AIFF Media Team
NEW DELHI: Keen to enlighten Indian Coaches with the latest Coaching techniques of the Modern Footballing World, All India Football Federation is helping India’s 31 elite Coaches gain “an insight into the success of the German Team during the World Cup 2014,” in an ongoing FIFA Elite Course in Goa.
The Course which kicked-off on June 18 and will continue till June 22, has Mr. Jochen Figge as the Course Instructor. Besides being a FIFA Instructor, Figge is also a Technical Member of the German Football Association (DFB).
Over the years, Figge has coached several National Teams namely Guinea, Zambia, Trinidad & Tobago and Ethiopia, and has also being actively involved in several development Programmes both for FIFA and DFB.
31 Coaches from various Professional Clubs have turned up for the Course on invitation by AIFF, notable names among whom include Savio Medeira, Derrick Perreira, Armando Colaco, Sanjay Sen, Santosh Kashyap, Thangboi Singto amongst others.
In an exclusive chat with www.the-aiff.com, Figge stressed that “it is important for the Participants to put into practice what they had picked up be useful for their Players and add value during their sessions.”
“The Participants are being refreshed with the new trends and the value of working in small groups before playing 11v11 practice games,” he added.
“The emphasis on details and elements in Professional Football is being stressed upon. Today Players are expecting the best practices from their Coaches. The Players are expecting more than just Coaching. They also want to be well managed, looked after, cared for, and respected. It is demanding of the Coaches. It means thoughtful planning, well designed sessions, resources available for recovery and rehabilitation, motivating them throughout the season, etc,” he added.
“Coaching Certificates alone might not be enough,” he pronounced.
Figge has brought with him the planning and investment DFB had put to become World Champions and this has also been shared with the Participants. While the mornings are reserved for the theory sessions, the practical sessions are conducted in the afternoons.
The Course concludes on Monday (June 22).
“The Coaches are being given an insight into the success of the German Team during the World Cup 2014. The investment and foresight with strong leadership is paying dividends,” Figge informed.
Referring to a query as to how the Participants have responded, Figge certified that the “positive attitude” has “impressed” him.
“I was informed that they are the ‘cream of the crop’ and are actively involved in day to day coaching. The successful Coach this year, Sanjoy Sen is here to learn. This is indeed a good sign. The evolution of Football has made coaching a continuing learning experience,” he opined.
“The Participants have been responsive during the lectures and showed confidence when asked to conduct the practical sessions. Most importantly, they are courageous to express their views and opinions. I am impressed with their positive attitude, their desire to learn and ask questions.”
