Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Hey guys, its been awhile. Thought I'd take some time off my busy schedule tonight to prep ourselves for season 2. As usual, I don't know how many can commit and how many cannot. Doesn't matter, its usual. What we need though, is some pride.

We were never a bad team. So why are we playing like one sometimes? God knows. I wonder what happened to the X-S of the first half of the season. It seems as though we've lost it.

Of course, that's not true. We're still a great team. We can match FMFC on their home turf, though we lost 2-1. We can trash Re-Unite. We can take a 3-0 lead within minutes against that team in green at Simpang Bedok. But then we we can also lose to Dunman All-Stars.

We need a boost. And to be honest, noone can push the team except ourselves. If you can will yourself to perform better and concentrate and improve with every minute you play football, we will be back stronger than ever. If we continue being complacent and just hit and hope, not listening to each others' opinions and continue making the same mistakes we've been doing, we'll never get out of this rut. And I speak for everyone.

I've been in charge of this team for as long as I can remember. It's been draining at times, heart-wrenching at times, extremely hilarious at times and fun all the time. Every season I start with new hope, new resolve and more expectations. Next season is no different. It's the first time in our history that we're staying on in the same league under the same organisers.

For now, we have about 2 weeks of rest from football. I hope the void fuels a hunger to succeed in you guys.

Here's a player-by-player analysis I've always wanted to do:

WL: You've been a great servant to the club. An ever-present. Through all these years you've improved much, but you dare not improve more. I think you can practice on your goalkicks. It would be a great asset to the team to have; accurate long-range missiles to chase. Secondly, confidence on the ball. There may be situations whereby you need to be able to play the ball at your feet. Before/after every game, just practice these 2 things. Grab someone to partner you and just go at it.

Boon: Aggression. I want to see more drive and fierceness from you. In fact, every player on the pitch. Its great that you're heading more, you've put most of your injuries behind. Still haven't lost that ability to make a telling pass. Secondly, have more confidence to shoot. You have a great shot, very straight n direct (I rmbr from street soccer). But we hardly ever see it on the pitch. So these 2 things for you to work on.

YL: Composure and judgement. You're almost complete. Can head, can use both feet. Its all good. But you need more composure. You need to practice your first touch so that you can make time and space for yourself on the ball. As a left back, you would normally have time and space but you seem to panic sometimes. Judgement-wise, sometimes you try to rush the play unnecessarily. I like your drive and hunger, but you'll have to talk more to your team-mates to adjust your style accordingly.

Dan and Shaun: As central players, you guys need a lighter first touch that can set yourself up immediately for a pass. You're both great ball-winners, undoubtedly. But there is also that chance of losing it with a poor first touch. Secondly, if we're in possession, you need to be more dynamic. Move into space immediately after your pass. 80% of the time, the opponent will stay and you'll have more time on the ball to plot your next move.

Wee Meng: Positioning and consistency. Counter speedy wingers by pushing them to where you want them to go. If you've got cover in the middle, usher them inwards. You don't always have to tackle them. And more consistency, you can play out of your skin sometimes!

Okay I'm tired already, but this applies to everyone including myself. We do make mistakes at times. What's important is we learn from them. The players above, don't feel victimised or singled-out. I have your names up there because I know you guys can play much better, and I need you guys to believe it too. There are others of course, I could go on all-day. But I need to eat dinner now. HAHA.

Keep the faith boys. See you soon.

P.S. Help me keep the blog alive leh!