Afcon 1996 winning Bafana Bafana skipper Neil Tovey believes even during the current lockdown, football has continued to evolve as witnessed in the recent Euro 2020 finals.
Tovey, after analysing the Euro 2020 finals, said the tournament was exciting and proved that the current worldwide lockdown had not affected the development of the beautiful game and that it continued to evolve.
Speaking at the InTune Coaching Live Webinar Series, Tovey praised the way England and Italy adapted their game plan during the recent Euro 2020. He believed that the role of a coach was becoming even more important as the game evolved and said it was essential for them to be able to think on their feet.
“The Euros were exciting,” said Tovey. “It was interesting to see how both coaches changed their strategy mid game. For example, both teams had to change from a 4-3-3, 5-3-2 or 5-4-1 game plan or vice versa to get that competitive edge.
“What this means is a lot more pressure is placed on coaches to read the game and be able to anticipate. This starts from the selection process. He needs multi-dimensional players that can play in different positions and even on different sides. It is all about player versatility,” he said.
Tovey believed that this was the natural evolution of the game. “There are so many exceptional teams with little difference between them and coaches and players have to find a way to get the ball into the net.
“The build-up now starts right at the back. No longer are there those massive lobs from the goalkeeper up front. I mean if we had played like that in my day the coach would have had a fit,” chuckled Tovey.
Italy ultimately won the match on a penalty shootout, being the country’s first international trophy for many years. They even failed to qualify for the 2018 Fifa World Cup and Tovey believed this came down to the coach.
“Italy’s [Roberto] Mancini has transformed the team. In the past players were individualistic, but I could see that he has rebuilt the team in the two years that he has been in charge, and they played cohesively and an attacking brand of football.”
But credit must go to England and their coach, Gareth Southgate as well. “They also played a versatile game as opposed to their normal route one football. They were dynamic and were able to play it from the back. They had very skillful players like [Jack] Grealish and [Phil] Foden who were able to turn the ball well.”
There was a vast difference in coaching a club versus a national team, Tovey said. “Club coaches work with the players on a daily basis and can improve them technically whereas a national coach gets limited time with the players and must select his team based on club performances and how the players will blend in with his team.
“Hence, you always get those that believe the national coach has not selected the right players, but it is more than skill.”
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