If the FAI had any vision, it would follow the Spanish model
■ The performance by the Irish team on Tuesday night was abysmal. I have played with some excellent Irish footballers down the years and remain dismayed that this is the best we can produce, year in, year out.
Something is rotten – and clearly not in the state of Denmark. Spain can show us the way forward. In 1995/96, after being perennial underachievers, a unified youth system was introduced in Spain. Spain now boasts an impressive network of youth academies. In addition, they embarked on a training programme for coaches.
In 2008, Spain had almost 15,000 Uefa A and Pro Licence coaches. Intelligence, technique, ball control, possession and a hunger to win the ball back were emphasised. The values of hard work, teamwork and discipline are also extolled.
Barcelona’s famous La Masia youth academy produced the likes of Messi, Iniesta, Xavi, Fabregas, Pique and Puyol. Playing exciting, attacking football and achieving results are not mutually exclusive.
I doubt there is a Spanish equivalent of “Get rid of it” or “Row Z”. Spain’s new dawn paid dividends. Spain won the World Cup and the European Cup, as well as the Under 19 and Under 21 European Championships. Between 1998 and their victory at the 2010 World Cup, Spanish youth teams from the Under 16s to the Under 21s won 19 Uefa and Fifa championships.
The FAI should send a team to Spain to see how to emulate their model. Even if we established a handful of academies and coaching schools, it would be a start. Imagine what we could achieve if we could combine the traditional Irish qualities of fight and spirit with footballing intelligence and technical skill.
The Irish fans deserve better. Does the FAI have any vision?
Rob Sadlier Rathfarnham, Dublin 16