The Technician N°42•E 15.4.2009 15:18 Page 1

Editorial: The Trials and Tribulations of the Technical Area

Interview: Sir Alex Ferguson

Referee Education

A Night at the Nou Camp

From Eight to Twelve

The Year in Words

NEWSLETTER FOR COACHES N O 42 MAY 2009 The Technician N°42•E 15.4.2009 15:18 Page 2

IMPRESSUM

EDITORIAL GROUP Andy Roxburgh Graham Turner

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

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Hélène Fors

COVER The Netherlands’ coach, Bert van Marwijk, gives instructions from the technical zone during a World Cup qualifier. The Netherlands have won their first five matches and are ideally placed to qualify for the final tournament in South Africa. (Photo: Getty Images)

Germany’s coach, Joachim Löw, congratulates Marcell Jansen as he crosses the technical zone on leaving the pitch. Witters Sport-Presse-Fotos Witters

2 The Technician N°42•E 15.4.2009 15:18 Page 3 THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF THE TECHNICAL AREA

EDITORIAL coaches, or other occupants of the techni- Zinédine Zidane, thus nullifying the cal area, the board agreed that, provided Juventus playmaker and creating the con- BY ANDY ROXBURGH, they behave in a responsible manner, one ditions for his team’s ultimate success. Two good examples of decisive decisions UEFA TECHNICAL DIRECTOR person will be permitted to remain in the technical area and no longer be required communicated from the technical area. to return to their position on the bench after conveying tactical instructions.” By altering the text relating to the techni- cal area, the IFAB has taken a common It has taken a long time but, finally, The coach’s desire to work freely in sense approach and shown respect for coaches have the use of a technical area the technical area was finally recognised technicians and the role that they play and the authority to work freely within and accepted. But with freedom comes in today’s football. It has been a lengthy, that defined zone. In the United Kingdom, responsibility. The new directive is not sometimes painful, process for the during the black-and-white days of the a mandate for technical-area mayhem, coach’s job and working conditions on 1920s, Aberdeen FC created a pitch side and coaches who lose control will still face the touchline to be acknowledged and dugout (i.e. a trainers’ bench) – an early the consequences. However, those who recognised in a tangible way. The tech- attempt to let the coach communicate impersonate a jack-in-the-box or park nical area, when used properly, adds directly with his players during the game. themselves at the front of the area will an important, positive dimension to the But for decades, in the big stadiums, have no problem as long as they do not game. We have come a long way since it was a case of the boss being seated become abusive and provocative. When the introduction of the trainers’ bench and out of earshot. Martin O’Neill of Aston Villa FC jumps at Aberdeen FC – let’s hope that the up and down, it is a manifestation of his coach’s new-found freedom will reduce Fast forward to the late 1980s and, in boundless energy and enthusiasm. When conflict and increase professional com- some tournaments, a gentleman’s agree- FC Internazionale Milano’s José Mourinho posure on the touchline. Fundamentally, ment came into play which allowed the stands in splendid isolation, like the con- football is a game for players. But coach to stand beside the bench, à la ductor of an orchestra, as he did in dra- coaches can make a significant contribu- Beckenbauer. But sometimes this was a matic fashion during the recent UEFA tion to individual and team success – recipe for conflict between the coach Champions League match at Old Trafford, at the training ground, in the dressing and letter-of-the-law officials, because the he offends no one. And when Italy’s room, and from the technical area. arrangement was open to individual Marcello Lippi strikes a Hollywood pose interpretation. The International FA Board (the late Paul Newman comes to mind), (IFAB) finally brought order to the situa- he simply adds a touch of class to the tion by introducing the technical area proceedings. The coach’s style and the in 1994, but the trials and tribulations effect of his instructions are part of the were not over. game, but if technicians undermine the authority of the referee and his assistants An issue of contention remained. Accord- they damage football’s image and run ing to the Laws of the Game, the coach the risk of expulsion. had to return to the bench after giving touchline instructions. A moment of pause The technical area is the domain of while the coach tried to analyse the flow the coach, a place where he can plan of the game often resulted in the fourth his next move, relate to his staff, and official breaking into policeman mode, communicate with the substitutes who resulting in antagonism. The disturbing, can influence the match outcome. image-damaging incident at EURO 2008, What a coach does from this place of when Austria’s Josef Hickersberger and influence can make a difference. Think Germany’s Joachim Löw were both dis- of Sir Alex Ferguson’s intervention during missed from the bench following an alter- the second half of last season’s UEFA cation with the fourth official magnified Champions League final in Moscow, when the problem. Without debating the rights he changed Manchester United FC’s and wrongs of that particular case, it was shape to mirror Chelsea FC’s 4-3-3 and, clear that something had to be done to in doing so, altered the momentum of minimise the agitation. the match. It was a move which ultimately led to victory for United (albeit following The IFAB, at its 123rd annual general a penalty shootout). Or recall the 1997 meeting in February of this year, decided UEFA Champions League final when BV it was time to remove the contentious Borussia Dortmund’s Ottmar Hitzfeld

part of the text. The board’s press release made the decision, after only 15 minutes, Wire/PA Photos PA spelled it out: “In order to avoid unneces- to switch midfielder Paul Lambert into Fabio Capello in expressive mode sary conflicts between fourth officials and a man-for-man marking role against in the technical zone.

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A triumphant procession INTERVIEW through Aberdeen after the Scottish BY ANDY ROXBURGH, side’s victory over Real Madrid in the final of the 1983 European UEFA TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Cup Winners’ Cup. SMG/PA Photos SMG/PA

JUST OVER 30 YEARS AGO, ALEX FERGUSON BECAME HEAD COACH OF ABERDEEN FC IN SCOTLAND AND, SOON AFTER HIS APPOINTMENT, APPEARED ON TV DECLARING HIS INTENTION TO WIN A EUROPEAN TROPHY WITH ABERDEEN FC AND ANY SUBSEQUENT CLUB HE MIGHT JOIN. HE SET A TARGET AND HAS HIT THE BULL’S EYE FOUR TIMES (SO FAR) – ONCE WITH ABERDEEN FC AND THREE TIMES WITH MANCHESTER UNITED FC. THE UEFA CUP WINNERS’ CUP WAS WON IN 1983 WHEN THE DONS BEAT REAL MADRID CF IN THE FINAL. EIGHT YEARS LATER, ALEX’S RED DEVILS’ OVERCAME FC BARCELONA IN THE SAME COMPETITION. HE WENT ON TO WIN THE UEFA SUPER CUP ON BOTH OCCASIONS, JUST FOR GOOD MEASURE. THEN THE ULTIMATE PRIZE: THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WAS WON IN 1999 (V FC BAYERN MÜNCHEN) AND AGAIN IN 2008 (V CHELSEA FC). THE EUROPEAN/SOUTH AMERICAN CUP – THE INTERCONTINENTAL CUP TO MANY FANS – AND THE FIFA WORLD CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP WERE ADDED TO THE COLLECTION IN 1999 AND 2008. ALEX FERGUSON’S RECORD IN DOMESTIC FOOTBALL IS REMARKABLE (10 PREMIER LEAGUE TITLES, 3 SCOTTISH LEAGUE TITLES, AND 21 CUP TRIUMPHS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE BORDER), BUT IT IS HIS SUCCESS IN EUROPE THAT PROVIDES THE ICING ON THE CAKE. UEFA COACH OF THE YEAR IN 1999 AND THE CURRENT HONORARY LEADER OF UEFA’S COACHES CIRCLE, HE IS AN ICON OF EUROPEAN CLUB FOOTBALL, A SUPERSTAR OF THE TECHNICAL AREA. HE IS… SIR ALEX FERGUSON 1 • It is over 25 years since you football club. Also, at Manchester first won a European trophy, how United FC and Aberdeen FC we have have the ingredients for success always had a great team spirit. You changed in that time? don’t get perfection, and today with an Well, they have certainly changed in increase in the number of egotistical terms of the back-up required, particu- players making it more demanding, larly in the area of sports science. Med- it can be difficult for many managers. ical information, nutrition and prepara- The intrusion of agents and player tion of players for top-level games have representatives means that some reached another level. What has not players don’t have the same personal altered, in our case, is the insistence responsibility as their counterparts of that players train to a high standard – 20 or 30 years ago. For example, back we have always aimed for 100% quality. then they all booked their own holi- I have never changed that approach days, today this is not always the case. because, in my opinion, what we do One big change, of course, is the on the training pitch transfers to the increase in the number of major stars matchday. We never allow lazy training required to compete at the top level. sessions. For me, the training is an We now have 18 nationalities in our opportunity for players to express them- club and this is a development that selves as professionals. Players who I could not have predicted when don’t commit themselves at training PA Archive/PA Photos I started out in management. We have can have a negative impact on the Sir Alex Ferguson with the reached a situation where I have two UEFA Champions League trophy others and things then deteriorate into won by Manchester United in 2008. full-time scouts in Brazil, one in Argen- a shambles – then you are not a real tina, others in Germany, France, etc.

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SIR ALEX FERGUSON’S FIRST UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TROPHY, AFTER MANCHESTER UNITED BEAT BAYERN MÜNCHEN IN BARCELONA IN 1999. Empics Sport/PA Photos

vates them above everyone else – this is apart from their outstanding ability. But as we were saying earlier, one of the biggest changes in the game in recent years is the increase in the speed of transition. A lot of counter- attacking is different today, unlike the old classic Italian style of the 1960s when the ball was played long to an individual attacker that might get a 1v1 in a big space. Now players flood forward from midfield and from full- back positions, making it four or five supporting the fast break. This group counter-attacking has definitely been a big change in the game.

3 • What does it take to be a top player in European football today? There are some players, such as Kaká, Messi and Ronaldo who are innately gifted. But this is not enough, and there is a practice element which becomes very important. If you watch Cristiano Ronaldo, he practises after every squad Sir Alex Ferguson and training session, and quite a few others the legendary Sir Matt Busby do the same. As a coach, we dedicate after United’s victory parts of the training to improving touch, in the 1991 European movement, passing and speed of Cup Winners’ Cup final. play, but the special quality, the detail, depends on the player being willing to sacrifice himself after training – this is a hallmark of the great players. If the big

Empics Sport/PA Photos talents only rely on their natural ability, they won’t have that extra edge. They must do something extra on their own. I have people all over the place, and you are able to examine your oppo- this is an indication of how powerful nents more thoroughly. We can get the 4 • How would you compare the Premier League has become and running times and stats on every player the UEFA Champions League with how we have developed as a football we play against. This is phenomenal the European Championship club. For us it is a global business. information for any coach – we explore or World Cup? This has been good for me, because every detail and can analyse everything Some of the World Cup final tourna- I’m dealing with different cultures and we need to know. This has had an im- ments, and even one or two of the I find that very interesting from a ma- pact on tactical operations. But the one EUROs, have been a little disappointing. nagement point of view. It is simply thing that never changes is your hope The last great World Cup was in 1986 not possible to be parochial any more. that you can find a Cristiano Ronaldo in Mexico when Argentina beat Ger- or a Lionel Messi – players who can many 3-2 in the final. There has not 2 • From a tactical point of view, change the game with their solo ac- been anything to compare since then. what are the main developments tions and counter the tactical impact Yes, some will say that today it is much you have seen in the UEFA of all the coaches. Trying to stop players harder to play against most national Champions League during the like Messi is quite a challenge, because teams – and that general standards last ten years? there are always moments in the game have improved. But then when you look The speed of the transitional play is when he drives at you with the ball at the UEFA Champions League and see definitely quicker now. In addition, the and you say: “Oh no, here we go again.” the quality – many of the games have coaching qualities have improved, and All the great players, like Lionel Messi, been absolutely fantastic. We are talking through sports science and technology have an element of courage that ele- about real top games. Our match with

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SIR ALEX FERGUSON GIVES

PA Wire/PAPA Photos INSTRUCTIONS TO WAYNE ROONEY.

Chelsea FC was one of the most com- to beat when it comes to consistency, away on Tuesday in the UEFA Champi- petitive UEFA Champions League finals quality and drama. The World Cup, ons League, you only have the Monday in recent years. Of course, we happily of course, is every four years, and big session at the opponent’s ground and forget one or two of the finals 20 years changes always take place with the you don’t know who is watching you. ago when the games were negative departure of many players and coaches It is hard to overcome that problem. and finished with a penalty shootout and continuity then suffers. after a cautious 0-0. But think of the 6 • Do you change your match Liverpool FC v AC Milan 3-3 game – 5 • What are the main difficulties preparations for European nights? what kind of drama was that? Or that a club faces by being involved We don’t do any serious tactical work, Manchester United FC v FC Bayern in European competition? as I said, due to time and venue München with two goals in injury time The main difficulty is the preparation. constraints. It is more about recovery to win the trophy. There are many good Because we are involved in such an and talking them into the game. games at the World Cup, but in general intense domestic league, with constant We always stick to UK time, no matter the quality in the big UEFA Champions demands and fixture congestion, we where we go. The day of the game League games is, in my view, higher. have limited amounts of time to pre- is a bit elongated and the time differ- But then I have only been to two World pare for the UEFA Champions League ence doesn’t help. So we get the Cup final matches. Firstly, in 1998 when matches. However, there are no real players up at around 10am and do France demolished Brazil when all the handicaps. For example, I think the a mobility session, often using fun and talk was about the problems surround- refereeing standards have improved – music. Then there is the video analysis ing Ronaldo and the impact they had there is a better respect between the before lunch. Only then do I pick the on Zagallo’s team. However, I must say referees and the players. The organisa- team for that night’s match. that I found the last final, France v Italy, tion is very good and there is rarely engrossing from a tactical point of view. an issue in this aspect. The only thing 7 • Are you happy with the It was a match of high intensity, and that sometimes concerns me is in the away-goals rule? the decision by Marcello Lippi in the stadium when we train the night before I don’t think we worry about this as second half to go to three midfield play- the match, because there are too many much as we did 20 years ago. Because ers was decisive because it stabilised people around and you can’t do much of the speed and effectiveness of Italy at a time when France was begin- serious work. The TV cameras go after counterattacking, it is not such a disad- ning to overrun them. In answer to 15 minutes but you still can’t guarantee vantage to play away from home as it the initial question, I think that, overall, privacy. When you play on Saturday, once was. I don’t worry too much about the UEFA Champions League is hard rest Sunday and are scheduled to play this, but the away goal is, of course, nice to have. Make no mistake, it is an advantage to have it when you are away from home, but it is not a weight round my neck because the rule is there. I don’t think it needs to be changed, because that little incentive does stop teams parking around their own penalty box throughout an away match.

8 • In recent years in the UEFA Champions League, there Alan Smith scores has been a drop in number of goals from free kicks – is that Manchester United’s chance or are there reasons? second goal in their The only reason I can think of is lack high-scoring win against of practice. As I have already indicated, AS Roma in the 2006/07 Cristiano Ronaldo practises free kicks UEFA Champions League. constantly and the evidence is there because he nearly always hits the tar- get. People talk about the ball moving a lot but it has done that for the past two decades, so I don’t think the ball is a major factor. The distance between the wall and the ball is not to blame

PA Archive/PAPA Photos because the referees are generally

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SIR ALEX FERGUSON AND MARCELLO LIPPI. Ellis/AFP/Getty Images

the history of the clubs, and that was a good example. You don’t forget those wonderful, special nights.

11 • What are the best and the worst aspects of coaching in European competitions? The best, without question, is being on the big stage with all the great coaches in Europe, such as Marcello Lippi, Ottmar Hitzfeld, Carlo Ancelotti – strangely I never came up against Fabio Capello. I remember being in Turin and Signor Lippi was on the bench – wearing a black leather coat and smoking a small Paolo Maldini, one cigar, smooth and calm, while I was of Sir Alex Ferguson’s a worker in a tracksuit being drowned favourite opponents. in the pouring rain – not much differ- ence! To match yourself against the top coaches and to compete in all the great European stadiums is really marvellous. That is the magic of Euro- pean football – the UEFA Champions League has provided me with the oppor-

UEFA/Bozzani tunity to realise my boyhood dreams. Surprisingly AFC Ajax is the only big gun doing their job. No, for me, it has more current format is the best arrangement that I have never faced in Europe. to do with practice and chance. for this contest among elite club sides. The worst part is the exhausting media work after the game – as many as six 9 • What are the biggest differences 10 • Which match would you describe TV interviews plus a big press confer- between the domestic game as your “best ever“ in Europe? ence. We are still working long after the and the UEFA Champions League? Without a doubt, the 7-1 victory over AS players have washed and dressed. The difference in the preparation Roma at Old Trafford in the quarter-final and the atmosphere in the stadiums of the 2006/07 UEFA Champions 12 • Since the start of the are the two main factors. Just think of League was the best – it was a record UEFA Champions League, which the crowds at Old Trafford, the Nou score for the UEFA Champions League two or three opposition players Camp, San Siro or the Bernabeu on a quarter-finals. We went into that game have impressed you most? UEFA Champions League night and you against a top Italian side that had When I think of the current generation, will know what I am talking about. We beaten us 2-1 in the first leg. Our first- Lionel Messi is top-level and, although had 84,000 in Milan on our last visit half performance in front of our own he has never really taken my breath and the atmosphere was electric – you supporters was out of this world, and away, Kaká has impressed. Zinédine get a tingle on such nights. It is also Luciano Spalletti’s team were shell- Zidane was brilliant but, without a doubt, to do with the floodlights, the occasion, shocked because our quick, one-touch Paolo Maldini has been my favourite and the special competition between play was exceptionally good. Some opposition player during my time as football cultures. The Premier League of our goals were brilliant, in particular a Champions League coach – he has a is fantastic and very competitive, but the fluid, one-touch play leading to wonderful presence, competitive spirit, some of the games can be less than the strike by Alan Smith. That game athleticism, and although not the world’s thrilling. In the UEFA Champions League certainly stands out. As does the 3-3 greatest technically, he has influenced most matches are exciting, dramatic draw away to FC Barcelona which could all the AC Milan teams during his and top-level. It is a Champions League, have ended up 20-20 the way both wonderfully successful era – a truly not just a cup competition, and the teams attacked. Some games reflect marvellous player.

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HUGH DALLAS AT THE UEFA REFEREE COURSE IN

Sportsfile MALAGA IN FEBRUARY. REFEREE EDUCATION HOW MUCH DO MATCH OFFICIALS KNOW ABOUT COACH EDUCATION? AND HOW MUCH DO THE TECHNICIANS KNOW ABOUT THE EDUCATION OF MATCH OFFICIALS?

Relationships between the two form one of the game’s perennial talking or sporting preferences. “This is of points. And it’s an issue that UEFA has been – and is – addressing. There has much greater value to both parties,” been a proactive approach to encouraging contacts and interaction. For example, Hugh Dallas remarks, “because former international referee Hugh Dallas, now a member of UEFA’s Referees UEFA needs to get to know them and Committee, was invited to attend the post-EURO 2008 they want to get to know UEFA.” National Team Coaches Conference. And he took that experience to two refereeing events “We also paid attention to psycho- recently staged in Málaga and Cannes. logical factors,” he adds. “It’s essential to be prepared to cope with pres- The former was the annual event at which sure, disappointment, criticism and an educational course for new international analysis by other people – and self- referees is dovetailed with the re-education of analysis as well.” The comments top officials at the Advanced Course for Elite and might equally be applied to a coach Premier Referees. “They are different educational education course… events,” Hugh Dallas comments, “because we know the top referees inside out while the Further similarities were highlighted newcomers are the ones who really need when UEFA’s technical director, Andy our assistance in making the big leap from Roxburgh, conducted a session where domestic to international football.” the core issue was the importance of leadership qualities. “This was fas- The parallels with coach education start cinating and of great value,” Hugh with the belief that the aim is not to myopi- Dallas commented afterwards. “He cally focus on tests and examinations but made us realise how much referees to develop good technicians and referees. can learn from experienced coaches. For example, fitness assessments are now We acknowledge that it’s difficult for based on a series of six 40-metre runs in active coaches to dedicate time to a maximum time of 6.2 seconds plus a us, but we can benefit a huge amount minimum of 20 high-tempo 150-metre runs from greater contact with those who, in 30 seconds, with a 50-metre, 35-second at some point in time, are not working recovery time between runs. In other words, at the coal face, as we say. It doesn’t tests are geared much more closely to match take a genius to point out that coaching conditions than the long-distance runs of and refereeing are different. For exam- Hugh Dallas in yesteryear and complaints that “he couldn’t ple, we can’t sign referees – we have action when he keep up with play” have been consigned to develop them! But there are certainly refereed in the to the history books. The same applies to points in common.” Scottish Premier knowledge of English. The new interna- League. tional referees didn’t sit down in Málaga Coaches and referees play roles in to do a written exam. Assessments were an intensely competitive sport which is based on much more helpful dialogue subject to exhaustive public scrutiny. focusing on areas such as family life, They have to be equipped to deal with

Empics Sport/PA Photos business interests, training schedules crises, stress and big egos. They have

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HUGH DALLAS AT UEFA’S NATIONAL COACHES CONFERENCE

IN VIENNA LAST SEPTEMBER. Sportsfile

adjusting positioning and making sure the players are aware of your presence in the box. Sometimes it’s a question of being courageous. And we have evidence of referees becoming more courageous in this sort of situation.”

It was also stressed that courage and leadership qualities needed to be applied to protecting the image of the game – an area where respect is the key word and where cooperation with coaches is more than relevant. “We looked at cases of dissent, confronta- tion and ongoing feuds between play- ers which can often be more easily spotted by the assistants than by the

Sportsfile referee, as they tend to go on behind Giving explanations to the French Under-17s at the final round of their his back,” Hugh Dallas explains. “Again, 2007/08 European championship. man-management skills are important. The coach has to manage the dressing to be prepared to take risks and big On the agenda in Málaga was ‘top- room; we have to manage the game.” decisions. In other words, knowledge quality player management’ – an item and talent may be important, but which is by no means alien to coach Hugh is currently relishing his educa- they are not necessarily enough. Per- education courses. It could even tional role as a member of the UEFA sonality counts – especially in an be argued that it is a more powerful Referees Committee. But the ‘educator’ era where the leader’s position and weapon in the refereeing armoury. on site at matches is the referee ob- decisions are readily challenged. The coach will frequently refrain from server – and there has been activity debriefing his players immediately after on this front in recent months. “We The referee, like the technician, cap- a match when adrenalin is still pump- don’t want the observer to be a passive tains a team. The latter leads his back- ing. The referee, on the other hand, presence, just marking the referee. room staff, the former his assistants is obliged to deal with the players while We want the observer to be proactive and a fourth official. Performances are their pulse rates are hitting the ceiling. with regard to the uniform interpreta- assessed – by a referee observer or Authority, character, credibility, energy tion of the laws – and we want the by a president or board of directors sat and the various types of control there- observers themselves to have uniform in the main stand. Responsibility has fore take on paramount importance. criteria in the messages they transmit to be assumed. Every member of the Anybody who thinks that knowledge to the referees on site and to take team needs to have clearly defined of the Laws of the Game is the be-all uniform criteria into their national asso- obligations and areas of accountability and end-all for a top referee is as ciations and make sure they go right have to be established. Communica- naïve as the person who thinks that down to the grassroots game. That’s tion is a key element. Clear messages the ability to kick a ball is enough for why we got the observers together for must be transmitted. The referee, a player who takes a penalty in a UEFA a special course in Cannes and, just like the coach, needs to sense the Champions League final shootout. prior to that, I was at a course in Man- right moments for praise, criticism or chester for ten new observers.” silence. But he needs to create a mood In Málaga, in consequence, special of confidence and optimism, and he attention was paid to the big decisions. While the meeting in Cannes was in has to motivate by setting attainable “If you’re aiming at the top,” said Hugh progress, UEFA’s Executive Committee targets. Team spirit has to be built. Dallas, “you have to be strong and approved seven more applications courageous. This is why, in Málaga, we to join the UEFA Referee Convention, Like the coach, the referee requires had sessions devoted to vital judge- with the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Malta, ‘emotional intelligence’ based on ments in the penalty area and the cor- the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, self-awareness, self-confidence, self- rect evaluation of physical challenges. Slovakia and Sweden bringing the total motivation and self-control. “Referee- We have to prepare referees to handle number of signatories – in just three ing a match is like riding a horse,” incidents correctly and to act positively years – to 20, with a further 30 appli- says Hugh Dallas. “You need flexibility when it comes to holding and blocking cations currently being reviewed. allied to control.” in the box. Sometimes it’s a question of Referee education is on the move.

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CLAUDE PUEL, THE OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS COACH, WITH HIS PLAYERS

Lago/AFP/Getty Images ON THE PITCH AT THE NOU CAMP. A NIGHT AT THE NOU CAMP WHEN LIONEL MESSI BROKE INTO THE OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS BOX, PLAYED A WALL PASS WITH SAMUEL ETO’O AND SIDE-FOOTED INTO THE NET TO MAKE IT 3-0 FOR FC BARCELONA IN THE 40TH MINUTE, CLAUDE PUEL, DIRECTING OPERATIONS FROM THE OL BENCH, BRIEFLY LOWERED HEAD TO HANDS. WHEN ETO’O PUT THE HOME TEAM FOUR AHEAD THREE MINUTES LATER, THE HEAD STAYED THERE A BIT LONGER. WITHIN SECONDS, HOWEVER, JEAN MAKOUN THREW A LIFELINE BY HEADING HOME A CORNER.

As the teams headed for the dressing tion. Claude’s message was quite the edge of the technical area with rooms at the Nou Camp, it’s a debat- clear. In tactical terms, he reshaped his hands on hips or in pockets. During the able point whether Claude or his Barça formation, fielding anchor midfielder, second half, the temperature rose. counterpart Josep ‘Pep’ Guardiola had Jérémy Toulalan, at right-back in place Pep repeatedly gestured to his players the easier of the two team talks. It’s of François Clerc and sending on to use the width and revert to the also a rhetorical point. Let’s face it, when Mathieu Bodmer as the cutting edge combination play which had put them offered a choice between leading or of a midfield diamond. In psychological four goals ahead. Claude energetically trailing 4-1 at half-time – least of all in terms, his message was about the conveyed the belief that the mission the first knockout round of the UEFA importance of scoring a goal that might impossible was possible. In the event, Champions League – anyone expressing sow the seeds of doubt among the an added-time counter allowed Barça a preference for the latter would proba- home players and provoke the fear- sub Seydou Keita to round the keeper bly be referred for psychiatric treatment. of-losing syndrome. He wanted his and seal a 5-2 win. players to believe in their chances – The Pep talk was about sustaining the and he led by example. Claude and his The players had offered a worldwide high tempo and maintaining concentra- assistants Patrick Collot, Robert Duverne audience 90 minutes of high-tempo, and Joël Bats, thrilling football. But, for the two ‘played’ the second coaches, the match had lasted days. half with passion and commitment. After an uncharacteristically lean spell He leapt up to of two draws and two defeats, Barça punch the air when had recorded a reassuringly spectacular Juninho made it 4- 2-0 home win on the previous Satur- 2 just three min- day. For the Wednesday date with OL, utes into the sec- Pep Guardiola was keen to keep the ond half and urged players on their toes by shaking up the his team forward pre-match routine. The Tuesday training in search of a 4-3 session was moved from afternoon which would have to morning and, after the lunchtime stretched Catalan pre-match press conference and the nerves to the limit. announcement of a 22-man squad, the players went home. At seven, they Claude Puel watches his captain, Both coaches were back at the stadium to board Juninho, leave the pitch after being had made a calm the team bus and, for the first time, shown the red card. start to the game, headed for a magnificent hotel offering

Desmazes/AFP/Getty Images coaching from stunning views across the city from

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BARCELONA PLAYERS SALUTE THE CROWD AFTER QUALIFYING FOR THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

QUARTER-FINALS. Flash Press

his backroom staff to prepare the and, at the stadium, there was a 20-minute summary which highlighted final video review before the players the good and the bad from the previ- went out to salute the crowd and ous match. He put his key in the door warm-up at 20.10. at home sometime between three and four in the morning. There was a moment when Claude wondered whether his players would The squad was in for training at have time for a proper warm-up. The 11.00; Claude was there to greet them. route from the hotel to the Nou Camp The session was accompanied by ran the team bus into a traffic jam debriefings for players and staff. Then, which even the police escort couldn’t at lunchtime, the media. And, finally, get them out of. Mobiles started to a chance to draw breath. smoke and adrenalin started pumping. In the event, OL reached the stadium By 09.00 on Monday, Claude was just over an hour before kick-off. back at the training ground for a meet- ing with his backroom team and to During the day, Claude had announced go through the DVD on Barça which which 18 of the 21-man expedition would kick-start the players’ prepara- would appear on the team sheet. The tions. At lunchtime, more media activi- opposition had been analysed in words ties were followed by discussions on and images during an hour-long meet- the logistics of the trip to Barcelona ing before lunch – and the key images and preparation for the afternoon train- from the 1-1 draw in Lyon in the ing session. The squad reviewed their first leg were reviewed. Immediately performance against Lille at 15.00, before departure to the stadium, trained at 15.45 and headed for the Claude got the players together again airport at 17.30. Three hours later, to go through set plays and to under- Josep Guardiola, they were having dinner at the hotel in line the vital elements of the game coach of FC Barcelona. Barcelona and Claude was preparing plan. In the dressing room, there the match in his mind. was individual guidance and group motivation for the big game. By 10.00 on the Tuesday morning, he was gleaning information from the local The rest, as they say, is history. After press and casting a watchful eye at the the match, Pep and Claude were

Getty Images DVD of Barcelona’s Saturday match. required to deliver the (important) Lunch and dinner were pretexts to run messages in front of the TV interview the Tibidabo mountain. During the through the details with his staff and, backdrops and at the press confer- afternoon, Pep attempted to relax – but between the two meals, the team had ence. Pep, totally drained, was able found it difficult. He enjoys reading but visited the stadium for the pre-match to head home. The OL expedition “by the time I get to the second page, press conference and an intensive, left Barcelona airport at 01.15 with I’m already seeing wingers and full-backs hi-tempo training session on the pitch. Claude, mindful of Arsène Wenger’s instead of words”. Having already spent comments about the difficulties in time with his backroom staff in prepar- For Pep, one of the priorities on match- remotivating players after the trauma ing the pre-match DVDs, he used the day was to prevent the players from of UEFA Champions League elimina- afternoon to mentally prepare for team being infected by boredom. For him, tion, was already preparing for the next selection, for the tactical approach to however, there was no risk. Immediately league match at home to AJ Auxerre the game and the messages he felt he after breakfast, he was preparing the which, incidentally, was lost. needed to transmit to the players. words to match the DVD he would show the players at 11.00. Then back For the fans, it had been another For Claude Puel, the Wednesday match to the stadium for a light session of memorable night at the Nou Camp. had started in the early hours of Sunday. fun training followed by another video For the two technicians who had After a 2-0 league defeat by LOSC Lille dedicated to set plays. After lunch back previously been opponents as players at the Stade de France, the squad left at the hotel, he sat down his technical when Barça met AS Monaco in the Paris to fly back to Lyon at 00.30. On ar- staff to select images for the final 1993/94 UEFA Champions League, rival at the stadium, the players headed pre-match DVD. The team talk was the the 90 minutes of football had been home. Not Claude. He stayed up with prelude to departure from the hotel four days of hard work.

11 The Technician N°42•E 15.4.2009 15:18 Page 12

GERMANY V DENMARK

Celio/Bongarts/Getty Images AT THE ALGARVE CUP IN MARCH. FROM EIGHT TO TWELVE IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, TWO EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS WILL BE PLAYED – AND, RESULTS APART, BOTH REPRESENT A FASCINATING STEP FORWARD. WHEN THE WOMEN’S EURO 2009 KICKS OFF IN FINLAND IN AUGUST AND THE BALL STARTS ROLLING AT THE 2010 EUROPEAN FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL ROUND IN HUNGARY NEXT JANUARY, THERE’LL BE A DOZEN TEAMS ON EACH STARTING GRID, AS OPPOSED TO THE EIGHT OF THE PAST.

The transition is important. In the have been set in motion in other Spain 4-3 in a penalty shootout after men’s senior game, the EURO 2008 countries and the ‘emerging nations’ a 2-2 draw. Interestingly, the Brazilian field featured four teams who had not are offering ever more serious oppo- squad, with an average age of 30.7, was been at EURO 2004. In futsal and sition to the powers that be. the most experienced in the competi- in the women’s game, a much clearer tion and contained three players plying pecking order has been established. In the women’s game, the eight teams their trade in the Spanish professional Serious development programmes who played EURO 2005 in England league. The Italian team which defeated have qualified once again. So the ex- Russia to take the bronze medal had pansion to twelve finalists has offered no fewer than seven. This means that, opportunities for Iceland, the Nether- in Hungary, Spain will be defending lands, Russia and Ukraine to measure their European crown amid concerns themselves against the best. It has to be about the opportunities currently being said that the women’s fixture list offers given to home grown players. similar opportunities to the emerging nations via high-profile international The expansion of the final tournament tournaments like the Algarve Cup and to twelve teams offers educational ex- the Cyprus Cup. In futsal, these options perience to a wider range of technicians are fewer and farther between. – especially as some of the major pow- ers have different hands at the helm. The expansion of the final tournament José Venancio, who took control of the therefore gains in relevance. The start- Spanish futsal team just before EURO ing list for Hungary features seven of 2007, remains in charge. But Alessandro the eight teams which disputed the Nuccorini has stepped away from the European title in Porto in 2007. The Hun- Italian team after 12 years, handing over garian hosts will be among the new- to Roberto Menichelli, his assistant since comers, but chances to compete with 1999. Oleg Ivanov has parted company the best at a high-profile, televised final with the Russian team, handing over tournament will also be offered to Azer- to Sergey Skorovich who, just as José baijan, Belarus, Belgium and Slovenia. Venancio had done in 2007, combines national team duties with the post of ‘Competing with the best’ is no exag- head coach to Viz-Sinara Ekaterinburg, geration. Europe provided three semi- who defended their UEFA Futsal Cup

D. Aquilina finalists at the World Cup played in title on home soil at the end of April. Albania and Georgia meet in a Brazil at the end of last year – though It means that Portugal’s Orlando Duarte European Futsal Championship qualifier. the hosts took the title by beating and Ukraine’s Gennadiy Lysenchuk are

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VIC HERMANS, NATIONAL FUTSAL COACH

FOR THE NETHERLANDS. Keystone/ANP/Ermindo Armino

the most experienced campaigners, strategy. Higher fitness levels allow when teams are taking on theoretically along with Tomas Neumann, who teams to adopt a pressure-play approach superior opposition. led the Czech Republic into the 2007 instead of passive defence when the finals. In Hungary, eight of the dozen situation demands it. On the other The Netherlands’ national coach, Vic coaches will be gaining their first ex- hand, the counterattacking philosophy Hermans, who was in Brazil and at the perience at the finals of a European which has, traditionally, been one of final round 2007 as a member of the championship. the salient features of various national Technical Team, also expresses per- teams has been affected by faster sonal misgivings. “I find it difficult to They are relishing the opportunity. transitions from attack to defence. In accept that the futsal laws differ from Belarus coach Valeri Dosko sums up other words, futsal teams, like their the outdoor game in one special re- years of frustration by commenting: outdoor counterparts, are realising the spect,” he observes. “In futsal, a player “This is a reward for 15 years of hard importance of ‘countering the counter’. who brings down from behind an work. It was tough to finish so many Counterattacks with numerical advan- opponent who is through one-on-one times as runners-up in our qualifying tage are increasingly rare and coaches against the goalkeeper is only yellow- groups and not go to the finals.” Bel- are now having to pay increased atten- carded. Can that be right? And, in my gium’s Benny Meurs rates qualification tion to ways of achieving positional personal opinion, the sliding tackle for the European Championship final rather than numerical advantage and should be outlawed. Not only is it round an outstanding success – and coaching players to operate in various potentially dangerous but it also dis- not just in playing terms. “Qualifying is roles rather than a single one. rupts the game. If you look at incidents hugely important for futsal develop- involving the sliding tackle, you’ll see ment in Belgium and for outdoor foot- The role of the goalkeeper is also that they all too often end up with play ball as well, because our sport can be under scrutiny. Now that the Laws of coming to halt because they have to an excellent development programme,” the Game allow the keeper to play the come on with the mop to clean the he comments. “We hosted a qualifying ball directly into the opponent’s half, floor. We want futsal to carry on being mini-tournament and it was fantastic there is a tendency for opposing teams a really fast game, so we have to for our team to play in front of a crowd to drop back when the keeper is in continually look at the things which of around 2,500, many of whom had possession rather than distort their de- slow it down and try to find solutions.” never seen the sport before. A lot of fensive shape by pressuring. The keeper people said they found it exciting and therefore feels free to advance towards In other words, it seems that there’ll would come again.” the halfway line and act as a fulcrum be no shortage of talking points when for spells of potentially boring and frus- the first 12-team European Futsal This was one of the debating points trating possession play. This trend tends Championship finals kick off in Hun- to arise from a World Cup where the to be more visible as a stalling tactic gary next January. goalscoring average registered a seem- ingly healthy increase from 5.93 at the 2004 finals to 6.91 in 2008. But the figures are misleadingly distorted by the fact that the debutants from the Solomon Islands conceded 69 goals in their three games – including a record 31-2 defeat by Russia. The 20-team finals featured a second group stage where the average fell to 5.75 and, in the knockout games which decided the tournament, it dropped even further to 4.5. Hence a degree of concern about ways of maintaining futsal’s reputation as a fast, spectacular, free-scoring sport.

In Brazil, there was no questioning the tempo of the game. The general feeling was that, in recent years, fitness training

has been upgraded to such an extent Almeida/AFP/Getty Images that it begins to affect the technicians’ Brazil v Spain in the 2008 Futsal World Cup final.

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UEFA-pjwoods.ch UEFA’S TECHNICAL REPORTS FOR 2008.

comments on aspects such as team for- mations, the modus operandi of the lone striker, the exploitation of crosses (were enough players being thrown into the THE YEAR box to meet them?), the effectiveness of long-range shooting, trends in real playing time, the need to play football from the back (qualities to coach in defenders?), and, in the lower age groups, the need IN WORDS for career management or the tendency WHO WON THE EUROPEAN UNDER-19 CHAMPIONSHIP to select youngsters born in January or February rather than end-of-year players. IN 2008? WHO WON THE UNDER-17S? WHICH TEAMS TOOK THE GOLD MEDALS IN THE EQUIVALENT TOURNAMENTS FOR GIRLS? The technical reports vary in substance according to their target groups but the IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, prime objective is to detect trends – YOU’LL MAYBE KNOW THE ANSWERS. IF NOT, THEY CAN ALWAYS especially those which might influence football development programmes. BE FOUND AFTER A FEW CLICKS ON UEFA.COM. The first job for the annual report on But UEFA’s approach to its own competi- by UEFA are so good that we don’t spend the UEFA Champions League is to pro- tions is to offer much more than a list money on that any more.” Thanks Lars! voke debate when the leading techni- of winners. For the technician, it’s much cians get together at the UEFA Elite Club more helpful to have views on how the UEFA’s range of technical reports not only Coaches Forum at the beginning of each tournaments were played, how games covers major events such as EURO 2008 season – and many of the discussions were won, drawn and lost, and to have but also provides permanent records of have given rise to changes. The report a permanent statistical record, along with youth development competitions which, on EURO 2008 became a working tool team analysis and points for discussion. otherwise, might pass unrecorded into at the post-event National Team Coaches It’s a service that UEFA is happy to provide history. So there is statistical coverage of Conference in Vienna last September. – and it’s nice to hear that it’s appreciated facets such as the roles and minutes by the technicians. Lars Lagerbäck, for played by each squad member. The data In 2009, a full range of technical reports example, is probably unaware of the quiet are blended with observations made by will be produced by Andy Roxburgh and satisfaction he generated during an inter- qualified eyes, in the form of a résumé his teams of technical observers. In addi- view at EURO 2008. “The Swedish FA of each team’s key features and a num- tion to the annual report on the UEFA used to send people to these events to ber of debating points which arise during Champions League, there will be publica- compile our own technical reports,” he the tournament. During 2008, for exam- tions dedicated to the European Under-21 said. “But these days, the ones produced ple, there were some thought-provoking Championship finals to be played in Sweden in June and to the UEFA Women’s EURO 2009 to be staged in Finland during August and early September.

However, there will be modifications to the reports on the youth development competitions which will be completed in forthcoming months. Technical reports on the European Under-17 and Under-19 finals, to be played in Germany and Ukraine respectively, will be edited into a single report and the same will apply to the girls’ competitions staged in Switzerland and Belarus. In other words, there will now be technical coverage, for the first time, of the Women’s Under-17 finals to go with the reports on the Under-19s which have been published in recent years.

Although the technical reports can, in the course of time, be found by the general public on uefa.com, the prime target group is you – the technician. Feedback is there-

D.Aquilina fore more than welcome – and it doesn’t France v Republic of Ireland in a European Under-19 Championship qualifier. have to be of the Lars Lagerbäck variety…

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TRAINING ROUTINE

BY DAVID MOYES Getty Images Head Coach of Everton FC AGENDA Encourage Short / 2009 Quick Switch of Play May 6 – 18 ● 8th European Under-17 Cham- Practice 1 Key Points pionship – Final Tournament As above, but… (Germany) General Setup ● Team in possession need May 16 / 23 ● Pitch dimensions depend on the to get their heads up to identify ● UEFA Women’s Cup Final (2 legs) number of players. where the ‘sweeper’ is in order May 20 to eliminate him. ● It works best using six, seven, eight ● UEFA Cup Final (Istanbul) or nine-a-side. ● This should encourage quicker ● Both teams can score a goal in any movement off the ball. May 27 ● UEFA Champions League Final of the three goals. (Rome) Practice 3 – Progression 2 June 15 – 22 ● Focus on Offence UEFA Regions Cup Final Tournament (Croatia) or Defence depending on the Coach’s Requirements June 15 – 29 ● European Under -21 Cham- pionship – Final Tournament General Setup (Sweden) ● Yellow team can score a goal in Key Points any of the three goals. June 22 – 25 ● Look to switch the play or look for ● Yellow team cannot score ● 2nd European Women’s Under-17 Championship forward, angled passes. in a goal that the ‘sweeper’ is ● Final Tournament (Nyon) Team in possession should try protecting. to receive the ball in between the ● Blue team attack the one full-size July 13 – 25 ● opposing players. goal. 8th European Women’s ● If you cannot score – keep Under-19 Championship Final Tournament (Belarus) possession! July 21 – August 2 ● 8th European Under-19 Practice 2 – Progression 1 Championship Final Tournament (Ukraine) General Setup As above, but… August 23 – September 10 ● Women’s EURO 2009 (Finland) ● Neither team can score in a goal that the ‘sweeper’ is protecting. Key Points Yellow Team ● As above. ● Build from back. ● Encourage positive attacking play ● Eliminate the sweeper through (with an outcome). quick ball movement. ● Switches, shots, crosses, one-twos. Blue Team ● Defenders can shoot if goals ● Shape and position without the ball. are unguarded. ● Pressing from the front, if applicable.

15 The Technician N°42•E 15.4.2009 15:18 Page 16

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