Excuse #1 The system doesn't work. Our opponents can read it already.
Me answer: Absolute bullshit. We didn't hear that on the way to last year's Finals. And I caught many on video extolling its virtues. We've been running the offense for years and you would think that our foes would have caught on even during the three-peat years. Besides, what has changed in FEU's or UST's system? Not much. They still play the same way. They even start the same way against us -- a long ball off the kick off to test our keeper.
And didn't Germany know that Spain was running a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 depending on who's on the pitch? Luis Aragones has pretty much employed that system since the 2006 World Cup.
On a non-football analogy, hasn't Phil Jackson been running the triangle offense since the Berlin Wall was still up. So how come the Lakers have still been successful and currently own the best record in the NBA?
The correct answer here is the newbies have not wholly adapted to the system and the other vets have not functioned. The team starts four rookies -- Anton Amistoso, Miko Manglapus, Joel Faustino, and Paul Cheng. All hold key positions. And they can be taught all the skills or plays but ultimately they have to go out there and execute it. The strange this is they are able to get it going during practice or even more tellingly, the pre-season. So what gives?
That's exactly it. It's the pre-season. Not everyone goes full throttle during the pre-season. The main UAAP tourney is a different animal altogether.
Excuse #2 The coach isn't a great motivator.
Me answer: Define motivation? Is it speeches that make your hair stand up so you get pumped up then you're the dude who needs to watch porn first before you get a hard on. If you've been with the varsity since you were in grade school and I will assume that you were, you've probably heard ever motivational speech that Barack Obama wishes he could have thought of. So if that's your definition of motivation then we'll talk you to death next time.
If your other definition is the coach doesn't give enough encouragement and he cusses you out. Hold it. Getting all those minutes on the pitch isn't enough? The fact that he's playing you means something. If you get cussed then look at it this way -- how the hell does Hans Smit get results from his team now when they are starting eight rookies! And by Smit's own admission, his Green Booters are a year or two away from realizing their true potential.
Now if putting on the blue and white with "Ateneo" in front isn't enough to get you to play hard then I suggest you drop the blue and wear white forever. As in the white flag of surrender.
Excuse #3 RS Mantos is not playing.
Me answer: Sure that's tough missing last year's best goalkeeper. But was the concentration there at all considering his opening day gaffe that will forever live in infamy? Besides, shouldn't you step up on your game and play harder? On a non-football analogy, remember when the LA Lakers lost Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Game 5 of the 1980 NBA Finals and Earvin Magic Johnson stepped up and played center in Game 6 and led his side to the title?
Okay, not convinced because that was one game? Here's a football example. In 1962, a 21-year old Pele suffered a leg injury in Brazil's second game of the World Cup that knocked him out the rest of the way. Brazil were the defending champs then and Pele was the previous World Cup's second leading goal scorer. Garrincha strapped the team on his back and led Brazil once more to the title.
Excuse #4 The team lacks leadership.
Me answer: Is this a knock on the team captain? I suspect that rather than hold themselves accountable for poor performances, it's best to blame others. Losing tends to bring out the worst in people. I wonder what people will say if we win our next five games.
But leadership is huge especially for the captain and the vets. I hope you also saw the article on Vince Carter and the New Jersey Nets that I posted.
Many people also have to realize that for college teams it is different from a pro team. Pro teams are more focused while college teams have to deal with school, family, girlfriends, and other growing up issues. You have to give some guys props. Look at Gab Siojo. Prior to the start of the season, his pop asked him if he was going out for the weekend. He said no. Football's up. And that's the way it should be during the season -- studies and football. Nothing else. That can come later.
The modern game demands that a coach should be more than a tactician. He should also be a leader, a older brother/father figure, and a friend. It's not an easy thing to be -- all those.
Excuse #5 The offense isn't scoring. The defense sucks. Some are late for practice. This guy doesn't work as hard. This guy isn't focused. Yadda yadda yadda.
Me answer: Yup. The designated scorers haven't found the back of the net. In fact, in five matches, we have only one goal to show. And it was knocked in by the playmaking midfielder.
And yes, the defense hasn't held on quite a few occasions.
The thing is, everyone has their shortcomings but rather finger point which is not going to help or end, why not look for solutions? Why not say, I'll bust my ass and make sure that no one scores on us or some such?
In the past we only used the other tournaments as a build up to the big one. It seems that now we did well in the summer and first sem and everyone thought we'd steamroll over everyone.
Not true. As I said in the beginning... UP is on a mission but you cannot take anyone for granted. It's just that everyone is tough this year and they've been better than us so far.
And speaking of Lionel Messi, I'll go on record to say that he will be the next FIFA player of the year.
And speaking of Lionel Messi, I'll go on record to say that he will be the next FIFA player of the year.
