AFP EMPICS EMPICS THE TECHNICIAN Editorial: Street Life

Designing of the Youth

From Player to Coach

Interview:

The Golden Age of Coaching

NEWSLETTER FOR COACHES • NO . 20 • MARCH 2003 “You are never too old to have a happy childhood.” Japanese saying BONGARTS EMPICS Ronaldo, a “toe poke” to beat Turkey.

COVER : from football in the street to the toèp with FC. (EMPICS) Photos from left to right: Zico. Street football. Sir and Ronaldo with the Cup Winners’ Cup they won with FC in 1997.

IMPRESSUM PRODUCTION André Vieli Atema Communication SA Printed by Cavin SA

EDITORIAL GROUP Andy Roxburgh Frits Ahlstrøm

Wayne Rooney, who gained his first senior against Australia, still plays football in the street. EMPICS

2 Street Life

EDITORIAL vation) had no immediate signifi- of the heart and soul of the game. cance for the fierce young dreamers Coaches who have a street men- BY ANDY ROXBURGH, who were dedicated to the ball tality, who appreciate the value of UEFA TECHNICAL DIRECTOR and lost in the romance of the game. free play, self expression, and UEFA, through its Grassroots passion, will never allow the game Programme, is committed to support- to become sterile and mechanical. ing the associations and the clubs The Japanese have a saying: “You It was lunchtime in Turin, and while with their community schemes and are never too old to have a happy others around the table spoke player development programmes. childhood.” For the youth coach, about the UEFA Champions League Football leaders are acutely aware this translates into a simple mes- match which would take place that that the loss of the street environ- sage: stay young at heart – it is evening in the Stadio Delle Alpi ment, particularly in industrial regions, a sentiment which between Juventus and has provoked a greater need for would fully endorse. United, Roberto Bettega, Juve’s Vice training facilities, free-play areas, and Chairman and former star player, appropriate equipment. But equally, talked to me about street football. there is an increasing demand “Although I was attached to this club for well-educated coaches who have from the age of nine years, much the specific knowledge and the of my development took place in the ability to work with young players. streets – it was there that I practised Just as the smart referee knows the and refined my basic skills”, said difference between a foul, a dive Roberto, who won seven champi- and a legitimate tackle, so the sensi- onships for the “Old Lady” of Turin tive youth coach understands when and represented Italy on forty two to drill, when to teach creatively, occasions. What troubles Roberto, and when to encourage self-reliance who played alongside Platini, Rossi, and free expression. Boniek and other icons of the game, Every player, even the stars, were is the dominating style of many once grassroots players. Every youth coaches. With the passion Sunday morning, as a youngster, of a street fighter, he added: “Young Michael Owen of Liverpool FC played players need some time for self 2 vs. 2 games with his father and expression, for spontaneity. Their two elder brothers. Ronaldo claimed coaches need to watch and listen that his “toe-poke” goal against more and instruct a little less.” Turkey in the semi final of the In many parts of Europe, street World Cup was the product of his football has all but disappeared, but (5 vs. 5) experiences as a the philosophy and the mentality young player. , remains valid. The street game was Everton’s seventeen year old striker, player centred, competitive, skilful who recently became the youngest and fair, and the small-sided game, player to play for , still with one-on-one a key element, was plays in the streets with his friends. the basic form of play. Youngsters It is a football maxim: if the grass practised for hours on tricks and on roots are strong, then the game will passing / shooting techniques, using grow and blossom. a wall as their silent partner. A love As facilities improve and programmes EMPICS of football permeated all activities, become more sophisticated, there is An affectionate gesture from Gérard Houllier and cups and medals (extrinsic moti- the danger that some will lose sight for Michael Owen as he leaves the field.

3 THE THE CAPTAINS ENGLAND DEMONSTRATION GROUP OF THE FOUR EUROPEAN VS. NIGERIA AT THE COACH TEAMS WHICH IN THE EDUCATORS COURSE WON THE MERIDIAN IN VILAMOURA. MERIDIAN CUP. CUP. A. NABIL A. NABIL UEFA Designing the Youth Coach DURING THE OPENING MONTHS, TWO EVENTS HAVE SERVED TO PROVOKE REFLECTIONS ON THE PRESENT AND FUTURE OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT. THE FIRST WAS THE MERIDIAN CUP PLAYED IN EGYPT AT THE END OF JANUARY AND THE SECOND WAS THE 13TH UEFA COURSE FOR COACH EDUCATORS, STAGED AT VILAMOURA IN THE SOUTH OF PORTUGAL.

The Meridian Cup, pitting the top teacher imparting knowledge to pupils. four Under-17 teams from Africa and And the European coaches in Egypt – Europe against each other, ended Dick Bate (England), Luc Rabat in victory for Europe by a handsome (), (once again margin of 36 points to 6. This gave a winner with ) and Pierre-André food for thought. Two years earlier, Schurmann (Switzerland) – stressed in the Bari region in southern Italy, that human qualities are, these days, Europe’s 35-8 victory had been just as important as didactic ability, achieved in mitigating circumstances if not more so. In their eyes, the youth of very un-African weather and coach needs to be a father figure playing conditions. The result in Egypt and a calming influence as well as an underlined that, whereas nobody con- educator and a technique trainer. tests the wealth of talent in African This combination means that the ideal football, the Europeans were ahead in youth coach is sympathetic and terms of concentration and tactical creative while being a disciplinarian awareness. Instead of patting ourselves and an alert psychologist. These days, on the back, the questions that were they felt, players don’t have to be relayed to the coach educators in constantly instructed. Instead, they Portugal were based on whether we need to be put into problem solving are doing enough to nurture young situations and stimulated talent; and what qualities are required to develop their own innate talent. from both players and coaches during In terms of the job itself, the profile EMPICS this crucial phase of development. of the ideal coach involves enthusiasm, Juan Santisteban has led Spain to further success. dedication to the promotion of young The Coaches’ View players plus team-building, teaching There are clear signs that the parame- and organisational qualities. At the ters of youth coaching have changed same time, he must be honest and from the traditional concept of a trustworthy enough to earn respect.

4 “We take great care at this club to make sure that our young players keep their feet on the ground.”

Sir

an honest, approachable motivator with a genuine passion for the game. They expect him to be firm, fair and patient while giving one-to-one relationships a high priority. With regard to on-the-training-ground quali- ties, they would ideally work with a coach who sets high standards, pos- sesses footballing expertise and is a good reader of the game. They expect him to be a competent fitness trainer but place emphasis on guidance rather than drilling. They would like to work with a well-respected coach, which means that former players start with an advantage. Summing up the qualities they were looking for, the boys made it clear that they were talking more about a role model than the traditional concept of an autocratic manager/coach.

A. NABIL In the light of these views, the coach

Spain’s Fernando Llorente Torres surrounded by three Egyptians in the Meridian Cup. educators at the course in Vilamoura were invited to pinpoint the key elements of an education programme On the training ground, he needs is not a ‘give-away’ job. The role for youth coaches. These were their to be a patient instructor yet be is demanding in both sporting and suggestions: demanding in terms of insisting that human terms and should be his players constantly aim to upgrade entrusted to specialists with the The theory of player development their standard of play. Leadership appropriate qualities. Identifying talent qualities are therefore very much in Coaching philosophy and specific the equation and the coaches The Players’ View teaching methods consulted agreed that having been a Youth education is no longer a professional player undoubtedly one-way street. In the post-Bosman Match analysis pegged to each gives a head start to the youth coach. era, young footballers are increasingly age-bracket In the ‘must-to-avoid’ column, the demanding in terms of coaching Lifestyle and fitness concepts coaches felt that arrogance, indecision, that will help them to hit the big- weak personality, lack of vision/imagi- time as quickly as possible. In Egypt, Game-orientated practical content nation plus human factors such as THE TECHNICIAN sat down with Attaining the correct balance disloyalty, an unfriendly disposition three members of the English team between results and development and a tendency to avoid responsibility (Lee Croft of Manchester City, Chris Coping with success and failure form the ingredients for failure. Hogg of Town and Ross Given the current state of the transfer Gardner of Newcastle United) and Development of individuals within market, many clubs are now returning asked exactly what they expect the group to youth development in order to of a youth coach. Managing the entourage underpin their team-building – and Again, their emphasis was on human (parents, agents, social milieu) are realising that the youth coach qualities. Their ideal coach would be and the environment

5 JOZEF VENGLOS, CHAIRMAN OF THE UEFA TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, PRESENTS ROGER SPRY WITH A GIFT. UEFA Tales of the Unexpected

“I WAS ABSOLUTELY CONVINCED OF ONE THING,” COMMENTED ’S HEAD COACH . “THAT IN THIS WORLD CUP, INDIVIDUAL SKILLS WOULD DECIDE MATCHES. AND SO IT WAS.”ALTHOUGH SKILL ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH TO GUARANTEE A FIRST-TEAM PLACE IN THE MODERN GAME, ONE MOMENT OF INDIVIDUAL BRILLIANCE CAN MAKE THE CRUCIAL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TOP-LEVEL TEAMS – AS STUNNINGLY DEMONSTRATED AT LAST SEASON’S UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL.

The ability to produce the unex- once thought to be a magic gift pected has become a priceless possessed only by a chosen few,” treasure in a world where opponents he comments. “But it is a magic gift are studied and analysed in minute that everyone has access to.” detail. Roger, who worked with Bobby The burning question for the techni- Robson at both Sporting Clube and cians is whether players can be FC Porto, returned to Portugal to coached to produce the unexpected. address the technicians who had At first sight, it appears to be a con- gathered for the UEFA Course for tradiction in terms. As soon as some- Coach Educators. His answer to the thing is coached, one could argue, ‘contradiction in terms’ was logical SVEN SIMON

Roger Spry contributed to the development it ceases to be unexpected. Roger and compelling. You can’t coach of Figo at Sporting . Spry has other ideas. “Creativity was the ‘unexpected’ in physical terms –

6 ROGER SPRY SETS AN EXAMPLE.

“Why use only one ball in a training game or a drill,” he asks. “Why during practice only play two teams against each other? Why only have two goals? If you remove these barriers, it makes the coach and the players think differently in order to cope with a new set of problems.” Roger therefore focuses on multiple- ball training routines with the emphasis on directional changes, decision-making and reacting to decisions taken by opponents. His thesis is thought-provoking. We are coaching the body but are we dedicating enough time and effort to coaching creativity in the mind? UEFA but you can coach the player’s mind; a distinct advantage over opponents stimulate his creativity; and help who train and play in a traditional him to produce, off his own bat, the fashion.” This is where, he reckons, unexpected move that can decide footballers can benefit from the evenly-balanced games. range of movements employed Roger concentrates on two facets: during ballet dancing, martial arts or working on the creative mind and, other sports. Fluid movement, he UEFA at the same time, the physical agility says, can be practised on the training Roger Spry and UEFA Technical Director Andy Roxburgh. that will allow original ideas to be ground with the coach as ‘chore- put into practice. ographer’. As he said to the partici- He maintains that, in physical terms, pants in Vilamoura, “are you ready the speed of the game may improve to handle that?!” minimally on today’s levels via Next question: how do you coach advances in sports science, playing creativity? Roger answers “Most surfaces or ball technology. The training drills are, by their very major changes, he foresees, will be nature, linear and very ‘left-brained’. in agility, range of movements and The right side of the brain, the unusual ball skills. “If through a so-called ‘creative centre’ also needs series of extreme body shapes and to be worked to the same degree.” positions,” he says, “a player can kick Training, he suggests, needs to be the ball with more power, spin and, focused on forming a strong body

above all, disguise than his oppo- and a strong mind. Traditional habits UEFA nent, that player or team will have shouldn’t become a strait-jacket. “You can coach the player’s mind.”

7 EMPICS From Player to Coach Sir Bobby Robson LAST YEAR, THE UEFA PRESIDENT’S AWARD WAS PRESENTED TO A MAN WHO, IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES As a top-class , Bobby During the 1990s, Bobby Robson, DURING A TIME-SPAN OF Robson represented his country in who was born on 18 February 1933, 46 YEARS, HAS COMBINED the 1958 and 1962 World Cup won silverware for Dutch, finals. As a coach, he moved into A BURNING PASSION FOR Portuguese and Spanish clubs. the limelight during a 13-year spell THE GAME WITH AN INNATE In September 1999, he received at Ipswich Town FC, building an SENSE OF FAIR PLAY a call from the north-east attractive side which took the UEFA of England, his birthplace, and at 66 AND STANDARDS OF ELEGANT, Cup in 1981. From 1978, he also he took over as head coach at managed the England ‘B’ team and, GENTLEMANLY BEHAVIOUR Newcastle United – a club that had when stepped WHICH EVEN DIEGO taken one point from its opening down in 1982, he led the MARADONA’S ‘HAND OF GOD’ six games. His first game on the English national team to the 1986 GOAL FAILED TO RATTLE. bench at St. James’ Park ended as and 1990 World Cup finals. an 8-0 win.

The UEFA President’s Award, however, is not about results. It was given in recognition of the 34 years of coaching work performed by a gentleman with a cool head, shrewd eyes, elegant behaviour and, above all, overwhelming enthusiasm for the game.

England before a friendly match against Spain in 1960. Back, left to right: Brian Miller, Bobby Robson, , , Mike McNeil, Peter Swan. Front row: , , Bobby Smith, EMPICS , .

8 “He is an amazing person and the aura around him is so special. He’s already willing to talk to you and give you advice. All the honours he has are well deserved.”

David Beckham EMPICS/C. LIEWIG

“He’s a colleague with a great “He’s a legendary coach and track record. His behaviour I’m happy to have worked with him has been an example for a whole at two different clubs and to enjoy generation of coaches.” his way of going about the job.” Luís Figo EMPICS Bobby Robson playing for West Bromwich Albion.

Playing Career 1950-56 Fulham FC 1956-62 West Bromwich Albion FC 1962-67 Fulham FC

Honours 345 league matches and 77 goals EMPICS for Fulham FC Bobby Robson and . 239 league matches and 56 goals for WBA “I rate him among the three or four “He’s a true football man who has 20 appearances and 4 goals best coaches in the world.” committed his whole life to foot- for England ball. No matter his age, his enthu- siasm has never stopped. I think Coaching Career “He is a genius and I am happy he is one of the most-loved and 1967-68 Vancouver Whitecaps that he is still healthy even though respected managers in the world.” 1968 Fulham FC he is not the youngest coach in the Sir Alex Ferguson 1969-82 Ipswich Town FC world. He maintains his fascination 1982-90 English National Team and enthusiasm for his work. “He is a good example of an 1990-92 PSV He was my opponent at the World Englishman and he is a friend. 1992-93 Sporting Clube de Portugal Cup in 1990 in Italy and we were It’s unbelievable that you can do 1993-96 FC Porto the lucky ones in the penalty shoot- at his age what you were doing out that decided the semi-final. when you were 20. That’s remark- 1996-97 FC Barcelona As soon as Pearce had taken the able. I love Bobby Robson.” 1997-98 FC Barcelona last penalty, Bobby came straight (International Scouting Director) over to me and congratulated me. 1998-99 PSV Eindhoven He’s a sportsman from tip to toe.” 1999- Newcastle United FC

Honours “He’s getting old but he is getting FA Cup Winner (1978) better with age. He’s one of the UEFA Cup Winner (1981) most popular managers about.” World Cup quarter-finalist (1986) Michael Owen World Cup semi-finalist (1990) “In our job, if you are not fired Dutch League Winner (1991, 1992) with enthusiasm, they fire you with Portuguese League Winner (1995, 1996) enthusiasm. I’m sure Bobby will Portuguese Cup Winner (1994) never get the sack because he

UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup winner (1997) has so much energy on top of all EMPICS Spanish Cup Winner (1997) his footballing knowledge.” Sir Bobby Robson with the Manager A British Knighthood (2002) Gérard Houllier of the Month trophy that he won in February.

9 INTERVIEW

BY ANDY ROXBURGH, UEFA TECHNICAL DIRECTOR BONGARTS

ZICO: THE VERY MENTION OF THE NAME TRIGGERS IMAGES OF SPECTACULAR FREE KICKS, WONDERFUL INCISIVE PASSES, AND THE TECHNICAL MAGIC SYNONYMOUS WITH THE YELLOW JERSEY OF BRAZIL. HE INHERITED THE NO 10 FROM HIS PREDECESSORS PELE AND RIVALINO, AND SHONE IN THE NATIONAL TEAM COLOURS ON 94 OCCASIONS, SCORING 67 GOALS IN THE PROCESS. A STAR AT FLAMENGO FOR A TOTAL OF 14 YEARS (591 GOALS IN 734 GAMES), HE WON THE EUROPEAN/SOUTH AMERICAN CUP (3-0 AGAINST LIVERPOOL FC IN TOKYO), THEN GRACED EUROPEAN FOOTBALL FROM 1983-1986 AT THE UDINESE CLUB IN ITALY, BEFORE MOVING TO OF JAPAN. ZICO HAD A STIMULATING EFFECT ON THE J-LEAGUE AND BECAME THE HERO OF MANY YOUNG JAPANESE FANS AND PLAYERS. FOLLOWING THE WORLD CUP IN KOREA/JAPAN, HE WAS APPOINTED HEAD COACH OF THE JAPANESE NATIONAL TEAM IN SUCCESSION TO , AND HE NOW HAS HIS SIGHTS SET ON THE WORLD CUP IN , IN 2006. HE IS ONE OF THE GREAT NAMES IN FOOTBALL’S “HALL OF FAME” – HE IS...

1 • How would you describe yourself must be happy. I try to create a as a coach? positive atmosphere, and my rela- tionship with the players has this I like coaching football which aim. emphasises the attacking game. The ZICO In order to produce top-level most important aspect for me is performances, players need to be enjoyment and for this the players relaxed, and it is part of my job to keep the players calm. I also want them to express themselves on the pitch, both technically and tactically, and for this they need my help and encouragement.

2 • What will be the main problems for you in coaching Japan?

I have only started my career as the head coach of Japan, but already I realise that time is the biggest Zico presents the Japanese problem. There isn’t enough time number 10 with the players, not enough time shirt to UEFA with other coaches – it’s the same Technical Director Andy Roxburgh. situation for other national coaches around the world. Eight of the players are based in Europe and this

UEFA adds to the problem. Language

10 ONE OF ZICO’S BEST MATCHES, AGAINST

ZICO PLAYING LIVERPOOL FC IN THE THE USSR IN THE 1982 EUROPEAN/SOUTH AMERICAN WORLD CUP. CUP IN 1981. EMPICS

four times in Brazil and, in 1981, defeated Liverpool (3-0) in the Toyota Cup in Tokyo. But one of my best matches was in the final of the South American Cup when Flamengo beat Cobreloa () 2-0 and I scored both goals. One was a free kick, just like the one against Scotland in the World Cup in Spain 1982, which I am sure you remember! Then there was the first ever J-League match – I played for Kashima against Grampus Eight and we won 5-0, and I scored three times. played for Grampus that day. Of course my first game as head coach for Japan has to be noted. We drew 1-1 with Jamaica in a low-key friendly match, in Japan. BONGARTS 6 • What effect has the 2002 World will also be a factor – although 4 • What needs to be done for Japan Cup had on Japanese football? I can understand some Japanese, to reach the top ten in the world? I will need my translator to help It was very important for the public with communications. We need to play many matches, and the players as it opened their particularly away from home, against eyes to world football. The competi- 3 • After 11 years in Japan, what top teams from South America and tion gave a boost to the confidence are the good qualities of the football Europe. Japanese clubs only play at of the Japanese, although it must be in this country? home or in Asia and the players don’t said that the increase in enthusiasm get the worldwide experience they was only apparent in the stadiums, Not only do I have a good impres- need. For the players to develop a not in the streets, not in daily life. sion, but I think it is a fact that top-level professional mentality, the The expectations are sometimes Japanese players learn and develop clubs and the national team need extremely high. There is a history faster than players from other international exposure. We need to of winning in Asia, but never outside countries. Japanese players are very play in Germany, Italy and Scotland but the continent, and hopes that Japan disciplined and technically of a high scheduling is very difficult. Look at the can be a top 16 team in Germany standard. The Japanese adapt easily number of African players who are will not be easy to satisfy. to the style of football which is playing in European clubs and gaining played in South America, in particular invaluable competitive experience. 7 • Having watched the World Cup in Brazil and . The players African football has therefore become Korea/Japan, what is your view are very adaptable and their very strong and highly competitive. of European football? mentality helps them to be flexible in their approach to the game. 5 • What have been the highlights There has been a change in structure The Japanese clubs and players are of your career? – South American teams have impressed by the Brazilian and favoured three at the back while Argentina schools of football and My time with Flamengo was memo- many Europeans play a zonal back this is good for me. rable – we won the championship four. The European teams have

11 JAPAN’S FOOTBALLERS, LIKE TOMOKAZU MYOJIN, HAVE GOOD TECHNICAL SKILLS.

ZICO CHALLENGES IN THE ARGENTINA VS BRAZIL MATCH IN THE 1982 WORLD CUP. FLASH PRESS FLASH

fundamentals – control, passing and shooting. The is natural and this shows in the games: five vs. five, eight vs. eight and eleven vs. eleven. We also practice on different surfaces – the beach, artifi- cial turf and grass. The use of different surfaces encourages players to develop a variety of techniques. I also promote football with a smile – I want players to experi- ence the joy of playing.

10 • What do you focus on during training sessions with top players?

The priority is to develop the per- sonality of the player in the game.

EMPICS In Japan, the players concentrate, are disciplined, but it is their confi- always had good teamwork and the balance found, the talents shone dence in making decisions which power, but they have also added star through. I must add that the staff – needs improvement. I like the quality, like Figo, Zidane, Beckham etc. doctors, fitness trainers, and Scolari – players to make their own decisions For example, I wasn’t surprised by did a great job to have the stars, on the pitch – they shouldn’t just Turkey’s success – many Brazilians, Roberto Carlos, , Ronaldo, follow instructions. They must learn players and coaches, have worked in good condition. This was not the to read the game and make their there and they have been impressed case with some of the top European own decisions. by the standard of football. For me, players like Figo and Zidane. The Japanese culture does not European football is top-level and encourage risk taking – this needs European teams are always producing 9 • Why do you have so many good to be changed in our football and great performances. players in Brazil? the young are beginning to improve in this respect. 8 • What did you think of the Brazilian Because football is everything. team in 2002? Everybody plays: in the streets, on the 11 • What was your best quality beaches, in the clubs. The football as a player and how did you develop The team arrived in Korea/Japan in environment and the passion for the your talents? good condition and with the big stars game are important. The mentality of – , Ronaldo and Ronaldhino – the players is also significant – keep My best quality was my ability to play ready to perform. Also, we were the ball, dribbling, creativity. In Brazil, a decisive pass. I had a natural talent fortunate to be in a modest group the economy is difficult and young for the game but I trained very hard. at the beginning and Felipe (Scolari) people see football as an escape – After training sessions, I worked on was able to make adjustments – only a place to be creative, a way of my own, focusing on technical skills. when Klebertson came in did we becoming famous. Outside, life is very Even from a young age, I worked on have a balanced team. difficult, but inside football, it is easy. my left and right foot, and I spent The games against Belgium, England In Brazil, I have a football school about 40 minutes every day taking and Turkey were very difficult, but and in every session I include a 30 free kicks. The Flamengo coaches once the defence was stabilized and minute-game, plus work on three encouraged me, so it was a mixture

12 RONALDO,

ANOTHER EXAMPLE TEMPSPORT OF THE WEALTH OF BRAZILIAN FOOTBALL.

of talent, work and education. But tion. I personally liked it when I lived football, it was and is my life. it was more of a cup competition. It’s not good that cup competitions, 12 • If you were the boss even domestically, are not as strong of world football, what would you do as before. In football today, money to improve the game? dominates everything and this is dangerous – one day we may have I would make the World Cup a no national teams in the World Cup, 16-team final tournament. Only the only the top clubs! Tele Santana.

best should play in the Finals. I can- BONGARTS not believe that Brazil and Germany 14 • Who are your favourite players had never met in the World Cup and coaches? with me in Japan. I come from a before the match in Yokohama. football family. Dida, the No 10 of Flamengo, was My favourite coach was Tele Santana 13 • What is your view of the my hero. He played in the World because of his philosophy. He UEFA Champions League? Cup in 1958 in . Pele focused on the ball, on creativity, replaced him in the final matches. on the players. He was a very good The UEFA Champions League has My brothers were significant to me – coach and I had the greatest many great players and clubs, and is one of them, Edu, was Head respect for him and his approach the most exciting league competi- Coach of Brazil and now works to the game.

Having fun playing football on the beach in Rio. EMPICS

13 , ONE OF THE NEW GENERATION OF COACHES. EMPICS The Golden Age of Coaching THIS SEASON’S UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SETS OUT NO BLUEPRINT FOR THE SUCCESSFUL TECHNICIAN.

For example, the ages of the coaches is top-level experience as a player, whose teams reached the last with Valencia CF’s head coach, sixteen ranged from Sir Bobby Robson, Rafael Benítez, as the notable excep- who celebrated his 70th birthday tion. Internazionale FC’s Héctor with a Newcastle United victory Cúper is the only non-European and in , to , one of only four coaches whose half Bobby’s age, who lead nationality is different from their BV into action at club’s – including Manchester the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. United’s Scottish ‘import’, Sir Alex AFC Ajax’s Ronald Koeman is another Ferguson. example of the new, young generation Another curiosity is that the two of technicians who, having played clubs who changed their coaches in the UEFA Champions League, are during the second group stage did A. SABATTINI now coaching in it. so on account of domestic, rather Hector Cuper, the only non-European coach in the second group stage However, a common denominator than European, shortcomings. Klaus of this season’s UEFA Champions League. among the sixteen coaches Toppmöller, despite taking Bayer 04 Leverkusen to last season’s final and the second group stage of the current campaign, was dismissed due to the club’s lowly position in the German . Louis van Gaal, the youngest coach to win the UEFA Champions League, was shown the door a few days after FC Barcelona had equalled AC ’s record of ten successive victories in the UEFA Champions League. By the way, the other win- ning coaches have all been in the 47-58 age bracket (the golden age EMPICS

Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Robson are hoping to extend the average age of winning coaches of coaching) – a trend which the in the UEFA Champions League, but in an upward direction. new youngsters are hoping to break.

14 “A winning mentality – you have to earn it; you cannot buy it in a supermarket.”

Sven-Göran Eriksson AGENDA 2003 TRAINING April 2/3 Grassroots “Starball” Match (24 hours of 5 v 5) • Manchester

April 8/9 • 22/23 UEFA Champions League (Quarter-finals)

April 10/24 UEFA Cup (Semi-finals)

May 2 UEFA Women’s Committee • Nyon EMPICS May 6/7 • 13/14 BY UEFA Champions League (Yokohama F. Marinos (Semi-finals) and Ex National Coach of Japan) May 7 – 17 2nd European Under-17 Championship • Portugal

May 20 My Favourite Practice UEFA Jira Project Panel • Sevilla May 21 Aim team can follow the ball into the UEFA Technical Committee • Sevilla To overcome midfield pressing forward area. The attempt May 21 and to break out of the condensed to score, the defender and the UEFA Cup Final • Sevilla central area, keeping the offside goalkeeper try to regain possession rule in mind and play the ball back to their May 28 team-mates in the central zone. The UEFA Champions League Final • Numbers game continues. Manchester 11 v 11 (If a player enters the attacking area June 4 before the ball is played forward, UEFA Futsal Committee • Nyon Area the other team is given possession Full pitch, with central area marked of the ball on the 20 metre line June 22/28 (20 metres into each half) where the infringement took place.) 3rd UEFA Regions’ Cup • Germany

July 1 – 3 Duration 4th UEFA Grassroots Course • 10-20 minutes, depending Coaching Florence on physical/tactical requirements Work on the timing of runs into the attacking area (same concept as July 16 – 26 Rules overcoming offside) 2nd European Under-19 Championship • Liechtenstein When the ball is played across the 20 metre line into the attacking Coach midfield pressing and July 25 – August 3 zone, two players from the attacking possession play (anti-pressing) 2nd European Under-19 Women’s team and one from the defending in a condensed space Championship • Germany

15 UEFA Route de Genève 46 Union des associations CH-1260 Nyon européennes de football Suisse Téléphone +41 22 994 44 44 Téléfax +41 22 994 44 88 .com