Al-Caliph lost 2-4 to Sharks. We hit the post about 4 times and missed 3 clear opportunities in the first half alone. As the saying goes, we meant to lose.
We were 0-2 down at half-time. We managed to get one back however a lapsed in defence saw we conceded another. My cries of we were losing and not winning certainly wasnt heed by anyone.
After a switched in tactics, we got another goal back. I cried out again. Yet again, we conceded. 2-4 it ended.
Tactics Given our limitations to the players that arrived, I pondered whether if we had a better chance if I had used the tactic I used against Blackjack. I realised it wouldnt have been as we had gifted the two early goals to the opponent. We made a hash of simple clearances and they capitalised. So I had to go for broke thereafter. Frankly, we could have drawn or won the game if we had capitalised on our chances and concentrated on the game better.
Players We had 15 players who arrived of which 6 are youth players. Mahdi joined us later after work. Many players were not available. Hence, we required reshuffling which meant our attacks were blunt. On the 7th minute, we lost a senior player through hamstring. His tournament is over. On the 60th minute, we lost another senior player.
The following players were the only ones that informed me that they were not able to turn up; Doc (work), Yan (training), Khairil (work), Jef (injury).
I am quite sure that we have 27 players. Minus 6 youth players, thats 21. Minus 4 senior players above, thats 17 senior players left. On the day, we had a much smaller number and we were very short especially in defence.
Responsibility What happened to the rest? If I had known the numbers on Monday, I would have postponed the match. I think it is irresponsible to not inform the team of your unavailability. It puts the team in a desperate position and deprives the team of a positive opportunity. When I looked at the bench, my options were very limited in the positions that needed beefing up during the match especially when we need to push forward. In the last match, it was especially severe when two players pulled out of the match due to injury. We are in the last leg of the league and your action or inaction has caused a downslide to the team's form.
Team's Goal Everyone decided before this tournament that we are to improve on our 3rd placing last season. We are nearly there. To achieve this. everyone knows that I have to pick the best team to play. This was decided by everyone and everyone agrees. I have a simple rule of thumb, if a player shows contribution on the field and is an asset during the game and could help the team to achieve its goals, he will play.
Dinesh has been a primed example. He is our youth player and been on the bench for the longest time over the last couple of seasons. Yet he persevered and improved. Did he get a full game playing time? No. Whatever time he had on the field, he made sure he made full use of it. He is coming up alongside Aizad to push for first eleven placing.
Shy has been off form this season. I have spoken to him about his game and the only person to arrest the situation is him. However, for the team, if you dont perform, I have to drop you. He agrees as he wants to be in there by merit.
I know that everyone wants to play. It doesnt take a fool to know. So far only one player has spoken to me about it and I have explained. (I am glad this player has answered my calls and returning to the fold.) Our 4 youth players are not ready to take the tournament by the scruff of the neck. And when I see they play, they are more afraid of making mistakes then contributing effectively for the team. This is normal for everyone. Hence I have to ease them in.
Unknowing to most, a few senior players who have a lot of playing time also mentioned to me that they are a liability to the team when they play. For their experience, and mainly because of lack of available players, I have to coax them to play and hope that they can build up their confidence.
Recruitment We are running out of defensive players. In the last few days, an sms were circulated to ask your opinion on recruiting a DC and DM for our last few games. I have read your comments and most were agreeable. We will address this matter again in the next game.