Crete hosts coaching debate

Discussion sessions
Delegates at the 14th UEFA Coach Educators' Course in Crete were responding to questions put forward for one of several discussion sessions at the course, which is being attended by technical experts from throughout Europe.

'I believe'
Replying to the question 'I believe', the participants came up with an array of answers reflecting a variety of philosophies about the training of coaches – in essence, the people who are preparing the stars of tomorrow – about their understanding of the game and the coach's principles.

Participants insistent
The participants were insistent that all coach education should be structured, that fundamental standards must be set up, and that coach education must be made available for as large a group as possible through extensive promotional programmes. Former players, especially top footballers, should be encouraged to become coaches to pass on their experience and skills.

Coach freedom
UEFA's coach educators believe in coaches having the freedom to establish their individual beliefs, and that the process of educating people to coach footballers should be fun, with an appropriate balance set up between the scientific aspect of football and the practising of moves on the training ground. Coach education, the delegates in Crete felt, should form a basic building block for national football in each country.

Ultimate aim
Another interesting aspect to emerge from the discussion is that most coaches yearn to see their teams play spectacular football with the emphasis on high technique and individual skill – with obviously the ultimate aim being to win matches.

Individual qualities
Responding to the question 'What style of play do you believe in?', the coaches said they believed in constructing balanced teams with a couple of leaders to guide their team-mates. They emphasised the development of individual players who could express themselves within a solid team structure, and many put forward the view that individual qualities should be highlighted, rather than system-oriented play.

Art of wing play
Coaches, while looking for the spectacular, also need to be pragmatic. In Crete, they said that any style of play naturally had to be adapted to the potential of the players they had at their disposal. One interesting general view to emerge is that the art of wing play must be fostered, as this was an essential component in spectacular and entertaining play, especially for the fans.