Spaudos konferencija
2.1
Dear friends, once again we are close to the biggest international event after the national teams, and it is the U21. Our young stars want to show their best performance and hope to play with the talents of each country becoming one of themselve.
But to get there, they need to be selected by the U21 Head Coach. so I have asked some simple questions to each of the National Selectors to know their ideas behind the selection of each of the promeses. As many have already answered, I will add all the interviews in different posts.
And to finish this little introduction, I would like to thank all the Trainers for opening up to this humble reporter and sharing their thoughts with us. Thank you all very much and good luck to all the Under 21 teams!!!
These are the questions:
- How difficult has it been to decide your squad this year?
- Could you tell us the criteria to select the players? Do you ask for their skills in advance to their players owners?
- Has any of your selected players surprised you and who is he?
- The U21 is the last step for the youngsters to shine and hopefully most of them will make it to the World Cup National Selection. How many do you think that will make it from your team?
- Regarding this year, how do you see your squad? What are the possibilities for this WC?
But to get there, they need to be selected by the U21 Head Coach. so I have asked some simple questions to each of the National Selectors to know their ideas behind the selection of each of the promeses. As many have already answered, I will add all the interviews in different posts.
And to finish this little introduction, I would like to thank all the Trainers for opening up to this humble reporter and sharing their thoughts with us. Thank you all very much and good luck to all the Under 21 teams!!!
These are the questions:
- How difficult has it been to decide your squad this year?
- Could you tell us the criteria to select the players? Do you ask for their skills in advance to their players owners?
- Has any of your selected players surprised you and who is he?
- The U21 is the last step for the youngsters to shine and hopefully most of them will make it to the World Cup National Selection. How many do you think that will make it from your team?
- Regarding this year, how do you see your squad? What are the possibilities for this WC?
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(Versti)
(Versti EN)
+8
Gianlukk – Italy U21
Hi Dan, I answer you very willingly!
My first selection has been quite simple because in Italy we don't have so many players and it wasn't too hard. It's my third experience as a Under national coach and I've learn something ;-) But I am still a newbie for many things!
It's bee harder the final 12 selection because of the kind of players to select: better pure PGs or combo PG/SG? That was my main doubt and I decided to be more oriented to the first kind
I knew some players asking skills to their owner but the biggest part of them I discovered by selecting them
I've had 2 surprised: one negative and one positive.
I don't want to tell the negative one for respect of his owner but one of the best italian U21 player by RT was really weird trained and, regarding my experience, not useful for the competition.
The positive one was Fabio Melfi, a very good PG even if he's only 19yo (thanks to his coach Movida)
He will be a solid player for next two U21 competition and for sure in the future of italian national team.
And I cannot avoid to mention Di Meglio/Pravettoni, a couple of Centers who will be for sure part of Italy in a few years.
My dream will be to reach semi-finals, but I know it will be a really hard target:
Lithuania and China are, as usual, out of my reach but also Taiwan is raising hard as a community and his team is deep and strong, I think they will be the 3 first place.
Lithuania is my favorite at all
I hope to fight for 5th place but Spain always make me suffer and even Hong Kong will be tough to defeat.
I still don't know many thing about a possible surprise, but I would bet my cent on Latvia.
I hope anyway to enjoy and to have fun! :-) -- 97 sez. 29 d.
Hi Dan, I answer you very willingly!
My first selection has been quite simple because in Italy we don't have so many players and it wasn't too hard. It's my third experience as a Under national coach and I've learn something ;-) But I am still a newbie for many things!
It's bee harder the final 12 selection because of the kind of players to select: better pure PGs or combo PG/SG? That was my main doubt and I decided to be more oriented to the first kind
I knew some players asking skills to their owner but the biggest part of them I discovered by selecting them
I've had 2 surprised: one negative and one positive.
I don't want to tell the negative one for respect of his owner but one of the best italian U21 player by RT was really weird trained and, regarding my experience, not useful for the competition.
The positive one was Fabio Melfi, a very good PG even if he's only 19yo (thanks to his coach Movida)
He will be a solid player for next two U21 competition and for sure in the future of italian national team.
And I cannot avoid to mention Di Meglio/Pravettoni, a couple of Centers who will be for sure part of Italy in a few years.
My dream will be to reach semi-finals, but I know it will be a really hard target:
Lithuania and China are, as usual, out of my reach but also Taiwan is raising hard as a community and his team is deep and strong, I think they will be the 3 first place.
Lithuania is my favorite at all
I hope to fight for 5th place but Spain always make me suffer and even Hong Kong will be tough to defeat.
I still don't know many thing about a possible surprise, but I would bet my cent on Latvia.
I hope anyway to enjoy and to have fun! :-) -- 97 sez. 29 d.
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(Versti EN)
+2
Lipinslki – Germany U21
- How difficult has it been to decide your squad this year?
To be honest, I haven't even looked at the squad yet. I'm putting off my decision until the registration deadline in the hope that a good talent will be found by scouts before then.
- Could you tell us the criteria to select the players? Do you ask for their skills in advance to their players owners?
The selection of players is much easier in Germany than in the big nations, such as Lithuania, China or Spain, due to the very limited pool of players.
At least with our consistent good coaching for the newer German managers, I can be pretty sure that no one has practiced "meaningless" skills.
In short: we take what we get. I would like to make my selection based on core skills for the respective positions, but that is simply not possible. RT is therefore the main criterion when selecting players.
But it's all the more astonishing that all German national teams, regardless of age group, have been able to stay in the top division for at least 10 seasons, the U18s even for an incredible 40 seasons.
This has even resulted in remarkable successes. The following should be emphasized
U16 S95 8th place Thanks to
Kaaskop67
U18 S96 6th place and biggest surprise Thanks to TripleThreat
U21 S87 6th place
Men S82 4th place
I remember when I was given the opportunity and honor to coach the Spanish national team, I asked the players' club managers about their skills beforehand. That made the decision much harder. Especially with regard to the tactical orientation of the whole team.
Thank you again for the trust of the Spanish community and this great experience.
- Has any of your selected players surprised you and who is he?
I can't say yet.
From experience, however, there have always been at least one or two players who have performed far beyond what was expected.
The trick is to find these players.
I hope we can do that again this season.
- The U21 is the last step for the youngsters to shine and hopefully most of them will make it to the World Cup National Selection. How many do you think that will make it from your team?
If I could survey it correctly, there are 5 franchise players in the German U21. In all likelihood, they will make it into the men's team sooner or later.
My own franchise player will (have to) be one of the key players at the U21 World Cup.
He has by far the highest RT, even though he's only 20 years old.
That alone says a lot about the breadth of the team.
- Regarding this year, how do you see your squad? What are the possibilities for this WC?
As always, the minimum goal is to stay in the league.
With a bit of luck, we'll reach the TOP 12 again.
- And finally, could you predict the top 3 and the biggest "grower/revelation" country.
My top 3 are Lithuania ahead of Spain and Taiwan.
The biggest surprise will hopefully be Germany in 7th place. -- 97 sez. 29 d.
- How difficult has it been to decide your squad this year?
To be honest, I haven't even looked at the squad yet. I'm putting off my decision until the registration deadline in the hope that a good talent will be found by scouts before then.
- Could you tell us the criteria to select the players? Do you ask for their skills in advance to their players owners?
The selection of players is much easier in Germany than in the big nations, such as Lithuania, China or Spain, due to the very limited pool of players.
At least with our consistent good coaching for the newer German managers, I can be pretty sure that no one has practiced "meaningless" skills.
In short: we take what we get. I would like to make my selection based on core skills for the respective positions, but that is simply not possible. RT is therefore the main criterion when selecting players.
But it's all the more astonishing that all German national teams, regardless of age group, have been able to stay in the top division for at least 10 seasons, the U18s even for an incredible 40 seasons.
This has even resulted in remarkable successes. The following should be emphasized
U16 S95 8th place Thanks to
Kaaskop67U18 S96 6th place and biggest surprise Thanks to
TripleThreat U21 S87 6th place
Men S82 4th place
I remember when I was given the opportunity and honor to coach the Spanish national team, I asked the players' club managers about their skills beforehand. That made the decision much harder. Especially with regard to the tactical orientation of the whole team.
Thank you again for the trust of the Spanish community and this great experience.
- Has any of your selected players surprised you and who is he?
I can't say yet.
From experience, however, there have always been at least one or two players who have performed far beyond what was expected.
The trick is to find these players.
I hope we can do that again this season.
- The U21 is the last step for the youngsters to shine and hopefully most of them will make it to the World Cup National Selection. How many do you think that will make it from your team?
If I could survey it correctly, there are 5 franchise players in the German U21. In all likelihood, they will make it into the men's team sooner or later.
My own franchise player will (have to) be one of the key players at the U21 World Cup.
He has by far the highest RT, even though he's only 20 years old.
That alone says a lot about the breadth of the team.
- Regarding this year, how do you see your squad? What are the possibilities for this WC?
As always, the minimum goal is to stay in the league.
With a bit of luck, we'll reach the TOP 12 again.
- And finally, could you predict the top 3 and the biggest "grower/revelation" country.
My top 3 are Lithuania ahead of Spain and Taiwan.
The biggest surprise will hopefully be Germany in 7th place. -- 97 sez. 29 d.
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(Versti EN)
+2
jopencjusz - Slovenia U21
- How difficult has it been to decide your squad this year?
It was not as hard as rosters last season, since right now we have quite similar engine to what we had last season. I might not be a big fan of what happened last season, that after few season of changes going more towards giving bigger role to the shooters from outside, now once again we reversed towards "dominating" bigs playing inside, but it is what it is.
- Could you tell us the criteria to select the players? Do you ask for their skills in advance to their players owners?
It depends, when I see there's a lot of players available for National Team, that are very close to eachother in strenght, then I'm going to ask owners for skills of said players. I did it many times as head coach of different national teams of Poland, but when I see big gaps between players, I'm just going with my "instinct" and judge them only by their stats in said season during selection.
- Has any of your selected players surprised you and who is he?
There're for sure few players who surprised me, both in positive and negative way. For sure pleasant surprise are Hladnik and Odlazek, both very young players (18-yo and 17-yo) and they look right now better than some older players with way higher RT, due to their more focused training plan. Mostly disappointed I'm with PGs I've selected, there were not many options to do something different here, but two of them are unplayable (at least in my opinion) and it will be very hard to make them decent players.
- The U21 is the last step for the youngsters to shine and hopefully most of them will make it to the World Cup National Selection. How many do you think that will make it from your team?
It's the last step for them for sure, but also from my experience with many different national teams, I could say it could go in very different directions. I saw players perform great at U21 NT, that were never even close to get spot in Senior NT, while their partners, that were only role players, could break into Senior NT. I'm not exactly familiar with the strength of Senior National Team of Slovenia, but I think at least 4-5 guys should get their chance in future in Senior NT and I'm not counting here Hladnik and Odlazek, since they will still have chance to prove their worth in future in U21.
- Regarding this year, how do you see your squad? What are the possibilities for this WC?
We have quite tought group at the start, with 3 teams from TOP8 of the rankings right now (Poland, Italy and China), so we want to put good fight in first group phase and play for the top place in group at LAST12 round, since I can't imagine actually beating any of this top3 teams in first round. I thin 13/14 place is possible for us.
- And finally, could you predict the top 3 and the biggest "grower/revelation" country.
I could try at least. Lithuania and China for sure will play for medals, so at 99% they will be in TOP3. For sure also Taiwan has strong case to be there, but I could imagine someone else getting here (I wish it could be Poland :) ). As for revelation, maybe I'll go with Malta. I know they might not look strong on paper, but I know very well it's head coach and I know he can surprise their opponents and do something big with less resources, so that's where I'm going to put my vote. -- 97 sez. 29 d.
- How difficult has it been to decide your squad this year?
It was not as hard as rosters last season, since right now we have quite similar engine to what we had last season. I might not be a big fan of what happened last season, that after few season of changes going more towards giving bigger role to the shooters from outside, now once again we reversed towards "dominating" bigs playing inside, but it is what it is.
- Could you tell us the criteria to select the players? Do you ask for their skills in advance to their players owners?
It depends, when I see there's a lot of players available for National Team, that are very close to eachother in strenght, then I'm going to ask owners for skills of said players. I did it many times as head coach of different national teams of Poland, but when I see big gaps between players, I'm just going with my "instinct" and judge them only by their stats in said season during selection.
- Has any of your selected players surprised you and who is he?
There're for sure few players who surprised me, both in positive and negative way. For sure pleasant surprise are Hladnik and Odlazek, both very young players (18-yo and 17-yo) and they look right now better than some older players with way higher RT, due to their more focused training plan. Mostly disappointed I'm with PGs I've selected, there were not many options to do something different here, but two of them are unplayable (at least in my opinion) and it will be very hard to make them decent players.
- The U21 is the last step for the youngsters to shine and hopefully most of them will make it to the World Cup National Selection. How many do you think that will make it from your team?
It's the last step for them for sure, but also from my experience with many different national teams, I could say it could go in very different directions. I saw players perform great at U21 NT, that were never even close to get spot in Senior NT, while their partners, that were only role players, could break into Senior NT. I'm not exactly familiar with the strength of Senior National Team of Slovenia, but I think at least 4-5 guys should get their chance in future in Senior NT and I'm not counting here Hladnik and Odlazek, since they will still have chance to prove their worth in future in U21.
- Regarding this year, how do you see your squad? What are the possibilities for this WC?
We have quite tought group at the start, with 3 teams from TOP8 of the rankings right now (Poland, Italy and China), so we want to put good fight in first group phase and play for the top place in group at LAST12 round, since I can't imagine actually beating any of this top3 teams in first round. I thin 13/14 place is possible for us.
- And finally, could you predict the top 3 and the biggest "grower/revelation" country.
I could try at least. Lithuania and China for sure will play for medals, so at 99% they will be in TOP3. For sure also Taiwan has strong case to be there, but I could imagine someone else getting here (I wish it could be Poland :) ). As for revelation, maybe I'll go with Malta. I know they might not look strong on paper, but I know very well it's head coach and I know he can surprise their opponents and do something big with less resources, so that's where I'm going to put my vote. -- 97 sez. 29 d.
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(Versti EN)
+1
Jardabudy Czechia U21
- How difficult has it been to decide your squad this year?
It wasn't very difficult. Czech Republic does not have a wide base of players. Only a few managers play this game. So I only decided on a few players who only get garbage time anyway. If at all. The most difficult selection is always for the senior national team.
- Could you tell us the criteria to select the players? Do you ask for their skills in advance to their players owners?
Given that we don't have many good young players, the main criterion was RT. For players on the verge of nomination, I took into account whether they have good athleticism. And I wanted a back-up pg anyway, so at least 2 pg´s with a good offense. If we had more competition in the future, I would definitely find out from their managers the skills of the selected players in advance.
- Has any of your selected players surprised you and who is he?
I wasn't surprised because I know the best players - either they are or used to be in my team. Maybe I should mention a negative surprise - rebounds was the most trained defensive skill for several guards :(
- The U21 is the last step for the youngsters to shine and hopefully most of them will make it to the World Cup National Selection. How many do you think that will make it from your team?
I will be happy if only Augusta (my denominative player) makes it from the current U21 to men's national team. This would mean that the competition in our future national team will be of such high quality that no one from the current U21 will reach the men's national team :-) End of dreaming and now seriously, I would say that in addition to Augusta, another 2-3 players can make it to the national team in the future.
- Regarding this year, how do you see your squad? What are the possibilities for this WC?
My only goal is to survive in World cup 1. Our selections from the last two U21 national teams were better than the current squad, but neither reached top 12. So top 12 - a miracle. No relegation - goal accomplished.
- And finally, could you predict the top 3 and the biggest "grower/revelation" country.
I don't know individual players in other countries. But according to former years and according to the ranking I would consider Lithuania, China and Taiwan to be the biggest favorites. Yeah, what a surprising guess from me… -- 97 sez. 29 d.
- How difficult has it been to decide your squad this year?
It wasn't very difficult. Czech Republic does not have a wide base of players. Only a few managers play this game. So I only decided on a few players who only get garbage time anyway. If at all. The most difficult selection is always for the senior national team.
- Could you tell us the criteria to select the players? Do you ask for their skills in advance to their players owners?
Given that we don't have many good young players, the main criterion was RT. For players on the verge of nomination, I took into account whether they have good athleticism. And I wanted a back-up pg anyway, so at least 2 pg´s with a good offense. If we had more competition in the future, I would definitely find out from their managers the skills of the selected players in advance.
- Has any of your selected players surprised you and who is he?
I wasn't surprised because I know the best players - either they are or used to be in my team. Maybe I should mention a negative surprise - rebounds was the most trained defensive skill for several guards :(
- The U21 is the last step for the youngsters to shine and hopefully most of them will make it to the World Cup National Selection. How many do you think that will make it from your team?
I will be happy if only Augusta (my denominative player) makes it from the current U21 to men's national team. This would mean that the competition in our future national team will be of such high quality that no one from the current U21 will reach the men's national team :-) End of dreaming and now seriously, I would say that in addition to Augusta, another 2-3 players can make it to the national team in the future.
- Regarding this year, how do you see your squad? What are the possibilities for this WC?
My only goal is to survive in World cup 1. Our selections from the last two U21 national teams were better than the current squad, but neither reached top 12. So top 12 - a miracle. No relegation - goal accomplished.
- And finally, could you predict the top 3 and the biggest "grower/revelation" country.
I don't know individual players in other countries. But according to former years and according to the ranking I would consider Lithuania, China and Taiwan to be the biggest favorites. Yeah, what a surprising guess from me… -- 97 sez. 29 d.
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+1
Gulon - Malta U21
- How difficult has it been to decide your squad this year?
This season's line-up selection has proved very difficult. Most of the available players are PG, with a lack of ability to play in attack.
- Could you tell us the criteria to select the players? Do you ask for their skills in advance to their players owners?
I am not doing a pre-selection, I am trying to assess the skills of the players myself. As I said before the choice was small. There are only two players with good attacking skills in the squad.
- Has any of your selected players surprised you and who is he?
The leader of the team will be Parascandolo playing in the SF position, he is the best player I have in the team.
- The U21 is the last step for the youngsters to shine and hopefully most of them will make it to the World Cup National Selection. How many do you think that will make it from your team?
Personally I have been involved in leading the various Maltese year groups for some time now, I will also try to lead the Maltese senior team in the future. I think 2-3 players will get a chance to play.
- Regarding this year, how do you see your squad? What are the possibilities for this WC?
The ranking is unforgiving, staying in division 1 will be a success, there are a lot of better teams, but we will fight for the smallest inch of the floor in every game.
- And finally, could you predict the top 3 and the biggest "grower/revelation" country.
I think China will show their dominance, second place will go to Lithuania and the podium will be completed by Taiwan. The biggest surprise will be Poland :) -- 97 sez. 29 d.
- How difficult has it been to decide your squad this year?
This season's line-up selection has proved very difficult. Most of the available players are PG, with a lack of ability to play in attack.
- Could you tell us the criteria to select the players? Do you ask for their skills in advance to their players owners?
I am not doing a pre-selection, I am trying to assess the skills of the players myself. As I said before the choice was small. There are only two players with good attacking skills in the squad.
- Has any of your selected players surprised you and who is he?
The leader of the team will be Parascandolo playing in the SF position, he is the best player I have in the team.
- The U21 is the last step for the youngsters to shine and hopefully most of them will make it to the World Cup National Selection. How many do you think that will make it from your team?
Personally I have been involved in leading the various Maltese year groups for some time now, I will also try to lead the Maltese senior team in the future. I think 2-3 players will get a chance to play.
- Regarding this year, how do you see your squad? What are the possibilities for this WC?
The ranking is unforgiving, staying in division 1 will be a success, there are a lot of better teams, but we will fight for the smallest inch of the floor in every game.
- And finally, could you predict the top 3 and the biggest "grower/revelation" country.
I think China will show their dominance, second place will go to Lithuania and the podium will be completed by Taiwan. The biggest surprise will be Poland :) -- 97 sez. 29 d.
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+1
Klinx – France U21
- How difficult has it been to decide your squad this year?
At this time, I still didn't select my players. For U21 teams, I prefer waiting U16 competition to end before select. At this ages, players can grow very fast, and selecting too early could be worst for the team, as some players can be better or worse after 30 days.
- Could you tell us the criteria to select the players? Do you ask for their skills in advance to their players owners?
I'd rather select first by height and athleticism in first, then watching other skills. As president of the federation, I'm a quite active into it, and we talk regulary about players training, so we often know nearly all players skills. But yes of course, when I have a doubt on a player, I'm asking skills to the owner.
- Has any of your selected players surprised you and who is he?
As I still didn't select my players, I can't answer this ! But I have been surprised in the past yes. This year U21 are players I already coaches in U16 and or U18 recently, so I don't think that i'm gonna have a lot of surprise by the way.
- The U21 is the last step for the youngsters to shine and hopefully most of them will make it to the World Cup National Selection. How many do you think that will make it from your team?
And again I can't really answer. But young players who are participating on those events doesn't go automaticaly on World Cup National Teams cause they are often players that have got improvement jumps, when the future best players of the country didn't, and so at 16/18/21 years old, they are not as much competitive as the jumpers.
- Regarding this year, how do you see your squad? What are the possibilities for this WC?
I always put my objectives on the 4th place, because the 3 ones are always the same, lithuanian, chinese and poland hong kong can't be beaten in my opinion.
- And finally, could you predict the top 3 and the biggest "grower/revelation" country.
Actualy not, I'm focus enough on the competition to predict it, I didn't check the other teams. -- 97 sez. 29 d.
- How difficult has it been to decide your squad this year?
At this time, I still didn't select my players. For U21 teams, I prefer waiting U16 competition to end before select. At this ages, players can grow very fast, and selecting too early could be worst for the team, as some players can be better or worse after 30 days.
- Could you tell us the criteria to select the players? Do you ask for their skills in advance to their players owners?
I'd rather select first by height and athleticism in first, then watching other skills. As president of the federation, I'm a quite active into it, and we talk regulary about players training, so we often know nearly all players skills. But yes of course, when I have a doubt on a player, I'm asking skills to the owner.
- Has any of your selected players surprised you and who is he?
As I still didn't select my players, I can't answer this ! But I have been surprised in the past yes. This year U21 are players I already coaches in U16 and or U18 recently, so I don't think that i'm gonna have a lot of surprise by the way.
- The U21 is the last step for the youngsters to shine and hopefully most of them will make it to the World Cup National Selection. How many do you think that will make it from your team?
And again I can't really answer. But young players who are participating on those events doesn't go automaticaly on World Cup National Teams cause they are often players that have got improvement jumps, when the future best players of the country didn't, and so at 16/18/21 years old, they are not as much competitive as the jumpers.
- Regarding this year, how do you see your squad? What are the possibilities for this WC?
I always put my objectives on the 4th place, because the 3 ones are always the same, lithuanian, chinese and poland hong kong can't be beaten in my opinion.
- And finally, could you predict the top 3 and the biggest "grower/revelation" country.
Actualy not, I'm focus enough on the competition to predict it, I didn't check the other teams. -- 97 sez. 29 d.
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+0
zhiyangxu – China U21
- How difficult has it been to decide your squad this year?
The first it's hard to choose the squad.I've been thinking about it for a few days.And I will choose the high RT player and view their game data. If i am not sure yet i will ask with the players owners.
- Could you tell us the criteria to select the players? Do you ask for their skills in advance to their players owners? Has any of your selected players surprised you and who is he? - The U21 is the last step for the youngsters to shine and hopefully most of them will make it to the World Cup National Selection. How many do you think that will make it from your team?
For your next few questions, I will combine and answer them. Regarding Chinese players, in fact, due to the loss of players, there has already been a gap between them, which is a bit difficult to connect.Of course, currently these U21 players can gradually rotate into the national team, but the pressure of future matches will increase. I also urge the gaming industry to seriously consider this issue. After all, as one of the major gaming powers, the number of players is decreasing, which is not good news for both Chinese players and gaming companies.I also want to take this opportunity to apply for FPC seats again. As a strong country in the game, we don't even have FPC seats.
- And finally, could you predict the top 3 and the biggest "grower/revelation" country.
I think the strongest teams are still China, Chinese Taipei, and Lithuania. My goal is certainly to try to win the championship, but as a rookie coach, I can only work hard to strive for it. -- 97 sez. 29 d.
- How difficult has it been to decide your squad this year?
The first it's hard to choose the squad.I've been thinking about it for a few days.And I will choose the high RT player and view their game data. If i am not sure yet i will ask with the players owners.
- Could you tell us the criteria to select the players? Do you ask for their skills in advance to their players owners? Has any of your selected players surprised you and who is he? - The U21 is the last step for the youngsters to shine and hopefully most of them will make it to the World Cup National Selection. How many do you think that will make it from your team?
For your next few questions, I will combine and answer them. Regarding Chinese players, in fact, due to the loss of players, there has already been a gap between them, which is a bit difficult to connect.Of course, currently these U21 players can gradually rotate into the national team, but the pressure of future matches will increase. I also urge the gaming industry to seriously consider this issue. After all, as one of the major gaming powers, the number of players is decreasing, which is not good news for both Chinese players and gaming companies.I also want to take this opportunity to apply for FPC seats again. As a strong country in the game, we don't even have FPC seats.
- And finally, could you predict the top 3 and the biggest "grower/revelation" country.
I think the strongest teams are still China, Chinese Taipei, and Lithuania. My goal is certainly to try to win the championship, but as a rookie coach, I can only work hard to strive for it. -- 97 sez. 29 d.
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隨風 – Taiwan U21
- How difficult has it been to decide your squad this year?
Because I inquired about their skills in advance, it wasn't as difficult.
- Could you tell us the criteria to select the players? Do you ask for their skills in advance to their players owners?
I try to select players who are suitable for each position as much as possible, and I have inquired about their skills with their owners in advance.
- Has any of your selected players surprised you and who is he?
I didn't feel particularly surprised because I knew their skills in advance.
- The U21 is the last step for the youngsters to shine and hopefully most of them will make it to the World Cup National Selection. How many do you think that will make it from your team?
I expect at least three players to have the potential to make it to the World Cup.
- Regarding this year, how do you see your squad? What are the possibilities for this WC?
I believe the current squad is quite good, and I hope we can contend for a medal.
- And finally, could you predict the top 3 and the biggest "grower/revelation" country.
It's hard to predict, but I believe China and Lithuania have already reserved a spot on the podium. -- 97 sez. 29 d.
- How difficult has it been to decide your squad this year?
Because I inquired about their skills in advance, it wasn't as difficult.
- Could you tell us the criteria to select the players? Do you ask for their skills in advance to their players owners?
I try to select players who are suitable for each position as much as possible, and I have inquired about their skills with their owners in advance.
- Has any of your selected players surprised you and who is he?
I didn't feel particularly surprised because I knew their skills in advance.
- The U21 is the last step for the youngsters to shine and hopefully most of them will make it to the World Cup National Selection. How many do you think that will make it from your team?
I expect at least three players to have the potential to make it to the World Cup.
- Regarding this year, how do you see your squad? What are the possibilities for this WC?
I believe the current squad is quite good, and I hope we can contend for a medal.
- And finally, could you predict the top 3 and the biggest "grower/revelation" country.
It's hard to predict, but I believe China and Lithuania have already reserved a spot on the podium. -- 97 sez. 29 d.
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Chanceler – Portugal U21
- How difficult has it been to decide your squad this year?
I managed this generation while they were competing in Division B sub18 (season 94), and had little headaches at that time to figure it out a the final roster.
Clearly this generation has grown and developed really nice since then. I´m now with 14 players and will leave the final decision to the last second.
- Could you tell us the criteria to select the players? Do you ask for their skills in advance to their players owners?
I like balance in the options. I´m a manager that likes to adapt players to strategies, for that to happen i need options like outside shooters, outside defenders, playmakers, post scorers, post defenders, etc.
Then if preparing a game i decide that i need to attack more for outside, i just mix playmakers with shooters and strong players in the paint to rebound and shot block ... or i can do the opposite, with low post strategy.
The important for me is to have options, then i decide what do to with them(Normally adjusting to the opponent).
If i´m in doubt with 2 shooters(for example ..) to make the final roster and i can only select one, normally experience is what decides.
As for the second question, the answer is no. Since Portugal is a small community(growing but still small) in this game there´s no big issue to select 20 players to make the first selection.
- Has any of your selected players surprised you and who is he?
I can´t say that im surprised with anyone, i had a really good idea on the players since i managed them in U18. But to not flee from the question i would say Ismael Pires.
In U18 he was selected but was out of the rotation, with scarce utilization .. now he´s the best poing guard of this generation and will be definitely a starter.
- The U21 is the last step for the youngsters to shine and hopefully most of them will make it to the World Cup National Selection. How many do you think that will make it from your team?
Some of them can, they have good potential and good predicted RT to be selected at some point. But thats a question that depends on so many things:
on future drafted Portuguese players; if they´re well trained; how much will be the top players of the younger generations will develop as well ... and to give some perspective in the latter topic:
Portugal for the first time in the last 3 seasons achieved more in our national teams(youth national teams) than in the whole existence before in this game.
We managed to get promoted to Division A in U16(Managed by Mavro), in U21(Managed by Merelim) as well for the first time. Never any team of ours (even the Senior Team) played in Division A .. and last season we were almost able to get promoted as well in U18. With a bit of luck in U18 last season we could have all our youth teams playing in Division A for the first time.
Thats a standard that we´ll try to keep, a very challenging one but we´ll try.
So those generations that were able to get promoted of course it wasn´t pure luck, there´s a lot of skilled players in those generations, players with top potential and very high predicted RT.
- Regarding this year, how do you see your squad? What are the possibilities for this WC?
I see my squad with his limits, but with options that i mention earlier, i can design pretty good strategies for each game exploiting each strenght of the players.
But we have to be realistic, i think we have pretty good chances not get relegated and even expect that from us during this WC, but that´s it.
Im not expecting to have a crazy run and get the top3 in the first round to advance to the second round an be a top12. I would be very, very, very surprised if that happen.
Nevertheless we´ll play very straight forward and head to head, even if sometimes give us defeats quite large.
- And finally, could you predict the top 3 and the biggest "grower/revelation" country.
Top 2 will be always the same between Lithuania and China, too much power in starting 5 and in the rotation. Between them i think this season Lituania is better.
If someone gave me the chance to pick one of them to manage them and lead to a title it would be Lithuania with this U21 generation in this WC season 97.
As the top 3 it will be between Taiwan, Spain, Hong Kong and Italy .... tough to decide. But since i have ancient family with bonds with Spain, i will say Spain. Always had simpathy for Spain.
As for the biggest revelation im tempted to say that is my country Portugal because it´s our first time disputing Division A and with a very good chance to stay here, but to not say my country i would say Germany.
In a group where Taiwan is favorite, i can see them competing with Latvia and United States(theorically better teams) and getting the Top12 position which i think Lipinski(Manager of U21 German team) would be very satisfied with that result, and i can see that happen. -- 97 sez. 29 d.
- How difficult has it been to decide your squad this year?
I managed this generation while they were competing in Division B sub18 (season 94), and had little headaches at that time to figure it out a the final roster.
Clearly this generation has grown and developed really nice since then. I´m now with 14 players and will leave the final decision to the last second.
- Could you tell us the criteria to select the players? Do you ask for their skills in advance to their players owners?
I like balance in the options. I´m a manager that likes to adapt players to strategies, for that to happen i need options like outside shooters, outside defenders, playmakers, post scorers, post defenders, etc.
Then if preparing a game i decide that i need to attack more for outside, i just mix playmakers with shooters and strong players in the paint to rebound and shot block ... or i can do the opposite, with low post strategy.
The important for me is to have options, then i decide what do to with them(Normally adjusting to the opponent).
If i´m in doubt with 2 shooters(for example ..) to make the final roster and i can only select one, normally experience is what decides.
As for the second question, the answer is no. Since Portugal is a small community(growing but still small) in this game there´s no big issue to select 20 players to make the first selection.
- Has any of your selected players surprised you and who is he?
I can´t say that im surprised with anyone, i had a really good idea on the players since i managed them in U18. But to not flee from the question i would say Ismael Pires.
In U18 he was selected but was out of the rotation, with scarce utilization .. now he´s the best poing guard of this generation and will be definitely a starter.
- The U21 is the last step for the youngsters to shine and hopefully most of them will make it to the World Cup National Selection. How many do you think that will make it from your team?
Some of them can, they have good potential and good predicted RT to be selected at some point. But thats a question that depends on so many things:
on future drafted Portuguese players; if they´re well trained; how much will be the top players of the younger generations will develop as well ... and to give some perspective in the latter topic:
Portugal for the first time in the last 3 seasons achieved more in our national teams(youth national teams) than in the whole existence before in this game.
We managed to get promoted to Division A in U16(Managed by Mavro), in U21(Managed by Merelim) as well for the first time. Never any team of ours (even the Senior Team) played in Division A .. and last season we were almost able to get promoted as well in U18. With a bit of luck in U18 last season we could have all our youth teams playing in Division A for the first time.
Thats a standard that we´ll try to keep, a very challenging one but we´ll try.
So those generations that were able to get promoted of course it wasn´t pure luck, there´s a lot of skilled players in those generations, players with top potential and very high predicted RT.
- Regarding this year, how do you see your squad? What are the possibilities for this WC?
I see my squad with his limits, but with options that i mention earlier, i can design pretty good strategies for each game exploiting each strenght of the players.
But we have to be realistic, i think we have pretty good chances not get relegated and even expect that from us during this WC, but that´s it.
Im not expecting to have a crazy run and get the top3 in the first round to advance to the second round an be a top12. I would be very, very, very surprised if that happen.
Nevertheless we´ll play very straight forward and head to head, even if sometimes give us defeats quite large.
- And finally, could you predict the top 3 and the biggest "grower/revelation" country.
Top 2 will be always the same between Lithuania and China, too much power in starting 5 and in the rotation. Between them i think this season Lituania is better.
If someone gave me the chance to pick one of them to manage them and lead to a title it would be Lithuania with this U21 generation in this WC season 97.
As the top 3 it will be between Taiwan, Spain, Hong Kong and Italy .... tough to decide. But since i have ancient family with bonds with Spain, i will say Spain. Always had simpathy for Spain.
As for the biggest revelation im tempted to say that is my country Portugal because it´s our first time disputing Division A and with a very good chance to stay here, but to not say my country i would say Germany.
In a group where Taiwan is favorite, i can see them competing with Latvia and United States(theorically better teams) and getting the Top12 position which i think Lipinski(Manager of U21 German team) would be very satisfied with that result, and i can see that happen. -- 97 sez. 29 d.
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Spokss – Latvia U21
- How difficult has it been to decide your squad this year?
I still haven't decided on the inclusion of two players, but I will decide closer to the tournament.
- Could you tell us the criteria to select the players? Do you ask for their skills in advance to their players owners?
I will say a little about the selection criteria. We also don't have much choice to select something because there is not much competition like the big countries. We are a small commune and the team is formed from the best available players. As I said before, the competition is only for a couple of positions. Yes, before assembling the team, I asked the owners about the players' skills. I wanted to thank everyone for their response.
- Has any of your selected players surprised you and who is he?
There is probably one player who surprised me, but let that remain a secret. I also wanted to thank the others for their contribution to the development of the players.
- The U21 is the last step for the youngsters to shine and hopefully most of them will make it to the World Cup National Selection. How many do you think that will make it from your team?
If the players are properly trained, then it will be possible for some of them to be part of the national team in the future.
- Regarding this year, how do you see your squad? What are the possibilities for this WC?
We will fight for possible higher places. In silence, I hope for medals, although then luck must also come to the rescue.
- And finally, could you predict the top 3 and the biggest "grower/revelation" country.
LTU 2) CHI 3) LAT ?
This will be my last tournament as national team leader (at least for a while) and I would like to say goodbye on a good note, similar to when we won 3rd place with the U18 national team. -- 97 sez. 29 d.
- How difficult has it been to decide your squad this year?
I still haven't decided on the inclusion of two players, but I will decide closer to the tournament.
- Could you tell us the criteria to select the players? Do you ask for their skills in advance to their players owners?
I will say a little about the selection criteria. We also don't have much choice to select something because there is not much competition like the big countries. We are a small commune and the team is formed from the best available players. As I said before, the competition is only for a couple of positions. Yes, before assembling the team, I asked the owners about the players' skills. I wanted to thank everyone for their response.
- Has any of your selected players surprised you and who is he?
There is probably one player who surprised me, but let that remain a secret. I also wanted to thank the others for their contribution to the development of the players.
- The U21 is the last step for the youngsters to shine and hopefully most of them will make it to the World Cup National Selection. How many do you think that will make it from your team?
If the players are properly trained, then it will be possible for some of them to be part of the national team in the future.
- Regarding this year, how do you see your squad? What are the possibilities for this WC?
We will fight for possible higher places. In silence, I hope for medals, although then luck must also come to the rescue.
- And finally, could you predict the top 3 and the biggest "grower/revelation" country.
LTU 2) CHI 3) LAT ?
This will be my last tournament as national team leader (at least for a while) and I would like to say goodbye on a good note, similar to when we won 3rd place with the U18 national team. -- 97 sez. 29 d.
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Emiliano2022 – Colombia U21
- How difficult has it been to decide your squad this year?
To begin with, I didn't have a very big choice. I had too little choice of players up to the age of 21, I couldn't
choose. For example, if I had a Playmaker position pick for the front position, I didn't have a replacement
pick, or if I had a Back position pick, I didn't have a Playmaker pick. Furthermore, I had no choice for
Wingers, and so on. I didn't have much of a choice when it came to choosing the positions of the players.
- Could you tell us the criteria to select the players? Do you ask for their skills in advance to their players owners?
My criteria were determined by the greater RT of the players. I called the ones with the higher RT first, then went after the higher RT for position. I said, not to repeat myself, I didn't have much choice of players under 21. I didn't ask the players' managers about the skills, because in my estimation, a player who is low RT, I don't think he has the tempting skills, to ask about the players' skills, but the players that were on my list, half and more were without manager.
- Has any of your selected players surprised you and who is he?
According to the RT of the under-21 players, there is no one who can stand out as a surprise, however, I
think that the player Edigson Chamorro would be a good player for the future, here I would also single out
the player Erwin Racero, because of the great potential of 7, but I don't think the manager pushed too hard
to strengthen him, which I don't think he would be very good in the future, but still with some push from the
manager, maybe he would be a midfield player.
- The U21 is the last step for the youngsters to shine and hopefully most of them will make it to the World Cup National Selection. How many do you think that will make it from your team?
And for the last question. Well, I don't know, here it is very difficult to single out the top three, because there
are about 4 to 5 national teams under the age of 21 who can be at the top. Of course, according to my point
of view, according to some not so important measure, but according to RT, here I would give one row from
1st to 5th place.
In my opinion, it would be like this: 1. China U21
2. Taiwan U21
3. Lithuania U21
4. Spain U21
5. Italy U21
Or here Taiwan U21 could surprise, to be first, and China U21 to be second, I don't believe that Lithuania U21, could surprise, for Poland U21, I wouldn't say it will surprise, to fight for one of the 5 - the places at the top. And for the other under-21 national teams, no team players have been kicked out yet, and I can't type for them. -- 97 sez. 29 d.
- How difficult has it been to decide your squad this year?
To begin with, I didn't have a very big choice. I had too little choice of players up to the age of 21, I couldn't
choose. For example, if I had a Playmaker position pick for the front position, I didn't have a replacement
pick, or if I had a Back position pick, I didn't have a Playmaker pick. Furthermore, I had no choice for
Wingers, and so on. I didn't have much of a choice when it came to choosing the positions of the players.
- Could you tell us the criteria to select the players? Do you ask for their skills in advance to their players owners?
My criteria were determined by the greater RT of the players. I called the ones with the higher RT first, then went after the higher RT for position. I said, not to repeat myself, I didn't have much choice of players under 21. I didn't ask the players' managers about the skills, because in my estimation, a player who is low RT, I don't think he has the tempting skills, to ask about the players' skills, but the players that were on my list, half and more were without manager.
- Has any of your selected players surprised you and who is he?
According to the RT of the under-21 players, there is no one who can stand out as a surprise, however, I
think that the player Edigson Chamorro would be a good player for the future, here I would also single out
the player Erwin Racero, because of the great potential of 7, but I don't think the manager pushed too hard
to strengthen him, which I don't think he would be very good in the future, but still with some push from the
manager, maybe he would be a midfield player.
- The U21 is the last step for the youngsters to shine and hopefully most of them will make it to the World Cup National Selection. How many do you think that will make it from your team?
And for the last question. Well, I don't know, here it is very difficult to single out the top three, because there
are about 4 to 5 national teams under the age of 21 who can be at the top. Of course, according to my point
of view, according to some not so important measure, but according to RT, here I would give one row from
1st to 5th place.
In my opinion, it would be like this: 1. China U21
2. Taiwan U21
3. Lithuania U21
4. Spain U21
5. Italy U21
Or here Taiwan U21 could surprise, to be first, and China U21 to be second, I don't believe that Lithuania U21, could surprise, for Poland U21, I wouldn't say it will surprise, to fight for one of the 5 - the places at the top. And for the other under-21 national teams, no team players have been kicked out yet, and I can't type for them. -- 97 sez. 29 d.
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Spectacular work! Congrats Dan for bringing all this together!
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soccer_marmotte - Croatia U21
- How difficult has it been to decide your squad this year?
It has been quite easy to select my players : there is a handfull of very good players and a lot of good role players.
- Could you tell us the criteria to select the players? Do you ask for their skills in advance to their players owners?
I have selected the best players for each position. I did not ask their team manager. It was pretty obvious I think, as there was a gap between the top players and the others.
- Has any of your selected players surprised you and who is he?
Yes ! My usual team, Buscaille, plays in WL6 and players above 190RT are "monsters" in the league. Croatia u21 team can count on a great Guard / PG, Tvrtko Baic and a very promising Center Vlaho Bonvardo.
2 seasons ago, in WL5, Tvrtko Baic played with 16 Efficency during an average 25 minutes. That's great for 18-19 years player!
- The U21 is the last step for the youngsters to shine and hopefully most of them will make it to the World Cup National Selection. How many do you think that will make it from your team?
Tvrtko Baic and Vlaho Bonvardo for sure.
- Regarding this year, how do you see your squad? What are the possibilities for this WC?
30 seasons ago croatia managed to get at the 9th place... and was 17th 2 seasons ago. Every rank between 17th and 9th would be great. It's my first experience as a U21 coach/manager. There is a lot of very good teams in the C group : China, Italy. It will be difficult to get in the top3 but sure my team will do its best. We are the underdogs in this group...
- And finally, could you predict the top 3 and the biggest "grower/revelation" country.
1- Taiwan
2- France
3- Spain
Revelation : would love to see Croatia in this position in 4 weeks. OK, it's a "parti pris" as we say in French ;)
Go Croatia ! -- 97 sez. 30 d.
- How difficult has it been to decide your squad this year?
It has been quite easy to select my players : there is a handfull of very good players and a lot of good role players.
- Could you tell us the criteria to select the players? Do you ask for their skills in advance to their players owners?
I have selected the best players for each position. I did not ask their team manager. It was pretty obvious I think, as there was a gap between the top players and the others.
- Has any of your selected players surprised you and who is he?
Yes ! My usual team, Buscaille, plays in WL6 and players above 190RT are "monsters" in the league. Croatia u21 team can count on a great Guard / PG, Tvrtko Baic and a very promising Center Vlaho Bonvardo.
2 seasons ago, in WL5, Tvrtko Baic played with 16 Efficency during an average 25 minutes. That's great for 18-19 years player!
- The U21 is the last step for the youngsters to shine and hopefully most of them will make it to the World Cup National Selection. How many do you think that will make it from your team?
Tvrtko Baic and Vlaho Bonvardo for sure.
- Regarding this year, how do you see your squad? What are the possibilities for this WC?
30 seasons ago croatia managed to get at the 9th place... and was 17th 2 seasons ago. Every rank between 17th and 9th would be great. It's my first experience as a U21 coach/manager. There is a lot of very good teams in the C group : China, Italy. It will be difficult to get in the top3 but sure my team will do its best. We are the underdogs in this group...
- And finally, could you predict the top 3 and the biggest "grower/revelation" country.
1- Taiwan
2- France
3- Spain
Revelation : would love to see Croatia in this position in 4 weeks. OK, it's a "parti pris" as we say in French ;)
Go Croatia ! -- 97 sez. 30 d.
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