I don’t have a style, says Marinica

Malawi National Football Team coach Mario Marinica says he does not have a particular style of play for the Flames.

Responding to a question on the continued criticism from some quarters that the Flames are struggling to adapt to his style of play, the Romanian said: “People are free to criticise and voice out their opinions.

“However, I wouldn’t say it’s fair to criticise my style of play because I don’t have a style of play.

“Style is about fashion [and not necessarily football]. What I have though, is a temporary way to play within my philosophy because of circumstances.

“People have different perceptions of football and it depends on the way they understand it. It is their right. As they say, you can please some people sometimes, but you can’t please all the people all the time.”

The Flames gaffer said to him, what is pleasing is that the Flames are making progress as they are now able to create “lots of chances”.

Said Marinica: “But then, it is not up to the coaches to take the chances, it is down to the players based on their decision, technique and understanding of a situation at that particular time.

“We may not play like the old Barcelona style because we don’t have the calibre of Lionel Messi. So, we play with what we have and based on what we have.”

Football analyst Kevin Moyo said in terms of style of play, it will be difficult to make progress since the coach only has a year-long contract.

“And implementing the style of play that he wants within that period will be a challenge, no matter what,” he said.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu recently appealed for patience.

He said: “Obviously, we had high hopes and that we didn’t make it past the group stages at the Cosafa Cup was disappointing.

“We just need patience as a nation. He needs our support more than anything.”