Jamaica's football history
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Exclusive Interview with Coach Laza!
Monday, October 11, 2004
Two days before the critical World Cup qualifier between Jamaica and El Salvador, veteran RBSC reporter, Mosiah Marshall, sat down with national head coach, Sebastiao Lazaroni, for his first and only interview since returning to Jamaica in August. Technical analyst, Rick Figueiredo, who was instrumental in setting up this interview, also joined in.
MM: What has been your most difficult adjustment since returning?
SL: The challenge is to quickly construct teams. There is so little time, but it has to be done.
MM: How would you rate the improvement of the players since the last time you were here?
SL: It’s so hard for the coach to look and learn the characteristics of the players to build the team. I want to teach them more things about the game. We must have our own shape, our tactical discipline. That’s so important in football. We cannot afford to go back. Jamaica has a very good style and skilful players, but not good organization. I think there is a lot of progress.
MM: How do we stack up on the mental aspect of the game?
SL: The preparation is important to the individual and to the group’s mental focus. We have to prepare because each game is different.
MM: What do you think of CONCACAF’s players, coaches and football in general? What about Jamaica’s football?
SL: SL: I think CONCACAF is getting a lot of publicity. We have the Internet, TV, a lot of information. Our federation is trying to have a continuous program. Age group programs are continuing and it is very important for the country. So, it’s now it’s not just about reggae, but the Reggae Boyz! And the (T&F) athletes they are famous around the world.
MM: Do you choose the formation and then have them adjust, or do you adopt the formation depending on the players’ availability and abilities?
SL: I don’t have time to explain step by step. I have one group. They played seven times before Haiti. I talked with Carl Brown and the other coaches about the players. There were many changes when I came – (Jamie) Lawrence and (Ricardo) Fuller were injured, (Micah) Hyde was in and out. We talked about what we should do. We must take risks. In the USA and Panama games, we played well but got no result. We took risks against El Salvador and we were successful, and we will continue to take risks. And we had a good game against Guatemala.
MM: Your Brazilian counterparts, Simoes and d'Oliveira, practiced a 5-3-2 formation. You have kept away from that. Why?
SL: Because they are now more confident in the 4-4-2 or 4-3-3. We have more capacity to control the game more than before. It is nearer to the Brazilian style (he chuckles, naming off the players we now have in midfield).
RF: How do you compare the 3-5-2 and the 4-4-2?
SL: The 4-4-2 is more balanced. Players are nearer to each other.
RF: Is it safer?
SL: SL: Not necessarily. It is more compact. With the 3-5-2, it is more individual. There is more space to run, sacrifice. The team is longer and there is a lot of movement.
MM: There is an opinion that in our last game against Panama, the players were flat, especially in the first half.
SL: No. Panama was a little quicker, they were playing at home. We made some mistakes. In the first half, Panama kicked the ball long distance. On one occasion, Claude stopped because they guy pushed him. Another time, there was a mistake between (Tyrone) Marshall and (Donovan) Ricketts. At the end of the first half, we were better.
MM: Are you settled on the squad? Do you think this is the best we have to offer? I know you have seen some U-20 players and a few local players. What are our brightest prospects?
SL: We have some good talent. It’s important for the program to continue. Claude Davis, Ricardo Fuller four years ago were so young, now they are professionals. Now we have (Richard) Austin, Jermaine Taylor…(he names quite a few of the U-20 players and some of the local players). But we don’t have time to look at any new players. The team is set for this round.
MM: Are you familiar with Shavar Thomas?
SL: Yes, I know him. (He describes the Kansas City defence within which Shavar plays.) He is a very good player.
MM: We have Bibi (Ricardo Gardner) and Garfield Reid battling for the left wing back position. I don’t think Bibi wants to play left back.
SL: Garfield needs more timing, but he has more capacity to defend. Bibi likes to attack. Maybe in the future, not now. We just don’t have time.
MM: Do you have a comprehensive plan to aid in the development of Jamaica’s football? Is it plan that he is willing to share with the people of Jamaica?
SL: Only involved with the senior team. No time for all of Jamaica’s programs.
MM: But we have observed that you were involved with U-20 preparations. Are there other roles you are playing in the development of our football despite the media reporting that your sole task is getting the Reggae Boyz to the World Cup Finals?
SL: Future! If I just focus on seniors and lose 1 or 2 players, where do I go for replacements?
MM: England.
SL: No! (He laughs.) I have seen the U-20 and I love them.
RF: What part of Brazilian football philosophy would you want to impart to Jamaica?
SL: The professional attitude, to enjoy the game, but with discipline. I am happy that I was able to impart discipline in the Brazilian football structure. We might not have won the World Cup, but with a stronger defence, you can attack better, because the midfield is more confident.
I was having a conversation with Jamie Lawrence the other day. He was telling me about when he played against Brazil. He said, no one keeps the ball. Yes. The team keeps the ball. It is called rotation, with discipline. Brazil completes 700 passes per game, we are up to 500.
MM: Where do you see football in the coming years, a game dominated by the existing powers, Brazil, France, Germany, England or a game with a dynamic power structure?
SL: No. A good example is Greece who won the Euro. I hope my country continues, however. But you know why Brazil is successful, we love the game, we work hard at it from we are kids. There are many clubs, players and we find some diamonds, goal-scoring specialists. (He begins to share his days with the Zico, a man he considers a very good friend, and a football genius.)
RF: What are the characteristics of the superstars?
They are very intelligent. Some players think they are geniuses but they are not. The superstars are geniuses.
RF: Define genius.
In a difficult situation he makes it look easy. Ronaldinho. The combination of brain and physical talent to get out of difficult situations.
MM: Who would most closely approximate to genius on our team?
SL: It takes continuous work to get to genius. I would strongly support the building of a football academy to in the search for geniuses.
MM: Is Tappa (Theodore Whitmore) a genius?
SL: Tappa has great capacity, not only in transition, but in making the last pass and chances to score. With his technique, he broke the harmony of the other team, the defensive equilibrium.
MM: Wouldn’t you risk injury if you play too much?
SL: Balance. We have a long program, a short program, intensity, rest - longevity.
MM: Do you have any plans of remaining with the team after the world cup, assuming that he takes the team to Germany?
SL: If I continue to love it and get the respect from everyone, then yes, it is possible.
MM: Coach Lazaroni, the RBSC is grateful for this opportunity to speak with you. We want you to know that we are 100% behind you and the team and will continue to provide whatever support you may need. We wish you all the best for the remainder of the campaign.
SL: Thank you very much.
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