Post by SpaceSocaPlayaX on Nov 15, 2013 21:12:29 GMT 8
Being a big fan of the Philippine Women's National Team, I'm really excited to see how our girls will fare at the SEA Games. I feel, with the caliber of players from the Division 1 colleges that are being brought in, that we have a legitimate chance to get to the Semifinals with an opportunity to win a medal.
Unfortunately, I do have one concern.
I think one of the mini storylines heading into the SEA Games is whether or not Coach Ernie Nierras can finally get this team passed the group stage. The always outspoken coach, who's well-known for his social media rants, has not yet proven he can do so, most recently failing at both the AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers in May and in the AFF Women's Championships in September.
In all fairness, Nierras took over a struggling Women's National Team program with zero support. The players at the time had very little talent to compete at the International level. I don't believe there were any realistic goals for the team back then. If the team lost, it was no big deal. For them, it was about gaining international experience.
Fast forward a few years later, times have changed. Through the help of individuals in the US who volunteered their time to scout players, the quality of the team has gotten tremendously better. We now have a squad that can compete with the best in Southeast Asia. Some may even argue that our team is the favorites to win gold at this year's SEA Games.
In other words, there's no more excuses. There's absolutely nothing to hide behind. Nierras needs to step up and prove he's the right coach for the job. It's as simple as that. And if for whatever reason he doesn't get it done, then I almost have to believe a coaching change is necessary.
Talking all tough on social media is one thing. But time and time again after the team falls short, you see Nierras after eating his own words, tuck his tail between his legs and start apologizing as if it's no big deal. I'm sorry, but that won't cut it this time.
When you fail to get out of the group stage with this kind of roster at your disposal, you almost leave the PFF with no other choice. I mean, what kind of message would the PFF be sending to the players, the fans, and the organization if they didn't look to better the team's results, even if that means going in a different coaching direction.
Unlike in past years where the PFF almost had to beg a coach to handle the Women's National Team, if this job were available today, I think there'd be a handful of coaches lining up to interview for it. It's that enticing. I mean, who wouldn't want to coach these players. There's so much talent and potential.
Personally, I think Buda Bautista would be the best fit. She was Nierras' assistant coach at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers. She's an AFC "A" licensed coach. She knows her stuff.
Unfortunately, I do have one concern.
I think one of the mini storylines heading into the SEA Games is whether or not Coach Ernie Nierras can finally get this team passed the group stage. The always outspoken coach, who's well-known for his social media rants, has not yet proven he can do so, most recently failing at both the AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers in May and in the AFF Women's Championships in September.
In all fairness, Nierras took over a struggling Women's National Team program with zero support. The players at the time had very little talent to compete at the International level. I don't believe there were any realistic goals for the team back then. If the team lost, it was no big deal. For them, it was about gaining international experience.
Fast forward a few years later, times have changed. Through the help of individuals in the US who volunteered their time to scout players, the quality of the team has gotten tremendously better. We now have a squad that can compete with the best in Southeast Asia. Some may even argue that our team is the favorites to win gold at this year's SEA Games.
In other words, there's no more excuses. There's absolutely nothing to hide behind. Nierras needs to step up and prove he's the right coach for the job. It's as simple as that. And if for whatever reason he doesn't get it done, then I almost have to believe a coaching change is necessary.
Talking all tough on social media is one thing. But time and time again after the team falls short, you see Nierras after eating his own words, tuck his tail between his legs and start apologizing as if it's no big deal. I'm sorry, but that won't cut it this time.
When you fail to get out of the group stage with this kind of roster at your disposal, you almost leave the PFF with no other choice. I mean, what kind of message would the PFF be sending to the players, the fans, and the organization if they didn't look to better the team's results, even if that means going in a different coaching direction.
Unlike in past years where the PFF almost had to beg a coach to handle the Women's National Team, if this job were available today, I think there'd be a handful of coaches lining up to interview for it. It's that enticing. I mean, who wouldn't want to coach these players. There's so much talent and potential.
Personally, I think Buda Bautista would be the best fit. She was Nierras' assistant coach at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers. She's an AFC "A" licensed coach. She knows her stuff.