ISSUE 3 • JUNE 2019

CONTENTS Editorial The Big Interview AFC Events AFC Projects Coaches Corner NO REGRETS by Andy Roxburgh, AFC Technical Director

hink back to the 2019 Asian Cup semi-final in Al Ain (UAE) and the decisive moment Tof the match. With 55 minutes gone and no breakthrough for either side, the Iranian players lost their concentration. While five of them protested to the referee, the Japanese played on and scored the opening, crucial goal. For Carlos Queiroz, the coach of Iran, the 3-0 defeat was hard to take because he had repeatedly reminded his players of the need to remain focused. As he said afterwards; ‘Sadly, we had an emotional breakdown in this game.’ After a successful eight-year tenure, his Iranian adventure had finished on an evening of regret.

Fast rewind to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia’s Rostov Arena when the Japanese Japan’s during the AFC Asian Cup 2019 semi-final between I.R. Iran and Japan. suffered the pangs of regret. Having dominated

EDITORIAL the first hour of their round-of-16 match against much-fancied Belgium, the Blue Samurai lost a goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. A classic fast-paced counter- a big chance to shine on the world stage with the 2020 two-goal lead and were hanging on for a draw. attack ensued and Nacer Chadli scored the winner for the Olympic Football Tournaments in Japan (men and women) However, with the game in added-time, they Red Devils. Ninety-four minutes had elapsed and Japan were and the men’s 2022 FIFA World Cup in . When were in control of the ball and the situation, out of the World Cup – heartbroken and lost in their own these global events are over, there should be no regrets, having been awarded a corner kick on the left- thoughts of what might have been. no recriminations, because every effort should have hand side. Instead of keeping possession, the been made by the participating teams to perform at their ball was delivered into the centre of the penalty Now, following the biggest Asian Cup ever, it is time to optimum level on the world’s stage. So what is required to box and the safe, welcoming hands of Belgian look forward. During the next few years, Asian football has attain ‘optimum level’? ISSUE 3 • JUNE 2019

CONTENTS Editorial The Big Interview AFC Events AFC Projects Coaches Corner

possession, have more chances on goal, spend more Asian players, coaches and officials will be able, time in the opponent’s half and still lose’. Yes, even if you with hand on heart, to echo the words of Edith Piaf, play well and work hard, there will always be an element the celebrated French singer, when she sang; ‘Non, of good fortune and we have to accept that as part of je ne regrette rien.’ Literally translated: ‘No, I regret It’s probably the only sport the challenge. nothing.’ Success beckons for Asia’s elite, but it won’t come without sacrifice and total dedication. in the world where you can For those with long-term ambitions of qualification and control possession, have success in a world, continental or regional competition, more chances on goal, spend the focus needs to be on ‘slow-burning’ development: topics such as coach education; the nurturing of talents more time in the opponent’s in academies/training centres; the establishment half and still lose. and upgrading of regular competitions, including youth league structures; and the promotion of mass This is no miracle. This participation which encourages fast technique and is due to the preparation Australian Head Coach movement, often through the use of small-sided games, over many years and the will all play a part. The value of a patient, structured approach was highlighted by Qatar’s ‘surprise’ victory in great efforts and plans the 2019 Asian Cup in . Al Saad at . midfielder, and former Barcelona legend, Xavi reacted to the ‘Maroons’ achievement by declaring: ‘This is no The priorities are to establish a settled team; to use miracle. This is due to the preparation over many years the matches between now and then to build up a solid and the great efforts and plans at Aspire Academy.’ As foundation; to develop an appropriate style of play; and to the Qataris proved, when you prepare well and you play have worked on the details that can make the difference to your potential, regret is not a word on anyone’s lips. at the top-level of football. Continuity of staff will also be an important factor in producing successful, competitive On his retirement, after 114 appearances for England and teams. Plus, key elements, such as a scouting network, 504 games for Liverpool FC, Steven Gerrard publicly media planning, performance analysis, sports science announced that he ‘had no regrets.’ When a player

EDITORIAL support, administrative arrangements, not-to-mention of that calibre has given everything and has always the quality of coaching, management and leadership. tried to perform to his limits, there is no room for self- ‘Design, not chance’ is the maxim, and no area of team recrimination. As Asia looks forward to the international preparation can be neglected. The aim is to minimise challenges ahead, it would be wise for players to reflect the influence of ‘Lady Luck’ who will undoubtedly play on the view that ‘talent is never enough.’ They will also her unpredictable part when the tournaments come need desire and know-how if they are to compete with Xavi Hernández around. As Australian Head Coach, Graham Arnold said the world’s best. They should remember that the best Al Saad midfielder about football during the 2019 Asian Cup: ‘It’s probably preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today. Post and former the only sport in the world where you can control 2022, it is to be hoped that, no matter the outcome, Barcelona legend THE BIG INTERVIEW CONTENTS I He andhis‘boys’ arechampionsofAsia. Heis… coach while helping a a group of as boys to matured mature as has players. who man a of example rare a is had Academy.He Aspire the from who graduated players on heavily All ultimately 2017. based July squads in with and, team senior the team; to up U-23 step the the to later; promotion year a Cup World U-20 FIFA the from exit early an 2014; in Myanmar in title U-19 AFC an via summit the towards climbed steadily has he then, since and, Academy Aspire the at the team coaching of member a become to 2006, in back way club’sThe to him led Qatar with relationship home-town team his family had always supported. the Barcelona, FC of academy youth the at spell ten-year a was c/v coaching his on entry first The player.professional a been not had He job. senior first his in was success masterminded who coach game’sthe The thought. for decision-makersfood Qatar’s victory at the AFC Asia Cup 2019 may offer so often dominated by the search for quick results, SUMMIT TO THE CLIMB A STEADY 3ya-l cah ih n sno tte o his to world footballing a in But, title model. role a as name senior a one describe with to coach 43-year-old exaggeration an seem might t itoria The ignterie A ents FELIX SANCHEZ BAS ISSUE 3•JUNE2019 A roects oaches orner ISSUE 3 • JUNE 2019

CONTENTS itoria The ig nterie A ents A roects oaches orner

Qatar’s national football team head coach Felix Sanchez Bas gives instructions to his players during a training session for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.

1 IT’S A FASCINATING COACHING C/V. CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH IT?

Well, I arrived in Qatar to work at the Aspire Academy, which is a high-performance centre to develop youth players. I started with the U-16 group, following the programme that the academy had established. Then, in 2009, I began to work with the generation born in 1996 and taking them into AFC events. So I started growing with them as a national team. We went to to play in the U-16 qualifiers – and couldn’t reach the finals. At that stage I was working with them at the academy and, at the same time, with the national team. Because, in the end, the best players were in the academy and when they played for the national team, the only thing to do was to change the shirt. Once we reached the U-18 level, we played the AFC qualifiers again and this time we were successful. That was a landmark because they finished their Aspire cycle, and we started to work only as the national team. They joined clubs and I only coached them when they came to the national team. We played several AFC competitions with the U-19s, the Olympic team… and then the U-23 competition in China in 2018. And then, there we were, as the senior national team at the Asian Cup. THE BIG INTERVIEW ISSUE 3 • JUNE 2019

CONTENTS itoria The ig nterie A ents A roects oaches orner

LET’S FACE IT, THIS SORT OF CONTINUITY IS A RARITY IN INTERNATIONAL 2 FOOTBALL. HOW MUCH OF AN ADVANTAGE HAS IT BEEN?

“I think the key point is the country’s concept of organising this Aspire Academy and linking it with the national team. They were very patient with a long-term plan and this is very important. We are grateful for that, as we didn’t always have successes like this one at the Asian Cup. There were tournaments where we couldn’t perform at our highest level but we accepted that this is football and you don’t always have the results you would wish for. So the key was patience along with confidence in the work, in the project. I think that the achievement at the Asian Cup gives you the proof that with hard work, organisation, commitment, patience and belief, you can reach your target.

WHAT ASPECTS OF THE BARCELONA PHILOSOPHY HAVE INFLUENCED 3 YOUR WORK IN QATAR?

From a very young age, I realised I liked coaching and I worked with the Barcelona youth teams for 10 years. It was a great experience, especially as I was born there and was a Barça fan. Of course, there is a special philosophy associated with the club but, when you arrive in a new place, you need to look at the culture, the philosophy, the people and the players. There are many things I have kept from Barcelona, but I have adapted to the place where I am working.

4 HOW LONG DID THAT TAKE? WAS IT A LONG PROCESS AS WELL?

I think it was very natural for me, even though in the beginning the language was an issue because I wasn’t that fluent in English – and not all the players were either! After some time at the academy, their English improved. Sometimes it was frustrating not to be able to explain all that I wanted to say. But it didn’t take long and communication with the players became easier. For me the most important thing is that the players Felix Sanchez reacts during the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 understand the message and understand what we want. Personally, I found myself in a nice country, where quarter-final football match between Korea Republic. people were very kind and there were plenty of experts to talk football with. So I would say I was very fast to adapt. THE BIG INTERVIEW ISSUE 3 • JUNE 2019

CONTENTS itoria The ig nterie A ents A roects oaches orner

WE’VE TALKED ABOUT CONTINUITY TURNING TO THE ASIAN CUP, 5 AS A POSITIVE. BUT ARE THERE 7 WHAT WERE THE KEYS TO YOUR ADVANTAGES ON THE PITCH AND SUCCESS? ON THE TRAINING GROUND? First of all, the quality of our players, their commitment Since 2009 I have been working with players like to the team. I saw during the preparation the Akram, Madibo, Tarek, Bakri, Yousof… 11 players from motivation they had. They wanted to play a good that generation. When I think they made history for the Asian Cup as it was the last one before the World country and I’ve known them since they were kids, it Cup. Qatar hadn’t had good results at the Asian Cup, makes me feel very proud of them. But when we talk and they were aware of that. It was a good time to about the first team, we have to mix players from different show they could perform well in big competitions. So groups. The fact that everyone adapted to each other so Felix Sanchez (C) poses for a picture with his they were very motivated. And the federation made quickly at the Asian Cup gave us the opportunity to win. players after winning the AFC Asian Cup UAE a good plan for the players with very good friendly Working with the team for a long time also gave me the 2019 final match against Japan. games. This helped a lot. I heard from colleagues advantage that they know how you want to do things, who had greater difficulties and, for us, a small the way you want them to play, the demands you are country means we can get together easily even going to make on them. This meant it was easier to make DURING THIS PROCESS OF MATURING, when they are working with their clubs. But the key a strong group for the competition. 6 HOW MUCH ATTENTION DID YOU PAY was the desire of the players and their quality. TO DEVELOPING THEM AS PEOPLE AS WELL AS FOOTBALLERS?

We as coaches have to know the players as individuals. They have different personalities, different motivation. It’s important to stress that some may play more than others but that doesn’t make them more important than others. My standpoint is to be honest with them. They should know your targets, what you expect from them. You have to address reality, to know what they have to do, what they can improve, how they can help the team. At the Asian Cup, I had players who I had seen playing many times and I knew as quality players but hadn’t coached. Felix Sanchez (C) and forward Almoez Ali (L) help I didn’t know them as individuals. So that was another Qatar’s forward Almoez Ali (R) celebrates up their teammate Akram Hassan Afif after their process for me – to get to know the individual and his with coach Felix Sanchez after winning the AFC U23 Championship 2016 semi-final match motivation. AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019. THE BIG INTERVIEW between Qatar and Korea Republic. ISSUE 3 • JUNE 2019

CONTENTS itoria The ig nterie A ents A roects oaches orner

WHAT WERE YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES DURING THE COMPETITION? WHEN DID YOU START TO BELIEVE 8 9 YOU COULD WIN THE TITLE?

To make sure the players were ready and focused in every game. At the beginning, each mistake will affect Without saying I believed we could win the title, the the result and make the things more difficult. And once you reach the knockout stage, every single detail can first game told me a lot. The first is always difficult but put you out of the competition. So we talked a lot with them. In fact small details did make big differences, the opponents were very well organised and difficult to as we saw in IR Iran against China PR or when Japan scored against Iran when players went to the referee break down. For the first 60 minutes, things were not to complain. Small things can make you to lose focus. It happened to us against Korea Republic - a very going well and it was hard to create chances. But in the difficult moment. We scored, lost focus and, within a minute, they scored. Luckily for us, it was offside and last 30 minutes we changed. We played well and you we could reboot. Keeping the team focused was one of our biggest challenges because to play so many could see the attitude, the aggressive attacking, the games in few days at such a high level it is easy to lose focus. We had other difficult moments: Iraq, once desire of the players. I didn’t think about winning the we scored, pushed really hard and we had to be very well organized as they have a lot of quality. And we tournament but I did feel that we had a high enough were aware that Qatar had never won a knockout game… The last 15 minutes against Korea seemed very level to take on the sort of opposition you can expect at long to me. And, of course, the final. We had the advantage going into the second half but, especially in the such a tournament. I felt that we had enough qualities first 25 minutes, we didn’t feel at all comfortable. Their positional play improved and they put us under a lot to compete. of pressure, even though they weren’t creating that many clear chances. And they were a high-quality team. But these are the moments that make you grow as a team because you have to know how to deal with this type of situation. We were strong enough to stay organised and to defend well. DID YOU HAVE TO CONVINCE YOUR 10 PLAYERS THAT THEY COULD WIN THE TITLE?

Not really, because of our preparation process. We went to Europe, we played Switzerland, Iceland, China, Palestine, Ecuador, Turkmenistan, and I think the players started to feel they could compete against all these teams. But, of course, friendlies are one thing and the Asian Cup is another. You have to be prepared for seven games in little more than three weeks and you have to perform well every three or four days. It is difficult. But once you start to win, the dynamism, mood and confidence start growing. Before games I could see that everyone was fine, ready to play, with the substitutes Iceland’s captain Gylfi Sigurdosson (L) vies for Qatar’s midfielder Assim Madabo (C) controls ready to help the team. That was the most important. the ball next to Switzerland’s midfielder Remo the ball against Qatar’s midfielder Assim Omer Freuler during a friendly match on November Madibo during a friendly match on November 14, 2018. 14, 2017. THE BIG INTERVIEW THE BIG INTERVIEW CONTENTS understood it, they believed init. only not They it. in believed players the that is thing important most The this. with deal to change to had we excellent and play football to attacking started Japan goal their after because twice changed the we final in example, For changing. without game the during options us give could who players had also we but this implement to players change to needed we Sometimes opposition. the for difficult more it make can which – predictability less mean options more that think I Also points. opponents’strong the counter and performance own our strengthening to view a with game same the within even situations different face to ready be to just system, different a trying started we preparation, our during So Cup. Asian an at especially qualities, strong with opponents have we know we but style own Weour opponents. have the secondly,and, players of availability the on depending options different have to decided we good. case, our In very is which change, never and way own their in always play to decide who coaches are There 11 ahead oftheAFC Asian Cup UAE 2019. Qatar’s head coach FelixSanchez Bas gives instructions to thenationalfootballteam during atraining session WHY DIDYOU CHANGE YOUR SYSTEM OFPLAY DURING THE TOURNAMENT? itoria The ignterie A ents ISSUE 3•JUNE2019 A roects 12 12 and attacking,afterthatwefocusonopponents. defending in rules standard our have we preparation our another.or way one start balance we when general, in But, the If play. to opponent team going has some special are feature, we might we shift the game the on depends it No, (R) beforetheAFC Asian Cup UAE 2019semi-final match. Felix Sanchez (L) greets Qatar’s forward Hasan Al Haydos oaches orner FOCUS MORE ON THE DEFENSIVE DEFENSIVE ASPECT? YOU THE ON DO MORE FOCUS OR FIFTY-FIFTY ABOUT WORK DEFENSIVE DISTRIBUTE ATTACKING AND YOU DO TRAINING IN THE BIG INTERVIEW CONTENTS the 2019editionofAFC AsianCup. session inDohaDecember 2018,inpreparationfor Qatar midfielderAkram Afiftakes partinatraining itoria The ignterie 15 not allofthemlike. Buttheyareprofessionalandunderstand. manage to Youneed possible. which – is them work than it rather videos them if show to off need you Sometimes switch games. prepare yet to workloads time them give to need you and load the important manage is It to tournaments. final to used are up they that adds is group It this about tournament. thing the good The to time. long go a to you then preparation, in weeks spend you because different is Yes,it 14 generate chances. to counterattacking in quality the have Haydos Al Hasan or Almoez like,Akram, Players action. of kind this can create and score goals in this phase and we try to put in practice different game situations and promote real game situations and, with the profiles of the players we have, it’s a very important phase. We know we At the end of the day, you don’t have too much time to train with the national team. So we try to focus a lot on 13 level is increasing. Ithink football inAsia is definitely growing. more and prepared better is the that a sign everyone as that I interpret – and say games win to difficult it would found team every think I competitive. I Qatar, in working been have I years the After and talk football for a while! play another game and another game. We managed to switch off during lunch time and dinner time - You knowyouare going tobevery busy and, tobehonest,it is also yourmotivation thatyouhaveto for. prepared be to have you that a routine into get you but difficult is It own. your preparing are you He can’t! At a tournament with 51 games, when you are not playing you are watching other games and 16 A ents FOR AMUCHLONGER TIME? JOB FOR A COACH IN TERMS DIFFERENT OF A IT HOW IS THIS, YOULIKE TOURNAMENT BIG A MANAGETO COME YOU WHEN A GROUP OF PLAYERS IS THAT ANIMPORTANT PART OFYOUR TRAININGWORK? WITH YOUR MIDFIELDERSINTHETRIANGLEREACTING VERY QUICKLY. YOU GENERALLY HAD VERY SMOOTH DEFENCE-TO-ATTACK TRANSITIONS WHAT ABOUT THECOACH, HOW DOES HE SWITCH OFF? ASIA DIDYOU TAKE HOMEFROMTHEASIAN CUP? APARTYOURFROM OWN WHATSUCCESS, FOOTBALLOF IMPRESSION IN ISSUE 3•JUNE2019 A roects oaches orner THE BIG INTERVIEW CONTENTS itoria The ignterie A ents ISSUE 3•JUNE2019 A roects A F Ntoa Ta Cahs Cneec, he Conference, commented onhiscountry’s aimsandambitions. Coaches’ Team National AFC recent the at stage On at Cup. WorldFIFA 2018 impact the an made Japan when team the coaching of member a and side U-23 the of helm at the been had final, Cup Asian the to team senior the leading to prior Moriyasu, Hajime Malaysia. in Championship U-16 AFC 2018 the at victory with age- AFC in limit competitions and had underlined consistency impact an made had Japan Qatar, AMBITIONS LONG-TERM JAPAN’S oaches orner oniec, ab. r ab nt Like not. maybe Or maybe. Coincidence, projects. long-term for window shop a was s it happened, the final of the AFC Asian Cup THE BIG INTERVIEW CONTENTS qualification for the next World Cup will be definitely difficult for us. to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics followed by the Qatar World Cup in 2022. My impression was that narrower and we should be getting closer to world getting are level. Asia in After teams top the the Asian winner. between a tournament Gaps Cup, predict we and have games win to to difficult improve ourselves higher.was much It now is teams Asian of level the that realised I Comparing, competition. the won and Hiroshima in Cup Asian 1992 the played I time. first the for coach head as participating was I tournament. affected the team in terms of experience. But our performances got better and we improved throughout Well,the about half the squad was changed in relation to the FIFA World Cup in Russia and I have to admit this 1 AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019. Japan’s head coach with thenationalfootballteam during an official training session for the IN THE UAE? WHATEVALUATION WASCUP OVERALLYOURALL, ASIAN OF THE FIRST OF itoria The ignterie A ents ISSUE 3•JUNE2019 A roects 3 2 play fortheteam. don’t they if game the to contribute cannot individuals that roles and then play for the team. We all have to understand individual on focus to is which principle, basic our players added value to our team performance. I always stress to the brings also but not quality individual players’ which the benefits only Europe, in leagues competitive in are players Japanese many high- Furthermore, moment. the at style playing a appropriate play an is can this that believe we I game. that passing tempo mean game the to disciplined approach our with along points, strong Those mobility. determination, plus physical agility strength in terms of and quick and awareness technique, individual of quality high the are players Japanese of points strong the all, of First about when tomoveandwheremove. decision-making -the efficient more be to room is there but movement good their showed players Our of match- play. aspects specific some Also technique. factors, in UAE. It is about everything. Attacking, defending, physical realised this via playing Asian teams during the competition One of the things to focus on is to improve individual quality. I JAPANESE STYLE OFPLAY? AND HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE A HAVE TO CONSISTENT PHILOSOPHY? IT IS IMPORTANT HOW DEVELOP TO DONE JAPANESE FOOTBALL EVEN FURTHER? BE CAN WHAT oaches orner THE BIG INTERVIEW CONTENTS 5 4 matches. before players to this inform always I performance. team’s the to contributes behaviour their sure make to important is it football, also is it time same the at but performance, individual best In showing their on culture. focus to our from players for in important comes definitely rooted it is because It football. Japan to education. in related everywhere only not exists is It it discipline, of terms In efficient againstacertaintypeofopposition. options to use specific players to create a good team thatus is gives that because systems playing and styles playing of is variety need We team. It strong a create same to team. with characteristic players good have to enough a not is create It puzzle. to a like place right the in special players put to needed we because important very was It LEVELS TO THE SENIOR TEAM? YOUTH THE PLAYERS THROUGH COMING THE ARE AS DEVELOP ELEMENTS YOU THESE DO EMOTIONAL HOW OF CONTROL. LEVEL HIGH THE COMMON IS TEAMS NATIONAL FEATURES JAPANESE ALL THE TO OF ONE AND DISCIPLINE EMPHASISED YOU’VE WAS THIS? IMPORTANT HOW SYSTEMS. PLAYING YOUR ROTATED ADJUSTED AND YOU SQUAD CUP,YOUR ASIAN THE AT itoria The ignterie Japan national footballteamwarming up fortheirofficial training session during the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019. A ents ISSUE 3•JUNE2019 A roects oaches orner THE BIG INTERVIEW CONTENTS I.R. Iran and Japan at theHazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al-Ain on January 28,2019. Japan’s forward Yuya Osako (R)celebrates his goal during the2019AFC Asian Cup semi-finalfootball match between itoria The ignterie A ents ISSUE 3•JUNE2019 A roects 7 6 coaches inthe roleofthenationalteam of Japan. believe that it is what I should aim at as one of the Japanese I generations. up-coming the to contribute and step, small head a coach is to leave as a legacy for the national team, even just a thing important most the But era. my during it the result we want. obtain Of course, can it will we be super that if we believe can make I efforts, these maintaining By technical and strength physical in order to deliver mental, our best performance in our a game. maximise to how out find to have we Then there football. our for use if to elements are see and world, the over all and Asia in countries good we think they are. What we have to do is to learn from how matter no countries, other in manuals the from paste and copy cannot We world. the over all from teams strong against compete to strengths our use effectively to ways best the for searching kept and best the with compete to how about Cup World the from learning keep to have We elements. game. Players from that part of the world are good at those my players to learn individual tactics and learn how to win a wanted also I America, South physically.in competition the from And, and mentally tough be would that matches in Firstly, I expected that the players could improve themselves THAT ACHIEVING OBJECTIVE? OF TERMS THE IN ARE PRIORITIES WHAT CUP. WORLD A WIN TO IS JFA’SPROJECT LONG-TERMTHE WHAT DID YOU EXPECT TO GAIN FROM THIS? AMÉRICA. COPA THE IN PART QATAR TAKETO INVITED BEEN ALREADY HAD AND YOU COINCIDENCE, BY oaches orner THE BIG INTERVIEW CONTENTS AFC AsianCup2019–runners-up Asian Games2018–silvermedal FIFA ClubWorld Cup2015–third Japanese SuperCup–2013,2014 –2012,2013,2015 HONOURS CLUB/COUNTRY AFC U-23Championship2018, Asian Games2018, AFCAsianCupUAE 2019 INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS 50 Japanese NATIONALITY MORIYASUHAJIME FACT FILE AGE Japan (July 2018 –present) Japan U-23(October2017–present) (February 2012–July2017) MANAGED TEAMS

itoria 78.57 55.56 49.20 WIN % The ignterie - - 3 TITLES A ents ISSUE 3•JUNE2019 A roects AFC AsianCupUAE 2019 AFC U-23Championship2018–Thirdplaced AFC U-19Championship2014 HONOURS CLUB/COUNTRY Championship 2018,FIFA World Cup2018qualifiers,AFCAsian2019 AFC U-19Championship2014,U-232016, INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS 43 Spain NATIONALITY FELIX SANCHEZ FACT FILE AGE ) 5 1 0 2 Qatar (July 2017–present) e n u J – 3 Qatar U-23(July2017–present) 1 0 2 y l u J ( Qatar U-20(January2014–July 2017) 9 1 - U r a t a Q MANAGED TEAMS oaches orner

58.06 - - - WIN % 1 - - 1 TITLES ISSUE 3 • JUNE 2019

CONTENTS itoria The ig nterie AFC ents A roects oaches orner

hat messages were transmitted to Asia from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia? What were the FROM RUSSIA TO THE UAE Wpointers to emerge from the AFC Asian Cup 2019 in the United Arab Emirates? Those were the simple but highly pertinent questions which activated the 2nd AFC National – AND BEYOND Coaches Conference recently staged in Kuala Lumpur and attended by national team coaches and technical directors from the four corners of the confederation. On stage at the opening ceremony, AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa was flanked by the coaches of the Asian Cup finalists – and excerpts from interviews with Qatar’s Félix Sánchez and Japan’s Hajime Moriyasu are featured elsewhere in this issue of the Coaches Circle.

The Conference, however, had other dimensions, ranging from the relevance of media management at a major tournament to the player’s perspectives as expressed by former Korea Republic captain Park Ji-sung, based on his national team experiences and his playing career at PSV Eindhoven and Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United. And, to raise the curtain on the second morning of the three-day event, FIFA’s Head of Coaching & Player Development, Branimir Ujevic, presented some thought- provoking observations on the World Cup in Russia and his view of the Asian Cup in the UAE.

Statistics provided a full menu of food for thought. The AFC representatives in Russia performed creditably in terms of distance covered: Australia were 4th in the ranking; Korea Republic 9th; Japan 16th; IR Iran 20th; and Saudi Arabia 25th. In the chart related to distances covered at high

AFC EVENTS AFC speed, all five appeared among the top 13. But, when it came to penetration into the opposition’s penalty area, Australia and Saudi Arabia were joint 19th, while Japan, Korea Republic and IR Iran occupied positions 29, 30 and 31 among the 32 contestants. In terms of goal attempts, Saudi Arabia ranked 13th while the other four were scattered around the bottom half of the table. Japan, the leading AFC contender in Russia, exceeded the tournament average by AFC EVENTS CONTENTS in the UAE was bettered by Uzbekistan (5.0) and silver- and (5.0) Uzbekistan by bettered was UAE the in by scoring once in every six attempts – an average which, crown world the donned had France Russia, In attempts. fixtures seven at an eyebrow-raising average of one goal their per 2.7 in 19 with tournament final 24-team first the at scorers top were side Sánchez’s Félix story. success efficiency as one day, of the main ingredients of opening Qatar’s historic the scoring Roxburghsignalled Andy Technical on Director AFC presentation keynote his During reduced tooneper 53minutes. was ratio the UAE the in Cup Asian AFC the At football. of minutes 180 per goal open-play one indicate stats the AFC the open play. The other was an in own goal. Including Russia, number the latter, same the set and in penalties); five from (including plays seven played goals: they 15 accumulated matches representatives 16 the In third, however, final were9%belowtheWorld Cupaverage. the in Moves construction. middle-to-front in 25% by and half; own their from building of terms in 16% itoria The ignterie 35% registered at the World Cup. Unusually, direct free- direct Unusually, Cup. World the at registered 35% the with aligned less or more which to figure a attributed – plays be set could precise) be to (32% goals the of one-third almost that fact the by sparked was ploys ball dead- to dedicated legitimately time training-ground of amounts the of Discussion Cup. Asian the from emerge to data other the of some on reflect to invited also were Conference the at directors technical and coaches The played. they match every during ball the of share lion’s the had they that in label team’ ‘possession the bearing in alone the UAE, Australia, Korea Republic and Saudi Arabia In were ball. the of 39% only enjoyed had they which in finals after trophies lifted had France the and Qatar by both that fuelled fact was possession of value the on Debate Asian Cup, DPRKorea followedsuitwitharatioof1:22. the in while, attempts 36 per goal Worldone scoring after the Cup from exit group-stage a made had Germany spectrum, the of end other the At (5.2). Japan medallists AFC ents ISSUE 3•JUNE2019 A roects type of creative element at the top levels of club football. this provide to talent imported on over-reliance is there whether about speculation invited has and tournaments has which age-limit AFC recent from factor prevalent a as emerged a trend – third final the in play combination from derived were 6% only goals, open-play of 40% for accounted play wing Whereas development. future for signpost clear a offered also statistics tournament The based onthreecentre-backs andtwo wing-backs. shapes for opting seven and 1-4-4-2 preferring six with UAE, the in setting default their as team 1-4-2-3-1 or 1-4-3-3 for of issue the shapes. It could clouded be said, nevertheless, that 11 teams this opted remarked, Andy As Roxburgh line. defensive five-man and four- seamlessly a switching between by flexibility tactical showcased of also value Qatar the armoury. attacking team’s a in be can this weapon a valuable how champions just demonstrating the the with of goals, 16% open-play 89 for tournament’s accounted the counterattacks At Cup, transitions. Asian defence-to-attack for mechanisms effective rehearsing about said be could same the Much the developmentoffree-kickspecialists. to efforts dedicating of value the underlined and variety indirect the than (nine) goals more for accounted kicks oaches orner Both QatarandFrance they hadenjoyedonly after finalsinwhich had liftedtrophies 39% oftheball. AFC EVENTS CONTENTS to learn and get new ideas from other national national other from teams.” ideas new get and coaches learn all to for place good a is It reach. to want you which goal and plan a have and realistic be to the end of the day, small or big countries, you have At doing. are coaches other what of idea an have This conference was valuable for other coaches to say. to have we what to add and learn can teams to and successful; other so did, we things so the and football about talk was Qatar why and how with coaches from other countries; for me to share So it was a great opportunity to share experiences other coaches. with football on views and thoughts our share to time have don’t we competition, a in playing are we “When attended. had he Conference first of the impact the on reflected Sánchez the Félix praise, at efficient, blushing After talented”. ruthlessly and competitive composed, quick, diverse, Roxburgh Andy and commented, “they As were well-balanced, adaptable, trophy. started debutants the with who dark-horse home went Qatar as tournament for the course, and UAE of the balanced, self-questioning, especially, in the show for on healthy praise teams of well-equipped lack the no was all there from Apart top-level ‘gameappreciation’ bedeveloped?” more “do defenders lead to better defending?”; play?”; or “how can transition at enough good we on reflect questions to such as “is there a lack of strikers?”; participants “are the challenged which provided the basis for a session at the Conference the final tournament. A selection of their comments at team technical AFC’s by observations featuring 2019, Cup Asian AFC the Technicalon the Report in appears – more lot a and – information this All itoria The ignterie AFC ents ISSUE 3•JUNE2019 A roects F presented withinthedocument. with each team’s key features arealso along statistics, performance and profiles various statistical analyses. Individual team strategies deployed byAsia’s bestthrough AFC Technical Study Group examines the Technical Report. Withinthepublication, the recently published AFCAsianCup UAE 2019 side’s momentousachievement inthe elix Sanchezshareshisthoughts onhis oaches orner ISSUE 3 • JUNE 2019

CONTENTS itoria The ig nterie AFC ents A roects oaches orner COACHING FOR FUTURE SUCCESS

fter Spain had won the FIFA World Cup in 2010, Vicente del Bosque commented “Our youth Afootball has become very well structured and the education of our coaches has been fundamental to our success”. When Germany took the baton in 2014, Joachim Löw remarked “Coach education has to be well structured, multi-layered and constantly adapted to the evolutions of the game. UEFA realised this many years ago with the introduction of their Coaching Convention”. Didier Deschamps, who led France to the world title in 2018, insists “Coaching is a profession. It’s something you have to learn. So the training process is vitally important”. The comments by the last three world champions bear testimony to the value of competent coach education in the construction of platforms for success.

Del Bosque’s appraisal of the elements that had brought success to the Spanish national team after decades of drought included another pertinent remark. “In the past,” he reflected, “we went to see AFC countries in search of inspiration and ingredients for educators, more than anybody, need to be totally up-to- what coaches were doing in places like the old success? date in their approach to the job. After all, it’s pointless to

AFC EVENTS AFC Yugoslavia, Russia, France or Italy. But now, due to train coaches for a game that existed 20 years ago”. better coach education in Spain, people come to That question might easily have been posed to the participants us, with coaches like Pep Guardiola, Rafa Benítez from 45 member associations who recently convened in On the pitch, symptoms of that evolution are levels and others bringing attention to the Spanish school. Kuala Lumpur for the 3rd AFC Coach Education Conference, of intensity; the physical demands in terms of speed There is no doubt that investment in the training of where one of the key issues was the requirement for coach endurance, explosive power and sustained high-speed our young players and the education of our coaches educators to keep abreast, if not ahead of a game which is running; the technique required to deal with intense were keys to our success.” Is it far-fetched to imagine evolving rapidly. As AFC technical director Andy Roxburgh pressure on the ball; the capacity to negotiate 90 minutes coaches, in a not-too-distant future, trooping to maintained during his keynote presentation, “coach or more of fast transitional play and turnovers; and the ISSUE 3 • JUNE 2019

CONTENTS itoria The ig nterie AFC ents A roects oaches orner

levels of the game from grassroots through elite youth to education courses are to inspire the technicians of the professional – a process which, at the same time, protects future. players (and the game of football) from the potentially damaging influence of incompetent, unqualified coaches. But the launching pad for inspiration is a meticulously Good educators also help the specialised areas of the designed coach education course. The blueprint starts The amount of high-speed profession (goalkeeping, futsal, youth development…) with a manageable group of students in terms of numbers running is a distinguishing within the general aim of encouraging individuals to so that the educational process can be fully interactive. maximise their potential. For the coach educator, a job Practical elements should not be overshadowed by factor between top-class well done may be instrumental in developing a footballing theory; and courses need to focus on reality-based footballers and those of a culture and a style of play most appropriate to his or problem-solving. And, importantly, the curriculum should her environment. During the Conference, Lars Isecke, face the pitch rather than focus on assessments. As lower level. coach instructor at the China PR football association, legendary Belgian coach Guy Thys remarked “the match stressed the importance of not regarding ‘uniformity’ still remains the ultimate examination”. as a goal within the coaching community. “To be good coach educators,” he insisted, “you must understand The programme for the three-day Conference addressed cultural differences and factor them into the educational issues such as the coaching implications derived from the process.” This is among the key elements in creating the AFC Asian Cup. It was not, however, exclusively about positive learning environment which is essential if coach listening. In fact it adhered to the blueprint for successful

awareness – plus speed of thought, decision-making and action – required by limitations on space and more sophisticated tactics. “These days,” states leading sports scientist and former member of the Juventus coaching staff Jens Bangsbo, “the amount of high-speed running is a distinguishing factor between top-class footballers and those of a lower level.” Bert van Marwijk, who has coached the national teams of Saudi Arabia, Australia and, currently, the UAE, insists “it is all about space: small spaces in the opponents’ area and a lot of space behind you”. The bottom line is that coaches need to be equipped to help players find solutions to the challenges posed by the modern game. AFC EVENTS AFC

‘Making the Difference’ was the core theme of the Conference – and the question posed to the participants was exactly how coach educators can make a difference. The most concise answer was that preparing better coaches promotes the development of better players and better teams. ‘Preparing better coaches’ is relevant to all ISSUE 3 • JUNE 2019

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The role of the coach educators is to inspire, protect, tutor and prepare student coaches for the reality which will confront them. Andy Roxburgh

Raising the bar in standards of coach education plays a crucial role in the further development of football in Asia and marches hand-in-hand with the AFC Coaching Convention, which sets out and guidelines for the education of the coaches of the future. The eighth meeting of the AFC Coach Education Panel on the day before the Conference kicked-off served to illustrate the growing momentum of the Convention. Japan, at ‘Pro’ level, and the Philippines, at ‘A’ level, had been the front-runners along the pathway to Convention membership but the minutes from the Panel meeting reveal that no fewer courses in that it was fully interactive via forum sessions, discussion groups and interviews. As Anthony Frost, than 33 member associations have now applied to join. Football Federation Australia’s Coach Education Director, put it “participants will benefit from an event that focused on educating the coaches of the future. It was a great opportunity to share ideas and it was a positive At the meeting, the Coach Education Panel passed on six AFC EVENTS AFC step from the AFC. We are excited to come to these events to gain more knowledge.” “At a Conference like this,” approvals for official ratification – one of them provisional, Lars Isecke added, “you talk to a lot of people who understand football, which means we can exchange and share pending amendments to the content of coach education knowledge. This can be extremely beneficial because you can learn so many new things, no matter how big or courses, while Panel members were assigned to initiate the small the footballing countries might be.” evaluation processes related to 25 new applications which reflect not only the fast growth of the Convention itself but As Andy Roxburgh summarised, “the role of the coach educators is to inspire, protect, tutor and prepare student also the firm commitment by AFC and its member associations coaches for the reality which will confront them.” to upgrade standards of coach education. AFC PROECTS CONTENTS A that further develop grassroots football in line with the the criteria setout intheAFCGrassroots Charter. with line in football grassroots develop further that their develop to grassroots associations programmes and to support work and projects member encourage to organisers. AFC for tool a and as serves Charter the aim, Tothis achieve volunteers leaders, coaches, players, among participation and interest of levels the increase to is Charter Grassroots the of purpose primary the and game the of foundation the is football grassroots that is standpoint declared AFC’s associations. member 15 to the grassroots of programme, with six new members increasing its breadth momentum the reflected itself Panel The April. in meeting seventh its held Panel Grassroots AFC the when mood the definitely was This laurels. on The initial success, however, offers no excuses for resting the turnofyear. membership of the Charter bronze-level has also been endorsed whose since Thailand, and Laos of the associations for said be could same the Much 2022. to right through growth further stimulating at aimed plan strategic three-year a and programmes; social of range a women; U-12 to U-19 age bracket; grassroots projects for girls and was membership the based Bronze on the on association’s commitment to leagues for for the No15 Acceptance became teamsheet. Myanmar AFC the Charter, of Grassroots members as endorsed were associations member three first the after year a Barely pace. steady a GRASSROOTS NOURISHING THE AFC Asian Cup at the peak of the footballing footballing the of maintained peak has foundations the high-profile on work the pyramid, the at Cup with Asian started AFC year the lthough itoria The ignterie to make sure that they run as smoothly and rapidly as as rapidly and smoothly possible. as run they that a processes sure make with assessment to of and along application clarification guidelines, of and streamlining further applying concepts entails Charter’s by the This work membership. grassroots request was for their to members associations for Panel member endorsement the more for encourage objective to clear the So A ents ISSUE 3•JUNE2019 AFC oets edition ofthe AFC SpecialGrassroots Awards. year,the in second later the and, Day Football Grassroots AFC the feature also 2019 for plans grassroots AFC The membership. Gold with table the of and head the at Australia PR China Singapore, with Jordan forming a trio of Silver members and Japan joining ten, to members level The endorsement of Myanmar brought the total of Bronze oaches orner AFC PROECTS CONTENTS W The concept echoes the principles of the Grassroots Grassroots member associations in their the efforts to further develop their of principles Charter in that the the aim is to support and offer recognition to echoes concept The to invited being study indepth. are associations member that Scheme CELEBRATING THE SCHEME ELITE YOUTH AFC n nw mr ue-redy F Eie Youth Elite AFC user-friendly more new, a on speed, there has been intensive work in progress up picking been has Charter Grassroots the hile itoria The ignterie full membership entails AFC recognition of at least one one least at of recognition AFC entails membership for full Ratification youth academy. the is of which one field, areas of core activity in the specialised youth development eleven on focus Scheme the in enrolment for criteria The AFC headquartersinKuala Lumpur inMarch. Youth at AFC Panel the of meeting 7th the for agenda the criteria established the by AFC. Work with on this project harmonise dominated that ways in programmes youth elite A ents ISSUE 3•JUNE2019 AFC oets time-span oftwo years. a within associations) 24 words, other (in mark halfway the past endorsements pushing of aim the with associations member to distributed being are YouthScheme Elite AFC The documentationandincentives relatedtothenew-look provisional are met. though level, criteria ten remaining the if national granted be may endorsement or club at academy oaches orner AFC PROECTS CONTENTS O eosrt te rges hy have to they made. levels progress bronze the and demonstrate evaluated silver gold, is at programme MAs’ grassroots The activities. their and grassroots programmes in implementing of task Associations) core Member the supports Grassroots tool, endorsement Charter,an AFC’s of introduction The each in interest aspect ofthegame. greater by and stimulating levels all at sport engagement participation and increasing top by Asia the in on as position football’s Vision and Mission was to maintain to was Mission and Vision AFC’s of elements three the of ne itoria The ignterie CATEGORIES AFC GRASSROOTSCHARTER FOOTBALL FEDERATION AUSTRALIA LIMITED BHUTAN FOOTBALL MACAU FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION FEDERATION GOLD A ents FOOTBALL JAPAN FOOTBALL GUAM FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA

ASSOCIATION ISSUE 3•JUNE2019

AFC oets THE HONGKONG FOOTBALL MYANMAR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION LTD. BRONZE FEDERATION CHINESE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

ASSOCIATION OFTHAILAND oaches orner LAO FOOTBALL THE FOOTBALL FEDERATION JORDAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION SILVER LEBANESE FOOTBALL VIETNAM FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION FEDERATION FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF

SINGAPORE ISSUE 3 • JUNE 2019

CONTENTS itoria The ig nterie A ents AFC oets oaches orner SUN WEN PLAYS KEY ROLE AT FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP FRANCE 2019

ction at the FIFA Women’s World Cup France A2019 got underway on June 7 when host nation France overcame Korea Republic 4-0 in Paris. China PR legend Sun Wen is in France as a member of FIFA’s Technical Study Group (TSG). The world governing body has assembled a select group of experts for its TSG, whose analysis of the 52 matches will comprise a detailed breakdown of the action on the pitch and the identification of potential trends for inclusion in the technical report that will be distributed after the competition. France’s Elisabeth Loisel and Clémentine Toure from the “I think this is going to be the fastest Women’s World An icon of women’s football, Sun was named FIFA Côte d’Ivoire. Cup ever if you consider how transitions from defence to Women’s Player of the Century alongside former attack, or from in possession to out of possession, will be United States star . Whilst representing The TSG experts are being supported by FIFA TSG Deputy executed from a technical and tactical point of view,” said the Chinese women’s national team, she made it to Project Leader Patricia Gonzalez, FIFA Goalkeeping Specialist TSG head Heinrichs, ahead of the tournament. the final of both the 1996 Women’s Olympic Football Pascal Zuberbuhler, FIFA TSG Coordinator and former Swiss Tournament and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in women’s national team captain Prisca Steinegger, and FIFA “We can expect to see plenty of adjustments, and in the

AFC PROECTS AFC 1999 – where she landed the Golden Ball and Golden Performance & Game Analyst Chris Loxston. end I believe that tactical decision-making will be very Boot awards. important. The teams will be taking the initiative, playing Japan, Australia, Korea Republic, China PR and Thailand are proactive football, and trying to win and score as many Sun is casting her experienced eye over proceedings representing Asia at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, a goals as possible,” she added. alongside fellow TSG members April Heinrichs tournament which many believe will, in terms of pace, be the from the United States, Germany’s Nadine Kessler, fastest ever. All eyes will be on Lyon on the 7th July where the tournament culminates with the final. ISSUE 3 • JUNE 2019

CONTENTS itoria The ig nterie A ents A roects Coahes Cone

KEY DATES

JUNE/JULY ‘19 SEPTEMBER ‘19

9th AFC Coach FIFA Women’s World 4th AFC Elite Club Education Panel Goalkeeping AFC U16 Women’s Fitness Cup France 2019 Coaches Forum Meeting Tutors Course Championship 2019 Tutors Course France , China PR Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Thailand Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

OCTOBER ‘19 OCT/NOV ‘19 NOVEMBER ‘19

11 November ’19 12 - 14 November ’19 18 November ’19 19 - 21 November ’19

FIFA U17 World Cup AFC U19 Women’s 8th AFC Youth 3rd AFC Youth 8th AFC Grassroots 2nd AFC Women’s Peru 2019 Championship 2019 Panel Meeting Conference Panel Meeting Football Conference Peru Thailand Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia COACHES CORNER COACHES ISSUE 3 • JUNE 2019

CONTENTS itoria The ig nterie A ents A roects oaches orner AFC TECHNICAL REPORTS

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE AFC CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 TECHNICAL REPORT CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2018 TECHNICAL REPORT

ALL AFC TECHNICAL REPORTS CAN BE VIEWED AT: http://www.the-afc.com/downloads#technical-reports ISSUE 3 • JUNE 2019

CONTENTS itoria The ig nterie A ents A roects oaches orner

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

EDITORIAL PRODUCTION TEAM DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHY Andy Roxburgh Helen Summers Nadia Jamil Agence France-Presse Graham Turner Khalid Idris Benjamin Lam Asian Football Confederation Colin Gibson Adam Aidil Padali Vijesh Rai