Need to focus on basic strengths: German coach
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: International professional football coach from Germany Volker Hofferbert, who is in the city on an assignment with Royal Wahingdoh, said that the future of football in Meghalaya is bright and with proper infrastructure and guidance things can be taken to the next level.
“I am really impressed with the talent of some of the footballers here. With proper guidance they can make it big,” said Hofferbert, a member of the German Football Association.
Hofferbert pressed upon local footballers to concentrate on their basic strengths rather than trying to emulate European footballers in terms of physical strength.
“We cannot blindly follow the trend of any footballing continent without studying our own unique strength. I have seen many nations trying to build the strength similar to their European counterparts.
“Personally, I feel this would not help and it would better to concentrate on the individual skills of players,” Hofferbert, told The Shillong Times on Friday.
Replying to a query, the professional coach from Germany said that he had seen some of the games played among the clubs of Shillong including Ar-Hima, Langsning and Royal Wahingdoh and majority of the teams here follow the old European style of playing with long passes.
“European clubs now play with short passes which helps to build their game right from the defence and is not only effective but also an attractive style. The fans like to watch this kind of football,” Hofferbert, who is also an active member of the German Olympic Association, said.
Hofferbert however praised Wahingdoh for trying to play the game the way top clubs in Europe including Barcelona play.
“With time other clubs here could also consider aopting the new style,” he said.
Hofferbert who is a champion in the campaign for promoting women’s football across the globe said, “It is sad to see women being deprived of equal sporting facilities in many of the nations.”
He stressed that the game would not only help women build their physical strength but also enable them to be mentally fit and self confident.
When asked about this assignment, he said that he has been invited by Wahingdoh to help the coaching staff of the team.
“I would also hold some interactive sessions with coaches from other clubs.”