Former Socceroos coach Raul Blanco will make his debut at the World Cup in South Africa sitting on the Kiwi’s bench. I was lucky to have a chat with him about his experiences with the All Whites and the state of coaching in Australia.
HTH: You must be buzzing about going to the World Cup, even if it is with your second adopted country for now, New Zealand?
Raul Blanco: “I have previously tried with the national team of our country (Australia), but we didn’t achieve the dream (‘93 against Argentina, assistant to Eddie Thomson, ‘97 Iran as assistant coach to Terry Venables). And when it didn’t look like there was going to be another opportunity, this invitation came, and obviously I’m so thrilled to be part of it.”
HTH: Tell us about the fan reaction when New Zealand won?
RB: “The biggest surprise for me was the reaction of the public.
“As I said before, I’ve been many times to New Zealand, but never experienced what I experienced this time. Obviously, after 28 years wait, the possibility of going to World Cup is a big occasion. But nevertheless, I’m used to a bit more of a controlled type of crowd, but this one was absolutely incredible: not only the 37,000 people who packed the stadium, the way they dressed, the way they sing, they way they welcomed the ’82 World Cup squad during the parade before the games.
“They gave them a standing ovation for a very long time. It was really an emotional scene. It doesn’t matter where you come from, when you see that reaction from the public, that incredible support they were offering the national team, it was wonderful to see. Really a big experience.”
HTH: New Zealand has drawn Slovakia Paraguay and Italy. Can you pull a surprise against any of those teams?
RB: “I think you can, of course! Why shouldn’t you go to a World Cup thinking that you can?
“We achieved the dream to get there, now the next step is to see if all the planning and preparation that we are going to have, can help us get a step further.
“I think when you talk about Italy, they are a world power; Paraguay are one of the best South American teams; and Slovakia is a good team in Europe.
“I think the possibilities are there.
“We should be positive. When you qualify to be amongst the best 32 teams in the world, I think your chances are as good as anybody else. ”
HTH: People who have followed the game in Australia for a while can see and spot the difference in quality compared to the players coming through and the older players. Your thoughts?
RB: “The game has changed around the world, too, so be careful. It’s not what it used to be, either.
“The years you are talking about (were where) good football, intelligent football, and good technique was a great priority.
“Today we keep thinking if you jump higher and if you run 100 metres in 11 or 12 seconds and other things, which are not really related to good football, they are becoming priorities.
“Other people outside the game are becoming influential, telling people how training should be done, and we are forgetting that at that time, one or two guys were doing everything.
“Today we have eight or nine people, all influential, all shouting. Something needs to be done this way or that way. People who have not been in the game, people who don’t know the game, are talking about things and I think their priorities are wrong.
“I work for a club and I’m a technical director, so I see things. The reason I think we are not improving with the youth is I think we are not teaching the kids the right way. First of all, the skill is the only answer to it.”
For more of this interview and other stories featuring the Socceroos, A-League, Matlida’s Youth League and International football check out the latest Half Time Heroe online now: http://halftimeheroes.com.au/2010/03/25/march-2010/
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Socceroo Cameron Burgess has put Ipswich within touching distance of the Premier League after a 2-1 win over Coventry in the English Championship. Kieffer…
Who stood out from the Australians both here and overseas in a busy week of the world game? Goalkeeper - Mathew Ryan- 3-0 win…
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
What if we celebrated all of the achievements big and small, and weeded out those hell-bent on bringing down a game that is doing a hell of a lot right?
A good performance from Michael Ruhs, scoring twice to beat Macarthur and doubling his season goal tally in the process.
Nestory Irankunda has sensationally rejected the chance to play at the Paris Olympics this June after a late bid from the Olyroos to include…
