Post by cjeagle on Dec 10, 2017 14:31:06 GMT 8
If that is true, then the PFF was blindsided somewhat. They brought a young team with them expecting to participate in an U23 tournament only to find out that the organizers had informed FIFA that it was a men's level tournament. Under this circumstances, it is understandable why they had the U23 team manager organizing the team.
It is also unfortunate if it is true that many of the players from the other PFL teams did not respond to their invitation. If this is so, I find it hard to understand why they would turn it down, since this would be their best chance of proving that they deserve to be on the national team.
However I have been reading that Coach Marlon Maro decided to bench most of his starters in the game against Timor Leste. Knowing by this point, that this tournament was being rated by FIFA as a men's game that can potentially affect our FIFA rankings and our chances of getting a favorable draw if we make the Asian Cup, he still made the decision that the reserves consisting of young players will be enough.
Sure giving experience to our younger players is important(in the right cirumstances like U23 friendlies or tournaments this would be ideal) but not at the cost of possibly harming our chances in the Asian Cup. If they were placed in pot 4 in the AFC Cup draw, they would most likely be facing 3 potentially strong opponents in their group minimizing their chances of ever getting out of that group.
No matter the circumstances for this debacle and the excuse we are hearing from various quarters now that the deed is done, it cannot be ignored that lack of foresight on the coaching staff of the team sent by the PFF to this tournament, has potentially harmed the regular men's chances in the coming Asian Cup. I don't think he would be so lackadaisical with his decisions if he was coaching the regular men's team as well.
It is also unfortunate if it is true that many of the players from the other PFL teams did not respond to their invitation. If this is so, I find it hard to understand why they would turn it down, since this would be their best chance of proving that they deserve to be on the national team.
However I have been reading that Coach Marlon Maro decided to bench most of his starters in the game against Timor Leste. Knowing by this point, that this tournament was being rated by FIFA as a men's game that can potentially affect our FIFA rankings and our chances of getting a favorable draw if we make the Asian Cup, he still made the decision that the reserves consisting of young players will be enough.
Sure giving experience to our younger players is important(in the right cirumstances like U23 friendlies or tournaments this would be ideal) but not at the cost of possibly harming our chances in the Asian Cup. If they were placed in pot 4 in the AFC Cup draw, they would most likely be facing 3 potentially strong opponents in their group minimizing their chances of ever getting out of that group.
No matter the circumstances for this debacle and the excuse we are hearing from various quarters now that the deed is done, it cannot be ignored that lack of foresight on the coaching staff of the team sent by the PFF to this tournament, has potentially harmed the regular men's chances in the coming Asian Cup. I don't think he would be so lackadaisical with his decisions if he was coaching the regular men's team as well.