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Mexxx
Starting Member
USA
56 Posts |
 Posted - May 28 2002 : 10:02:45 AM
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This is from the Argentina football Association magazine
April 2002 - April 2002
Analysis
THE VALUE OF FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT
In the business and entrepreneurial world, and even at a governmental level, the significant value of good management – i.e., strategic and political leadership toward success and mission accomplishment – is widely recognized and acknowledged among specialists.
However, especially in the last few years, this theory has not seemed to apply to the world of entertainment sports, and even less to professional football.
More often than not, when people talk about sports success, they usually refer to specific players or teams and their coaches. Likewise, financial support provided by TV, sponsors or advertising is usually considered one of the keys to success.
Beyond all doubt, these factors are all true and real, but they show only one side - the easiest for everyone to see and understand. No one can deny the fact that management is a key aspect to long-term success and that it is being disregarded.
Apparently, the general trend in the media is to talk about football managers only when things go wrong, whatever the cause might be.
Today, we can hardly remember old times when great football managers would count on people’s support and acknowledgement when it came to combining diverse passions, opinions and interests that are inherent in professional football’s sportive, social and financial nature.
In view of the difficult times we are going through, both in Argentina and in the world, and of the forthcoming final phase of 2002 FIFA World Cup, we should reflect on AFA’s National Teams’ performance during the last few decades.
After obtaining the first title in Argentina 78, we won the 1979 World Youth Cup in Japan and repeated the feat in Qatar 95, Malaysia 97 and Argentina 2001.
Moreover, in 1986 we won our second World Cup in Mexico and the second place in Italy 90, having participated in the last rounds of all three championships held in those years. Also, Argentina became champion in Copa America in Chile 91 and Ecuador 93, and got the silver medal at the Olympics in Atlanta 96.
This is how we got here. According to FIFA, Argentina is among the best teams in the world and one of the favorites for the next World Cup. Therefore, our teams are internationally seen as one of the most profitable assets of our country and one of the best “trademarks” international companies are willing to partner.
This true international sports phenomenon is believed to be the result of the long-term teamwork that AFA has been developing in the last few years, aiming at creating numerous international cracks. The framework for this model has entailed building and running a high-performance complex in Ezeiza, AFA technical bodies’ specialization, and establishing a technical flow chart that ensures a steady, professional and trustworthy climate, essential for the teams to systematically reach international success.
In short, a good set of decisions, actions and amazing results throughout the last decades of Argentine and international football have shown that Argentina has the opportunity to gain international credibility and excellent results despite our national crisis.
We hope these thoughts will help to encourage and commit numerous national and international football managers, and to revindicate their role at all levels, circumstances and organizational forms of the king of all sports.
What the MIND of MAN can conceive and BELIEVE he will ACHIEVE |
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THE VALUE OF FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT from the AFA
