Far East spell sees Mixu improve as a boss and a person
Mixu Paatelainen experienced life at seven different Scottish clubs as a player and manager over a span of more than 30 years.
His desire to improve himself as a coach, and as a person, has since taken him 6,000 miles away from his family home in Fife to Hong Kong as manager of the national team.
The former Hibs, Kilmarnock and Dundee United gaffer has been there for almost two years, and his contract expires at the end of next month.
Since leaving Tannadice in May 2016 after being unable to keep the club in the Premiership, the likeable Finn has also been in charge of Latvia, and a club side in Thailand, Ubon United.
Speaking from Hong Kong, Paatelainen isn’t certain yet whether he will sign a new deal or not.
But if he does become available again, he believes that his next employer will be getting a more accomplished version from five years ago.
The big Finn told The Sunday Post: “After leaving my job in Latvia, I wanted to open myself up to new challenges in football.
“I’ve never been afraid to pack a suitcase and get my passport stamped. So here I am.
“I’ve been in coaching and management for almost 20 years, but I still have lots to learn. I also feel I have plenty to offer. I want to be working for many years yet.
“I was made aware the Hong Kong job was available, put myself forward, got an interview and was then offered the position.
“In terms of football, this country is developing and trying to improve. I work with really good people, and they can’t do enough for you.
“The players are also committed and willing to learn. The attitude of each and every one of them is first-class. They are a joy to manage.
“They are good all-rounders, but what is lacking is ‘specialist’ players for every position. That is what we are working towards.
“If we can get to that point, then we will be there or thereabouts.
“We also need to improve our youth development, and the overall infrastructure.
“At the start of last year, we made targets and had a vision. The strategy is to qualify for the 2034 World Cup Finals.
“Yes, it’s ambitious – but it’s not impossible. “There is nothing wrong with having a vision to aim for what may be very high in the clouds.
“I’ve always believed that when you get out of bed every morning, you need to have something to aim for. Our aim is to qualify in 2034.
“We also want to get to the Asian Finals. We want our Under-23 side to be doing good things.
“Those are collective goals. On a more personal level, being here has been great and has improved me both as a coach and a human being.
“Coaching someone from Hong Kong is different from coaching a player from Scotland or Latvia or Finland. The man-management also needs to be different.
“So learning new things and adapting has helped me. This move has been good for me.
“It has added to my knowledge of life and football.”
It’s also been an eye-opener for Paatelainen to see how Hong Kong has handled the coronavirus pandemic.
In a population of around 7.5 million, the death toll stands at less than 200.
Swift and decisive action from the Government – and society following the guidelines to the letter – were behind the remarkably low figure.
Naturally Paatelainen keeps an eye on what’s happening back here.
With managerial jobs appearing regularly – Ross County, Livingston, Motherwell and Kilmarnock have all parted with their gaffers since
August – there’s every chance 54-year-old Paatalainen will manage in the SPFL again.
Despite being on the other side of the world, he keeps up to date on the Scottish scene, and has been delighted to see Glen Kamara doing so well at Rangers.
His countryman has been superb for Steven Gerrard’s team this season and has been linked with top clubs around Europe, while the Light Blues manager is desperate to get the midfielder signed on a new deal.
Paatelainen said: “Glen has been brilliant for Rangers.
“They have been doing very, very well this season, and Glen has made a significant contribution.
“His level of play and levels of consistency have attracted interest from elsewhere. But I don’t believe Glen will be in a rush to leave Rangers to try something different.
“Players are always aware of when they have a good thing, and are settled on and off the park. You shouldn’t be in a hurry to change that.
“He had a good grounding as a young professional at Arsenal, and his career has taken him a few places.
“But he will be getting great advice and coaching from Steven Gerrard and his staff.
“There are good times ahead for him. For now, he should enjoy the moment.”