Marinica sticks to his guns on philosophy

Flames coach Mario Marinica says he will continue engaging clubs so that they understand fully his philosophy despite “some resistance”.

Upon being hired as Football Association of Malawi technical director and later as Flames coach, Marinica introduced a new philosophy for the Flames whose concept is ‘Playing Fast and Very Fast Football’, which, according to him, requires thinking, acting and moving fast.

In an interview this week, the Romanian said: “I will carry on engaging local clubs to understand better our philosophy so that players should be well prepared when called up for national duty.

“I am aware that there is lots of resistance, especially from people who have never sat down to look at our 17 points [of the philosophy].

“They have never met me or asked me face-to-face for clarification. Basically, most of them are not football people.

“I know that it won’t be easy, but I believe in the potential of our players too.”

The 57-year-old tactician said a number of the national team players are based locally it would, therefore, help to engage the clubs so that they assist in preparing the players.

Recently, some clubs, notably Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, who contribute the bulk of local-based players to the Flames, said they cannot adopt Marinica’s style because they have their own.

Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga then said it was unheard of to expect all teams to adopt same tactical philosophy or style of play.

He said: “Coaches have their own philosophies. Players stay with national teams for a few days and spend most of the time with their respective teams. How then would it be possible for teams to adopt the philosophy of a national team coach and expect no tactical adaptation issues?

“My personal view is that teams should be allowed to play according to their coach’s philosophy while the national team should also play differently.”

On his part, Wanderers coach Mark Harrison, who doubles as TD, said: We can’t adopt his philosophy. Each club has its own DNA, vision and style.

“Of course, we met him and discussed the national team philosophy, but he has his own vision and plans and so do we, but suffice to say some of his ideas and ours match.”

Football analyst Charles Nyirenda said it does not make sense for the national coach to introduce his philosophy without conducting meaningful discussions with the local coaches and the football fraternity in general.