Interview with NT coach

After 12 matches, Philippines sits third in Group 4 of qualifying for the World Cup: (/World/WorldCup/?cupId=137&season=64&matchround=1&cupSeriesUnitId=1318).

I decided to made an interview with maryusika (9674615), the NT coach, to find out more details about this campaign, but you can find out there even more interesting things, so... have a nice read!

1. Please provide an analysis on the chances of qualifying, having in mind the remaining fixtures.

From my point of view, the chances to qualify are slim. We have two very tough matches and I am aware that we will need luck to win both of them. Also, unfortunately, it's not only up to us. We might win the matches and still not qualify. I promise I will do my best to win.

2. What was the match in which you think you have read best the opponent. What about one in which you lost the "psychology game"?

I can say that I got wrong the match against Cyprus (602239493). I was expecting for him to invest more in the attack ratings, thinking that I would have played very defensively. It didn't happen. Also, in the last
game, (602239496), the opponent surprised me. I thought he would go for defense. Fortunately, I won that one. I don't regret what I chose in the other matches, I think I chose right and the opponents did not surprise me.

3. What do you think about the little "scandal" about the El Salvador coach not respecting a pic deal?

Both at club and at national team, I have accepted and respected pic-deals.
We have in Romania a group of 30-40 users that we know each other in real life. For example, this season, there are 5 users that I know in the top league (3854). I went many times out for beers with them. With most of the real life friends, I made pic deals into the official matches. There is no way for someone to break a deal done like that. Much rarer I made deals with users I do not know in real life. Until now, there were two times when the opponent broke it. Once in this campaign.
I understand those that someone might condemn pic deals, especially for those they are disadvantaged. When making, a deal I am always aware of the risk of not being respected. Still, for me, my word, even in a game, is really important. I will never brake a pic deal, even if that would mean losing the World Cup. I just can't do it, that's the way I am.

4. List 3 teams that you think are favorites for winning the World Cup. And, while we're at this, who do you think will win the U-20 Wold Cup (/World/WorldCup/?cupId=149), which is about to end?

I haven't followed all the National Teams, I don't know their potential. Still, from my experience, I think Serbia will do a good job at this World Cup. They have a very good squad. Also, I liked the way they played in this campaign, as only a bit of bad luck means that they are not qualified yet. I will support them in the next matches.
Also, Romania has a good squad and, most of all, we have a very good coach, Mr-Alex (2043077), as he won Hattrick Masters last season (first user to win it with the second team). Also, he took U-20 Bangladesh into Round III. I think Romania is capable of getting a medal.
Other strong teams which I consider favorites at any World Cup are Germany and Holland.
As for U-20, I think Switzerland has the best chance of winning. But, at U-20, the teams are close, so anything is possible.

5. What type of player did you miss in this campaign?

I don't want to answer this question now. I might do it after the two remaining matches. If I would answer now, I might offer an advantage to the opponents.

I would like to remark that there are many home grown players and that most of them are trained by teams from the Philippines. This is great. There are only 165 active users in Philippines, but because of this small group, the National Team is a very decent one.

6. What plans do you have with your three teams?

brotaci (184280) - the team is being rebuilt. I am training with 5% stamina share and an excellent coach. I hope I'll have the same patience for the next 2-3 seasons. After that I'll raise the stamina share, I'll make a solid leadership coach, I'll buy some players and start the long way to the top league.

Broscute (1799055) - the team is at its peak. I started to obtain nice ratings, like in this match: (601260446) - that was on pin. I have just won the league and I'll play in the Hattrick Masters next season. Some players have been trained for many seasons and I'm very happy when they are selected for their national teams. I still have some cash and I hope that I'll get even better ratings after buying some players. It is a strong squad.

Turtles (2055034) - I don't think I'll keep it. I don't have the time to take care of three teams and, also, the cost is quite high. I don't think I will agree on paying 35 extra Euro, but we'll see. If I would decide to keep it I will try to build a long shots team and that is just because I just don't have enough time for a "normal" build.

Thank you!

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