, they players first and foremost, but they We must develop a few players through will lose their great gifts. Some players also have a positive philosophy about our academy because it is vital that the will absorb all the information you give the game, similar to us in Holland. culture of the club is maintained. them, and then try to implement every- thing. But some players do not like you 10 • Apart from your own team, 12 • What do you emphasise most to talk too much. I can recognise this which sides have impressed you during your training sessions? because I did not like the coach talking most in recent years? We favour ball-possession games, to me too much. If you give a player I have seen a few great games in the played in a small area because we like individual tips, that is OK, but do not last year involving Lyon. They have been to play our matches in the opponent’s burden him with excessive details. especially impressive against other half of the field. This means less space strong teams. They certainly have a lot and time and if you are better in ball 14 • If you could change of talent. I think Chelsea were impres- possession in these restricted spaces something about today’s football, sive the way they won the champi- you have an advantage. We also like what would it be? onship in England. They were very well to press in the opponent’s territory in I would change the offside rule. If you organised and great on the counter- order to make it difficult for them to want to play attacking football, I do not attack. Our match with them in the get behind us. We have a lot of exer- see how someone can stay behind your UEFA Champions League at Stamford cises for practising this, so that the back line and then gain an advantage. Bridge was a great spectacle, but we players know how to position them- I think this is ridiculous. Winning teams made one or two mistakes too many. selves in pressing situations. always used to play as a unit, so when they won the ball they would push out 11 • How important is youth develop- 13 • What has been the advantage/ as a group. But now, this great tactical ment to a club like Barcelona? disadvantage for your coaching career weapon is in doubt because an oppo- It is very, very important, especially that you were an experienced star player? nent can stay behind, in an offside posi- because the people appreciate very An advantage is that some people will tion, but it does not matter because the much Catalan players who play in the immediately give you more credit through ball is not played directly to him. youth sides and then reach the first because you were a well-known player. The ‘offside’ player then receives a pass team. So for the culture of the club, But there are other coaches with from another team-mate, gains an advan- you must keep developing youth play- greater experience who are not famous tage, and scores. It really is ridiculous. ers. I think it is much easier for the and they are not selected as the coach So, if I could change something in today’s youth player as a defender or a mid- of a top club. If you have a certain his- football, it would be the offside rule.

7 UEFA FUN FOOTBALL IN CYPRUS.

intranet site to make sure that the player’s work schedule is in keeping with his needs and his development targets (working on weaknesses in his game, WHICH WAY for instance), while the DBU’s technical director also monitors progress via the intranet four times a year. Academic targets are also monitored and no player is allowed more than one year without TO THE TOP? some form of further education. AS ANY CLIMBER WILL TELL YOU, MOVING UP THE MOUNTAIN As a knock-on benefit, the close relation- FROM BASE CAMP TO THE HIGHER CAMPS IS NOT NECESSARILY THE ships between the DBU’s ITD coaches BIGGEST CHALLENGE. THE REAL TEST IS USUALLY RESERVED FOR and the clubs where ‘their’ players do their day-to-day training allow both par- THE FINAL LEG, WHICH WILL DECIDE WHETHER THE ENTIRE EXPE- ties to improve levels of communication DITION IS CLASSIFIED AS A NEAR-MISS OR ENTERS THE RECORD and cooperation – and the club versus country issue was, once again, among BOOKS AS A SUCCESSFUL BID TO PLANT A FLAG ON THE SUMMIT. the major concerns expressed by the THE SAME APPLIES TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES, IN youth coaches at the conference. WHICH THE COACH PLAYS SOMETHING AKIN TO THE ROLE OF THE Another area of concern was develop- LOYAL AND INVALUABLE “SHERPA” WHO HELPS THE STAR PER- ment plans for the coaches themselves. FORMER IN HIS ATTEMPT TO SCALE THE HEIGHTS. There are wide discrepancies with regard to the sort of contracts offered to youth At the UEFA Youth Conference in As Wim Koevermans highlighted in coaches and frequent changes are hardly Cyprus, coaches from various countries Limassol, this problem has been conducive to stable, well-organised raised questions about whether the addressed in the Netherlands, where development programmes – and it was final assault on the summit is being three clubs – AFC Ajax, and widely felt that stability is a valuable ele- properly organised. In other words, PSV Eindhoven – traditionally rule the ment within today’s frenetic footballing there was a general feeling that base roost. Other clubs are now being environment. As more clubs become and intermediate camps are being cor- encouraged to pool their most talented aware of the value of their youth devel- rectly set up, yet doubts have crept in youth players on a regional basis with a opment programmes, the time has come about whether we are doing enough to view to upgrading the level of competi- for the youth coaches to be given the help young talent through the crucial tion and laying better foundations for status and respect they deserve so that 18-21 age bracket and on to the foot- the push to the summit. the “sherpas” can help the young climbers balling summit. find the best route to the summit. The Danish association (DBU) has been The English coaches are wondering if, in addressing the same issue for over a this day and age, their reserve leagues decade and Flemming Serritslev was in are the best solution. Their French coun- Cyprus to report on the Integrated Tal- terparts might ask the same about ent Development (ITD) programme that learning curves at National or CFA levels, swung into full operation in 2004 after or the Spaniards about the sort of les- four years of pilot projects. The DBU has sons being imparted in Segunda B. And, made funds available for the appoint- with more and more young talented ment of full-time ‘ITD coaches’, whose players being attracted to elite clubs like role is to ensure that talented players in iron filings to magnets, it is legitimate to the 16-21 age bracket are given opti- enquire about the number of genuinely mum opportunities to develop into elite tough games the top youth players face footballers. The ITD coach works in in a domestic league season. At the conjunction with 14 leading clubs to same time, it was recognised that the ensure that each individual has a struc- European footballing map features tured plan for complete football devel- countries where the national association opment and academic education. offers better development facilities than He also monitors the electronic diary UEFA the club academies. kept by each individual on a protected Flemming Serritslev at the UEFA Youth Conference.

8 UEFA TECHNICAL DIRECTOR ANDY ROXBURGH TALKS ABOUT UEFA READING THE GAME.

The 8th UEFA Youth Conference in Cyprus proved that tions and where there is a need for a common strategy. There was also a call for each association to identify a ‘con- tact person’ to act as go-between on all youth football matters; for associa- SILENCE IS tions to provide better feedback to the players’ clubs after matches, tourna- ments and training camps; and for the material, feedback and action lists NOT GOLDEN from UEFA conferences, seminars and MOST COACHES AND PLAYERS HAVE BEEN ON THE PODIUM workshops to be distributed to clubs as well as national associations. AT PRESS CONFERENCES WHERE, WHEN INVITED TO DO SO, THE At the same time, several concerns MEDIA ARE STRANGELY RELUCTANT TO BREAK THE ICE AND ASK were expressed about the number and status of specialised youth coaches, QUESTIONS. WHEN THE YOUTH CONFERENCE GOT UNDER WAY IN with suggestions that ‘big-name’ techni- A PACKED AUDITORIUM ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF LIMASSOL, THERE WAS cians could be recruited as ‘ambassa- NO HINT OF EMBARRASSING SILENCES – JUST THE OPPOSITE. dors’ to help attract coaches into youth football. UEFA was invited to help create The enthusiasm and commitment of ■ Increase substitutions from three to a clearer ‘career pathway’ for youth just over 200 people deeply concerned five at Under-17 level. coaches who, at the moment, tend to with youth development was illustrated ■ Increase squads from 18 to 20 for be undervalued and therefore consider by a welter of observations, ideas and final tournaments and increase dele- work at youth level as little more than a proposals, many of them in response to gations from 24 to 26, with one of stepping-stone on the way to ‘higher top-class presentations by top-class the two extra places to be occupied things’. youth coaches. Some of the proposals by a press officer to help promote In telegraphic form, here are some strayed beyond UEFA’s jurisdiction the tournament. It was mooted that of the other suggestions: and will have to be forwarded to FIFA, the other place could be filled by a ■ Focus on creating a ‘football for all’ such as strict rulings on the release teacher. environment of players for youth tournaments; the ■ Allow up to two replacements to be ■ Invest in better training facilities reduction of the maximum age for drafted in to replace injured players and structures changes of nationality from 21 to 19; at final tournaments – and, possibly, ■ Bring youth coaching systems and the question of financial compen- at mini-tournaments. up to UEFA standards sation for the association that has ■ Maintain the status quo in terms ■ Search for better coordination invested in a player’s development only of structures and dates for youth of school football to be faced with a change of nationality, competitions but ask FIFA to incorpo- ■ Ensure that national association thereby excluding any possibility of a rate three ‘European youth football youth coaches’ tasks are clearly ‘return’ on the investment. weekends’ into the international defined Sorting the others is no easy task. But calendar during the autumn, clarify- ■ Achieve greater pan-European maybe the best way to go about it is ing the exact dates three years in uniformity in terms of domestic to classify them under sub-headings, advance. competitions starting, for example, with a few of In terms of the future of youth devel- ■ Maintain and enhance the support the answers to questions concerning opment, the proposals landed thick and offered by UEFA’s HatTrick pro- competition structures: fast on UEFA’s table – and some of gramme ■ Welcome the UEFA Executive Com- them will undoubtedly provoke some ■ Establish youth coach education mittee’s endorsement of the proposal serious thinking about the best ways within UEFA’s coaching convention to introduce an extra rest day of channelling resources into youth ■ Create an international documen- between matchdays 2 and 3 of mini- football. tation centre and establish a UEFA tournaments as from 2006/07. When asked how to further improve national youth coaches’ forum. ■ Do the same between matchdays relationships between clubs and In other words, there was no time 1 and 2 of final tournaments as from national associations, the participants in wasted during the conference in Limas- 2008. Cyprus pointed clearly to better routes sol – and it will be interesting to see ■ Agree to delete paragraphs relating of communication aimed at increasing how many proposals have been con- to ‘matches played under the league mutual consideration and respect in an verted into reality when the next Youth system’ from youth competition area all too often dominated by self- Conference takes place in Cannes in regulations. interest on the part of clubs or associa- just under two years’ time.

9 UEFA

GUIDO VANTAGGIATO A TRIBUTE ON 19 NOVEMBER 2005, GUIDO VANTAGGIATO, A VALUED MEMBER OF THE JIRA PANEL (THE GROUP RESPONSIBLE FOR UEFA’S COACHING CONVENTION) AND A FORMER MEMBER OF THE UEFA TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, DIED SUDDENLY OF A HEART ATTACK AT THE AGE OF 60.

After gaining his master’s degree Olympic teams. During a 17-year and ) who in sport (with a specialisation in foot- period, he participated in five World had worked with Guido in some capac- ball), he became a coach with the Cups (Germany 1974, Argentina ity travelled to his funeral in Florence Juventus youth teams. Then, in 1971, 1978, Spain 1982, Mexico 1986 and in order to pay their respects to a man he was employed by the Italian FA Italy 1990), two European Champi- who had dedicated his life to football in (FIGC) at their technical centre in Flo- onships (Italy 1980 and Germany general, and the Italian FA in particular. rence, and took charge of coaching 1988), and two Olympic Games activities and the secretariat of the (Los Angeles 1984 and Seoul 1988), Former UEFA CEO Gerhard Aigner, who Italian national youth teams. Three the crowning moment being Italy’s had known Guido for over 30 years, years later he was appointed national- World Cup triumph in 1982. It is sig- was in South Africa when he heard team secretary, responsible for the nificant that four former Italian national the news of Guido’s sudden passing. senior, Under-23, Under-21 and coaches (, , He immediately flew back to Europe to offer moral support to Guido’s wife Roberta and the rest of his family. For Gerhard Aigner, Guido Vantaggiato was a consummate professional, a fighter and a man of great integrity – above all, he was a wonderful friend.

Gérard Houllier, the Olympique Lyon- nais coach, who had worked with Guido on UEFA business for more than ten years, sent his condolences – a UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid made it impossible for him to travel to Florence. On hearing the sad news, Gérard immediately paid tribute to Guido in glowing terms: “Guido was a great inspirer. He always made every-

SABE one feel special, because as a man he Guido Vantaggiato took part in many UEFA conferences. had great warmth and sincerity. Profes-

10 SABE

of the Jira Panel), and he also acted as vice-chairman of the Italian Associ- ation of Football Coaches. No matter which hat he wore, Guido always showed his passion for football and his genuine desire to help people. In a business where many seek fame and fortune, Guido Vantaggiato was an ‘unsung hero’ whose major concern was to help others with their development.

Guido will be sadly missed by his UEFA coaching colleagues, and on their behalf I salute our friend, Guido Vantaggiato, the professional and the man. Andy Roxburgh UEFA sionally, he made a valuable contri- bution to the development of coach- ing, both in Italy, and through his work with the Jira Panel, in many other UEFA associations. We will miss him.”

Guido Vantaggiato’s last job was as director of the FIGC coaching school at Coverciano, one of the top coach education centres in Europe. Despite the demands on him, he

managed to find time to work with UEFA UEFA (he was a founder member Guido Vantaggiato with and Andy Roxburgh.

11 PACKIE BONNER, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

UEFA OF THE FAI. KEEPING YOUR BALANCE WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES FACING COACH EDUCATION? WHICH IS THE BEST WAY TO FURTHER IMPROVE COACH EDUCATION? AND WHAT CAN UEFA DO TO HELP NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS ALONG THE UPWARD PATH?

These key questions were put to the which was staged in and hosted benefit from career counselling when participants by UEFA Technical Director, by the FAI, with their Technical Director, launching themselves as technicians. Andy Roxburgh, at the 6th UEFA Sym- Packie Bonner, at the helm. For once, There is a tendency to assume that a posium for Coach Education Directors the former international goalkeeper was star on the pitch will instantly become fronting the team and, as it happens, a star on the bench, with the conse- the theme of top players moving from quent risk that they will begin too near the pitch to the technical area was one the top, find themselves out of their of the salient features of the event. depth, lose motivation (or their job – or both), and ultimately be lost to the The coach education directors had game. There is no shortage of exam- already remarked that more top players ples. Roland Nilsson graphically recalled are moving on to a coaching career, how, when starting his career as assis- and Zvonimir Boban, Gabriel Calderón, tant manager, he was thrust into the Vlatko Markovic, Roland Nilsson and hot seat when his ‘boss’ was fired Dan Petrescu were in Dublin to explain and, to put it briefly, was ‘burnt out’ their personal motives for making the so quickly that it has taken him years switch. Each told a fascinating story – to rekindle the flame. The important but the common denominator was a question, therefore, is how far the love for the game and a desire to carry coach educator should go in terms on being a part of it. of offering career advice in addition to the purer science of teaching. Their presence and their viewpoints provoked some interesting reflections One of the other interesting facets among the coach educators. There is the impact of an increasing number was a unanimous desire to keep top of former players on the content of players in the game as coaches but, coaching courses. It can be argued that at the same time, there was an equally top players are already street-wise in unanimous call for former players terms of reading the game and under- without proper qualifications not to be standing the day-to-day mechanics of admitted to coaching posts, for ‘shadow keeping a squad in optimum running coaches’ not to be allowed to offer order. The areas where they may be their diplomas as collateral for unquali- less well-equipped come under sub- fied coaches, and for it to be absolutely headings such as character develop- mandatory for technicians in role- ment, leadership, man-management, model positions, such as national team communication skills and stress man- coaches, to be properly licensed. agement. In this chapter, the question for the coach educators is whether However, the debate went far beyond these components need to be given EMPICS the issue of official status. There was greater importance within coaching Dan Petrescu playing for National Bucharest. a clear feeling that top players would programmes. And it is a question,

12 FACES Erich

THE CAMERAS. Rutemöller EMPICS

tions already exploit these resources very effectively, especially in terms of offering great opportunities for coaches or would-be coaches who need to combine studies with a working day. But is it a good idea to over-rely on studies undertaken in ‘solitary confinement’? The view in Dublin was that the chal- lenge now facing the coach educators is finding the right mix of various ingredi- ents: residential courses, club visits, practical sessions, self-teaching material, web-based resources, and, as a sort of ‘halfway house’ between the home university and the training pitch, con- ference calls involving small groups of students.

But, from UEFA’s point of view, it defi- nitely wasn’t a question of waving good- bye in Dublin and telling the participants “you’re on your own”. For UEFA, exactly the same challenges need to be faced. Current development programmes are based on competitions at all levels; meetings and forums from elite to grassroots levels; courses, symposiums, conferences, workshops and specialised panels; extensive material in printed, ROLAND NILSSON AS video, DVD and web-based formats; A SWEDISH INTERNATIONAL and, of course, pan-European coaching conventions and grassroots charters. BEFORE TRAINING For us, just like the coach educators who joined us in Dublin, the challenge

TO BE A COACH. EMPICS is to find and keep the right balance. bearing in mind that not all the partici- analyse the evolution of teaching pants – nor even a majority – in coach- methods. In some respects, nothing ing courses will necessarily be former has changed. Students still learn more or current top players. The stars need to quickly and more effectively from per- be catered for, but not at the expense sonal and practical experience. There of the students with lesser pedigrees is no replacement for know-how on the pitch. Otherwise we run the risk acquired on the training ground. But of running the likes of Rafael Benítez the opportunities for distance-learning and José Mourinho out of the game. have multiplied dramatically in a short In other words, the challenge facing space of time. Historically, courses have the designers of coach education pro- had to find a nice balance between grammes is achieving the right balance practice and theory. Suddenly, they so that ex-players and non-players are also have to strike the right mix of ‘solo offered equal opportunities to acquire skills’ and team-work. the skills they might lack. These days, the ‘solo skills’ are related Balance was also the key word when to the material easily accessed via web- the coach educators debated current sites, video tapes, DVDs or CD-ROMs. trends. Erich Rutemöller of Germany, Internet and audio-visual technology Henk van de Wetering of the Nether- have added new dimensions to coach lands and Howard Wilkinson from education and represent wonderful JAAFAR/AFP England took the stage in Dublin to learning tools. Many national associa- Gabriel Calderón

13 UEFA

Youth internationals: UEFA to encourage clubs to arrange interna- tional matches by, for example, CLUB FIXTURE pegging them to UEFA Champions League fixtures and to help national associations to stage non-competitive IN CYPRUS tournaments. However, much of the discussion COACHES FROM 15 OF EUROPE’S LEADING CLUBS WERE was centred on the clubs’ increasing INVITED TO THE 3RD UEFA ELITE CLUB YOUTH COACHES FORUM – need – or, rather, obligation – to strike the right balance between foot- A FIXTURE WHICH WAS PLAYED IN LIMASSOL AS A ‘PRELIMINARY balling and academic education. ROUND’ TO THE UEFA YOUTH CONFERENCE. With recruitment now targeting eight or nine-year-olds, clubs are becoming Their brief was quite simple: to express agreed by the Executive Committee, educating agents with responsibilities their views on fundamental issues coaches who have completed their in terms of child welfare and protec- related to youth development at club B-licence course can now choose tion. Expectations of a career in pro- level, such as: between a ‘standard’ or ‘youth’ fessional football can tempt young- licence at A level. sters and their parents to neglect UEFA’s club licensing project: academic education, leading to high- warmly welcomed as a way to Homegrown players: UEFA’s move risk situations in an environment improve the quality of players and to set minimum levels in squad lists where the zealous search for young coaches at youth levels, especially as for UEFA club competitions was talent (some coaches reported that, the UEFA endorsement programme regarded as positive news for youth in their area, there are too many for club academies has been written development programmes with, clubs chasing too few players) cou- into the licensing system and grading indeed, some voices calling for a pled with early recruitment ages can will be conducted. Call for UEFA to stricter definition of ‘home grown’. ultimately lead to drop-out rates monitor standards regularly in order of 50 or 60 per cent in later teens – to upgrade them and promote consis- UEFA’s role: call for UEFA to organ- and the clubs need to respond to a tency throughout Europe. ise or support specialised courses moral obligation to give the ‘discards’ for youth coaches or stage seminars a viable alternative for a future career. Youth coach licences: another warm where youth coaches can exchange In other words, there is a need to plot welcome for the news that, as recently knowledge and experience. ‘exit routes’ for youngsters who do not quite make the grade. For much the same reasons, it was felt that family values need to be protected as far as possible and that emigration at early ages should be discouraged, as it disrupts family life and education.

One interesting viewpoint is that family parameters have changed. Smaller families mean that the tradi- tional image of adults surrounded by children has shifted into a situation where children are surrounded by adults and have less need to com- pete. In other words, the youth coach and the club academy are taking on greater social relevance and responsibility, along with the

UEFA need to ‘teach’ qualities that, in the The Elite Club Youth Coaches Forum. past, have been innate.

14 THE STADE DE FRANCE

IN PARIS-ST.DENIS. EMPICS

TRAINING AGENDA

2006

MY FAVOURITE January 17 Disability Football Panel PRACTICE UEFA (Nyon) DROPPING OFF THE FRONT January 19 UEFA Women’s BY JOHN PEACOCK National Team Coaches Forum National Under-17 Coach England (Nyon)

● The player on the ball can January 27 use the wide players (they are EURO 2008 draw restricted to two touches) or can directly find the striker (Montreux) who has come off into the free zone (i.e. defenders cannot February 13-15 enter this area). 2nd UEFA Futsal Conference ● The striker turns and plays 1 v 1 (Madrid) or combines with his attacking team-mate. March 14-17 ● Repeat the move in the opposite 6th UEFA Grassroots Course direction. (Florence)

Development May 3-14 ● One defending player can 5th European Under-17 join the strikers to create 3 v 2 Aim Championship in the attacking zone. A wide (Luxembourg) ● To work on the strikers’ movement, player can replace the ‘missing’ in particular ‘dropping off the front’. defender in order to maintain 2 v 2 at the back. May 10 Numbers UEFA Cup final ● Remove the central zone ● 2 teams of 7 v 7 (including goal- restriction. (Eindhoven) keepers) – two defenders, two strikers and two wide players (the latter cannot Key coaching points May 17 enter the field). ● The players in possession should UEFA Champions League final always try to play forward. (Paris) Area ● The turning skills of the strikers ● Two areas (33 x 22 metres) divided in the free zone should be quick by a 3-metre free zone. and fluid. Rules ● Communication and support play must be emphasised. ● One defender receives the ball from the goalkeeper. On the first touch, the ● The finishing skills should be opposition strikers can press. fast and appropriate.

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