Substitutions causing headaches

26/11/2001

SUBSTITUTIONS, of all things, is proving to be a big headache for national
hcokey coach Paul Lissek in the run-up to the 2002 Kuala Lumpur World Cup
on Feb 24-March 9.
First, he does not have depth on the bench to change three or four
players at one go, and the second is a psychological problem which needs
to be ironed out fast.
"Some of the senior players seem to feel that when they are substituted,
I am punishing them because they have done something wrong.
"The truth is that I want to change tactics by playing different players
in different roles. And this will also allow them to recover after giving
100 per cent in a match," said Lissek.
He also feels that when top players like Mirnawan Nawawi, S. Kuhan or
Maninderjit Singh were substituted on the run in the Azlan Shah Cup in
August, it resulted in dejection and a depression.
"So when I ask them to go back in after a 10 minute rest, they fail to
function immediately and need time to get back into the game.
"I am trying to change this mindset because the few precious minutes
they take to recover becomes a big advantage to the opposition.
"In the 2002 World Cup, I will have to substitute Mirnawan, who I feel
gives 100 per cent on the pitch all the time, because if I don't he will
get burned out and become useless towards the end of a match, which is
actually the crucial period for any team.
"When taken out, the players need to understand that it is actually a
tactical move and must not feel dejected."
Lissek singled out S. Kuhan as among the players who needs short breaks
during matches because he has a heavy build and if utilised for the entire
70 minutes, will not be able to cope with the pace.
"Kuhan is a steady hand, but he can't play at a fast pace for long
periods because of his heavy build so I am training a few players who can
take his position when he is on the bench recovering."
Lissek, who watched Germany beat Australia 2-1 in the final of the
Champions Trophy in Rotterdam recently, felt that the match was won
because they could substitute four players at one go and still maintain a
tight grip in the match for 70 minutes.
"That is what we are preparing the team for right now. We are working
towards having a side strong enough to retain their shape even if four key
players are substituted at one go. I will try this out in the Champions
Challenge next month."
The format of the 2002 World Cup, which will see 16 teams taking part in
two groups of eight, favours extremely fit teams who have depth on the
bench.
"Fitness will definetely separate the top eight from the bottom eight in
the World Cup so our training right now is centred around making the
national trainees stronger and faster with the ball.
"And I am happy to say the fitness level of the players has improved
tremendously since May and they do not mind the gruelling pace that I am
putting them through even during the fasting month."
* jugjet@nstp.com.my
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