| Observations After Copa Chivas - "U.S. players need to feel like someone can take their spot" |
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| on 07 Feb 2008 | |
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Some observations!! On the field – 1 – The overall intensity, desire and commitment to play the entire game with 100% effort and commitment was much more consistent with the foreign teams. We put together good halves or good periods, but not entire games. It was if the other teams were playing for survival or a chance to make it as a professional player and our boys were playing for fun. 2 – The Chivas USA players did not have enough experience in high level games. It showed that all the other teams played a 10 month season with a game each Saturday that meant something, whereas our boys had not been in many or any games at the level of the tournament games. 3 – Most of the teams had tactical discipline. There were many different systems and styles of play, but the foreign teams made very few costly mistakes and were disciplined within their individual roles/functions within the team. 4 – Almost every player outside of the U.S. has above average ball control and passing ability. Even in tight spaces, they were able to have their head up and not panic and get out of situations and keep possession of the ball. Our players often panicked or made bad choices which sometimes lead to a counter attack or loss of possession. 5 – The teams outside of the U.S played at a different level physically. Even the smaller players used their body, had great body positioning and often drew fouls by merely getting in the proper position. 6 – Our intelligence and discipline for the entire 70 minutes was not close to that of our rivals. 7 – What I call the nasties – fouling at right spot on the field, diving and drawing a free kick, quick kicks, wasting time, holding players, tricks to lose a man or create an advantage for the team. At the end of the tournament, our boys started to improve on these things. 8 – Most team made the most of chances on goal that they received. We had many quality chances, but often missed the target or did not score. When we made mistakes, the other team made us pay. On the other side, we were less deadly to prey on the mistakes of the opponent. Off the field – 1 – Structure – we need to have a long season with games each week that mean something 2 – Training – we are not training enough. Three trainings per week can not compare to six – eight sessions by the foreign teams. 3 – Club structure – U.S. clubs need to have a 1st team that all players are trying to reach. Players must have the first team dream. Smaller clubs must also have 1st teams so that players like Chivas USA that do not make it in the pro’s can still make it at another level and play amateur or lower level soccer. This keeps more players playing in the integral years from 18-25. Many youth players in Copa Chivas already have a contract and are getting compensated to play. 4 – Our players need to have the opportunity to play with older players (adults). Many players from the other teams have already played / trained with Pro or reserve teams. The older players teach and mentor the younger players. 5 – Chivas USA players were all stars at their former clubs. Some have never been to a tournament like this in which substitutions were limited and this meant often some players did not even play. This was hard for players and in the U.S. we need to prepare players for the next level and help them to realize that the reality is that the best play the most and it is all about performing. Our players grew a lot this tournament in this way, sometimes reacting in an immature way when they did not play much, but later realized it and improved their attitude. This is still a big area for our players to work on. 6 – The U.S. players need to feel like someone can always take their position. We are not used to having competition for positions. In most other clubs, there is someone from a smaller club or lower team within the club who wants to take your position. This prepares players for the Pro’s. 7 – Our players lacked a proper former education in soccer before coming to Chivas. This includes many areas such as movement without the ball, reading the game, weak side of the body and many details that make the difference in top level soccer. Closing – I do not want this to be too negative, but we need to be realistic about where we stand. Player for player, we had what it took to get out of our group. Chivas USA did not get blown out and were in every game. Many of our players have been playing for top clubs in the Los Angeles area, many have been in the U.S. National teams. Within the current structure in the United States, we are not producing many complete players. Every one of our players lacked something important in their game. For age 17 or 18, top players should be one step away from professional soccer. If you look at the amount of time, energy and money being put into youth soccer in the U.S, and you look at the amount of players participating in organized soccer, it is clear if you look at the structure and level of coaching we are far behind other countries. The game has been very Americanized and too much focus is on travel and competition and not enough on skills development and playing countless hours with the ball (training). In my opinion it starts with you and I, the Youth Soccer Educators!!! We need to step it up. Be more open minded and become more educated in how to teach soccer. Most important, we need to serve the game and do what is best for the players, not ourselves. This may mean making some changes!!! The question is, who is willing to take a look in the mirror and take a good honest look at their soccer involvement. Furthermore, who is wiling to progress when you can get by just fine the way it is. The Soccer Educators have little or no standards placed on us by our Federation, League or Board of Directors. We are lucky to make our living full time from the youth game (in many other countries this is not possible). Why is it that America is the best in the world at almost every sport? We do whatever it takes to achieve this? Why are we so mediocre at Soccer? Who are we shortchanging? As I re-read this final Copa Chivas blog, I ask myself, who am I to write this about Soccer in the U.S. I am no one special, just a son of a German immigrant who has traveled extensively to study Futbol. I am humble, I remain open, I criticize us and myself and I hope one day, I can experience the passion of Soccer in a way that I can only get outside of the U.S. at this moment. Until then I will keep my chin up and help to spread the “Greatest Game in the World” to the best of my ability. Together we can do it!!!!! Yours in Soccer, Andrew Ziemer |
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