Svetozar Cica, FC ‘AJAX’ Novi Sad The ‘Cobra’ tactics

SoccerCoachingInternational’s Dusan Petrovic talked to FC supervision of Svetozar Cica. Many famous players have played Ajax Novi Sad’s Svetozar Cica about what he calls the ‘cobra for him in Yugoslavia; including Mateja Kezman (PSV Eindhoven tactics’. Besides supervising and coaching the players, Holland, FC Chelsea England, Atletico Madrid), Savo Milosevic Svetozar is also the founder of FC Ajax Novi Sad. Here he (FC Parma Italy, FC Aston Villa England, FC Zaragoza Spain), talks to Dusan about the spirit of the club, his cobra tactics Dundjerski Ljubisa (FC Atalanta Italy), Leo Lerinc (FC Red Star and player selection. Belgrade ).

Dusan Petrovic Cobra “In order to describe the organization and the system of the FC Ajax Novi Sad in Serbia & Montenegro was founded follo- game, the team is symbolically represented as a cobra and as wing the spirit of the club in Amsterdam. The club was establis- a snake jumper at the same time. While it is resting, that is in hed in the town of Novi Sad which has a population of about defense when defending the access to the goal, the team is 500.000 people. The founder of the club, Svetozar Cica holds a twisting and rolling itself, trying to make it impossible to break degree in training and he established a complete soccer school through. However, when in possession, the team suddenly das- (academy) through the club. He is the principal coach for all hes out of the coil, blinding and overtaking the opponent with age groups (five groups from the ages of; 7-10 years, 10-12 great speed, approaching the opponent’s goal with the mini- years, 12-14 years, 14-16 years and 16-18 years). He is also mum of three, perhaps only two moves.” responsible for the organization of the technical staff, the selection of players as well as selecting the coaching suppor- Modern Soccer ting staff. “The modern game of soccer demands more and more from players. When thinking about modern soccer we come across Preparation of the players in the club is accomplished in parti- two terms we are frequently confronted with: ‘total football’ and cular ways and with individual effort from everybody under the ‘universal player’. In the past sprints during the game were

1 No. 11 - october/november 2005 A complete soccer coaching experience about 10-26 meters, at the most. Today sprints are across distances of about 30, 40 and sometimes even 50 meters. Systems of training have improved from year to year, with con- stant new and rich soccer tactic in all variations. If we look at how attackers play nowadays, with frequent moving and chan- ging positions, we realize this kind of play was not possible until we changed the way we looked at the system of training.”

Modern selection of football players “This new model of European soccer also dictated a change in the way we select players. The selection process will be more effective only when the developed training program and plan is respected. Those programs and plans must be based on scien- tific research connected to the first selection factors, the physi- cal demands of a growing young body, its anatomic, physical and psychological characteristics. Fitness and ability to play is the first selection principle, then speed and high degrees of muscle and nerve reaction. The speed ability is very important list in one particular area or field. You cannot categorize coa- and is 95% genetic.” ches as youth coaches or adult coaches. For example, a car- penter who knows how to make small chair also knows how to Stabilization of football habits make a big chair. The only different is the size. The same thing “The psychological mechanism of football is quite complicated. applies to soccer, the only difference is the intensity during trai- Resistance which soccer players have against new material ning and the coach has to adapt the level of intensity and should be limited. The resistance is the main obstacle, which amplitude to age of the player.” should be treated. Training helps to remove tension and solve such resistance. Such conflicts could be removed by dynamics Social surroundings created by training.” “Players must be maximally concentrated and psychological

First programmed football steps – Svetozar Cica, FC “Ajax” Novi Sad

Group Beginning of training Type of training

First group 7-10 years Playing-with two goals Free playing Free creative training

Second group 10-12 years Directive playing Oral direction Free creative training

Third group 12-14 years First specialization Individual training Free creative training

Fourth group 14-16 years Second specialization Confirming gained knowledge on higher level Free creative training

Fifth group 16-18 years Third specialization - The highest level training

prepared for every training; this is basis for elevated levels of Carpenter concentration during the game and in turn contributes to the “There are a lot of different systems of training in different con- best possible result of that game. Players need a stable perso- ditions. A coach’s role in this is very important, because the nality and high levels of emotional energy. At Ajax Novi Sad we system of training changes almost every year. The coach has work on achieving this level of concentration during every trai- to be knowledgeable in many different areas and not a specia- ning, and try to elevate the personality of the players to a much

No. 11 - october/november 2005 2 A complete soccer coaching experience of the exercise by the coach is a way to keep the level of concentra- tion raised during the exercise. In addition it also shows the players that the coach knows what he is doing, as we know actions often speak louder than words. Successful trai- ning sessions and games are based on the authority of the coach and the trust between players and the coach.”

Tactics & System “If we want to attain the best result we have to use maximum capacity from our team. Sometimes only one great player could be the foundation for standard of value, and show us the road to “The opponent should be cleverly attacked where we have to go. Some time ago it was Johan Cruijff, today while they are still on their own half it’s Ronaldihno. Training systems are changing every year and are being developed to perfection. With this change we create so that the players are not be able the possibility to change systems of play, with new and fresh to lead the ball easily.” tactical variants. If we now, for example, analyze the attacking system of play, with frequent moving and positional changes, we can conclude that it was not possible without changing the higher level. However, another important factor in achieving this training system. When we look at tactics, we have basic charac- level of concentration and psychological stability during the trai- teristics by means of which we mark every tactical system. ning and the game is the social setting. As a coach it is someti- Those characteristics are going to enable and realize all tactical mes hard to deal with and/or solve problems which arise due systems during the game: to the social surroundings.”

Trust “Psychological mechanisms of soccer players are very specific. Coaches are often confronted with resistance from the players when they have to accept some- thing new. This is difficult and an important factor to eliminate during the training. The coach has to understand that the purpo- se of training is not to entertain players, parents and attending fans. Training is hard work, for coaches and players alike and it is not a show. Very important aspects of training are the dyna- mics of the exercises and the work-rest ratios. A demonstration

3 No. 11 - october/november 2005 A complete soccer coaching experience Passport Svetozar Cica

Date of birth: 01.03.1957 (Duboki Dol, former Yugoslavia)

Player experiences: FC “Novi Sad”, Novi Sad, Serbia & Montenegro, FC “Velez”, Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina, FC “Sloboda”, Tuzla, Bosnia & Herzegovina, FC “Maribor”, Maribor, Slovenia, FC “Leotar” Trebinje, Bosnia & Herzegovina, FC “Belasica” Strumica, Serbia & Montenegro

Education: Graduate: Superior Football Coach, degree obtained in Novi Sad, University of Physical education in Novi Sad.

Coaching career: FC “Vojvodina” Novi Sad, first team coach (reaching the UEFA Cup in 1996). FC “Vojvodina” Novi Sad youth Coach (no defeats) FC “Cement”, Beocin, Serbia & Montenegro FC “Agrounija”, Serbia & Montenegro FC “Toplicanin” Prokuplje, Serbia & Montenegro FC “Novi Sad” Novi Sad, Serbia & Montenegro FC “Al Wahda” Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

Svetozar Cica has coached many famous Yugoslav footballers that play all around Europe and has been equally successful with adult and youth players. He is an universal coach, and founder of various football schools in Yugoslavia, including FC “AJAX” Novi Sad in 1999. Svetozar Cica is known in Yugoslavia for his work with youth players. He is characterized as a coach with great football knowledge and has great pedagogical influ- ence on youth.

• Every in advance prepared action must to respond to the ative, imaginative and interpretative. By means of the tactical possibilities of every player in the team, system we are preparing the road, which players use during the • Every player has to be prepared to change the tactical game, but on that road they could find many problems and diffi- system quickly and to adjust this system according to the culties. Those problems could be solved only with talent for cre- opponent. Sometimes without command of the coach. ativity, imagination and unexpected solutions. The coach has to • Rich with all tactical and technical elements. Team has to be find the balance between the tactical system and creativity. rich with new elements and technically prepared to use them. Players with a rich imagination and good preparation could • Abilities to surprise, using unexpected actions at unexpected solve all tactical problems which arise.” moments.

“In accordance with those basic tactical characteristics, we can see that every tactical operation has a frame, which provides the players with guidelines and a wide array of freedom in the interpretation of football. This relation, at first glance, may seem illogical, because we are asking from the players to play within a strong tactical system, but also asking them to be cre-

No. 11 - october/november 2005 4 A complete soccer coaching experience Training 1

This training is practiced during competition, usually in the Work on durability of fast running middle of the week with a total duration of 90 minutes.

Introduction and preparation phase

– 20 minutes

Introduction phase – 10 minutes - Jogging around the field - Stretching of main muscle groups - Complex exercises for flexibility

Objective: Three players start from the center of the field and cross and run out on the wing position, finishing with a shot from the center position. After finishing on goal that same player runs back very fast and repeats the action two times more. This exercise asks for very fast running and is repeated nine times with a work/rest ratio of 1:2. There are three groups of three players (A, B, C).

Organization: - Player B passes the ball to player A, then player B changes Preparation phase – 10 minutes positions with player C and sprints into the free space. - Player A passes the ball to player C, and sprints to the first Objective: goalpost. - Preparation of basic phase of the training - Player C passes the ball to player B in free space, and quickly - Duration: 45 seconds runs to the second goalpost. - Fast running with a work/rest ratio of 1:2. - Players then sprints back to their starting positions.

Organization: Progression: - Player B passes to player C, and quickly runs around him - Change groups after three attacks - Player C passes back to player B, who brings the ball back to - Three attacks are equivalent to approx. 300 m of sprinting, the starting position and passes to player A. B and A execute - Exercise is repeated 9 times which is a total of approx. 2700 same exercise again m of sprinting.

Progression: Coaching: - Exercises 45 sec. – then rotate player’s positions - Stimulate action to achieve higher level and let players move - Each player executes the exercise 3 times and pass faster - Control and fix mistakes.

Basic phase – 60 minutes Final phase – 10 minutes - Slow running - Stretching

5 No. 11 - october/november 2005 A complete soccer coaching experience Training 2

This training is practiced during competition, in the middle of the week (Tuesday or Wednesday) with a total duration of 70 minutes

Introduction and preparation phase – 20 Basic phase – 40 minutes minutes Work on sprint durability Introduction phase – 10 minutes - Jogging - Stretching - Complex exercises for flexibility

Preparation phase – 10 minutes

Middle intensity sprinting

Organization: - Sprinting: • 1 repetition is: 20m, 20m, 30m, 30m, 40m, 40m, 60m and 60m • Total: 20m, 20m, 30m, 30m, 40m, 40m, 60m, 60m x 10 times = 3000 m Organization: - Work/rest ratio 1:1 – 20 minutes - Two players from both sides are starting simultaneously - Players from group A start simultaneously, after they finish - Sprinting: group B will start • From starting line up to the middle line and back (100m), • From starting line up to the 16 m line and back (30m), Final phase – 10 minutes • From starting line up to the 5m line and back (10m), - Jogging – 5 minutes • From starting line up to the 16 m line and back (30m), - Stretching – 5 min. • From starting line up to the middle line (50m) where is the finish. - Repetition 3 times with work/ rest ratio of 1:1

No. 11 - october/november 2005 6 A complete soccer coaching experience Training 3

This training is practiced during competition, usually in the middle of the week, and with a total duration of 90 minutes Work on durability of fast running

Introduction and preparation phase – 20 minutes

Introduction phase – 10 minutes - Jogging - Stretching - Complex exercises for flexibility

Preparation phase – 10 minutes Combinations with fast and middle fast intensity

Setup: - Playing in small space - Man to man with two touches of the ball - 3 x 3min, 3 x 4min - Work / rest ratio 1:1 - During the resting period use exercise of long passes between two players - Have balls readily available on sidelines for continuation of play

Organization: - In marked space play 4 against 4, with two goalkeepers in the following way: • Man to man (in each team one player is free) Setup: • Two touches of the ball - On one half of standard pitch with combination of fast and • Team which scores regains possession again middle fast intensity - Two groups are covering both halves of the pitch Center shoot and finish action from booth sides

Organization: - Two teams are playing on one half in the following way: • Fast intensity – two touch of the ball, only long passes • Middle fast intensity – passing only with left foot, (right foot for left footed players) - Both games are playing without goalkeeper, scoring only with head - During the game change intensity with ratio of fast intensity and middle fast 1:1

Basic phase – 60 minutes Organization:

- Execute exercise from both sides 1 x left side, 1 x right side, and groups change positions after several repetitions - Executed in middle fast intensity - Work / rest ratio 1:1 - While resting players pair up for long passes

Final phase – 10 minutes - Jogging – 5 minutes - Stretching – 5 minutes

No. 11 - october/november 2005 7 A complete soccer coaching experience