Such a demeanor would perceive he was then ready to adapt and assimilate into the far-from-desirable footballing infrastructure offered by the island republic when he mentioned he would make do with it when shown the rustic, run-down Geylang Field facilities stated he had seen worse cases in Iraq.
 |
| The first words I heard from him personally |
Despite the difficulties that waiting for him soon after he took over the reins, Coach Stange painstakingly tried to keep the morale high by constantly insisted things are on the path and controversially put a premature end to international careers of several established names like Daniel Bennett, Shi Jiayi, Fahrudin Mustafic, etc. stated that his team will be focusing on younger players as the base of the Lions in years to come.
 |
| Never short of telling us the young players is the future |
Unfortunately, not many were convinced or shared that same confidence when there wasn't much to cheer about whenever the Lions took onto the field in recent years and saw the Republic ding-dong around the FIFA ranking of between 140s to 150s, in spite of those astronomical figures spent on programs like the “mass-mobilization” that saw the unprecedented combination of both Lions and Cubs touring Austria for the tuning up for both AFF Suzuki Cup or the SEA Games.
Thus, it wasn't a surprise to see many to call for the resignation of Coach Stange after the humiliating defeat by Malaysia in the Suzuki Cup that knocked Lions out of the tournament they tried to defend as reigning champions on home turf.
Some pointed out if the lack of quality sparring opponents, which he promised to bring at the start of his reign, for the team being one of the stagnancies not allowing Singapore football to break out of Asean level.
 |
| On the controversial remarks on the National Stadium |
Such a response immediately drawn a strong rebuttal from SportsHub, the operators of the 55,000-seater stadium and had the German claimed he was misquoted in the earlier session after the came-from-behind draw against the Pacific Islanders.
 |
| One of the fiery exchanges with the media |
Fair to say both Stange and his predecessor Avramovic were let down by an inadequate youth development system that failed to churn out players for the national team given the lack of pluralism in the existing framework? Up to individual to decide on that.
However, it doesn't matter who is the next Singapore National coach, be it a local or a foreigner again, what is essential to have someone who can fit into the current system seamlessly to work alongside FAS Technical Director Michel Sablon to revamp and kick start the conveyor belt for producing players for the Lions.
 |
| Must be one of his biggest regrets |
The next man at helm must avoid making any bold statement we are accustomed to for the past three years, stay firm on the ground.
Meanwhile, the rest of the stakeholders must be patient and realistic of the current doldrums we are in.
 |
| Coach Stange's stats for the Lions |
With the result in Tehran saw Singapore lost 2-1 to Afghanistan, it's time to see the Saxony native penciled another name on his CV and also signalled the end of "The Bernd Stange Show" by this blog as well.
Totally agree.. we must trust Michel Sablon and his team.
ReplyDeleteAt this period.. the forcus should be totally in youth development and the next NT head coach should be in the same frequency with sablon
I really had expected a lot from his leadership.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I believe, the fundamental infrastructure, red tapes and bureaucracy simply just too difficult for anyone to do what they want to do.
(even Raddy didnt had a easy ride then; he was just doing what he can given the limitations - by treating the NT as a club, thru young lions)
Right from the moment Bernd Stange is appointed, his success or failure had always been dependent on how much power and flexibility FAS is going to provide for him.
ReplyDeleteI had great hopes and expectations for him, because of how he was appointed - an exhaustive and seemingly "professional" search by the FAS. Thus I expected that, for the FAS to do it the right way to headhunt him, to give him the top dollars - I expected FAS to have given him all the support and powers he need to reform the NT the way he see fit.
Unfortunately, it doesnt seemed to be the case. The SEA Games saga had shown that he was playing 2nd fiddle to the SEA Games squad managed by Aide Iskandar. He was very much influenced and bound by the FAS' preference to the NFA production line - from how much of the LionsXII players are selected - even Young Lions players. Seriously chosen by Bernd himself? Young Lions players over established powerhouses' players?
Raddy may have won awards prior for Singapore - but that is because Raddy play it pragmatically; work within all the ridiculous red tape, and build the NT as if its a club team - selecting primarily players from Young Lions; and then the LionsXII - the squad members hardly change much over the years under Raddy. Off form players continues to be selected, just like how a Club side cannot afford to displace a senior player in the squad.
Bernd expected to run a National Team, paid to run a National team, but forced upon him red tapes that just made things impossible to run it the way he wanted, in my opinion.