Talking Tactics With Oscar Bruzon

Spanish Coach Oscar Bruzon feels that a team without proper balance is none but a weak team. As a new season beckons for Sporting Clube de Goa, the 37-year-old tactician believes his team are in continuous evolution and feels ambition is a primary key for a young player to make his mark.

Amidst the pre-season training, www.i-league.org caught up with Bruzon to get an insight into his mind and tactics, as he and his men begin their road to I-League 2014/15.

EXCERPTS:

Sporting Goa stood fifth in the top-flight last season. Is there going to be any change from the way the team played last season?

Absolutely. Our team are undergoing continuous evolution and we are bringing in youngsters to reinforce every department. The group of national players we have at the moment are definitely stronger than that of last year. As far as the foreigners are concerned, we are scouting in detail to find the best options available to add strength to our good base of Indian talent.

What tactics and formations are you keen on applying?

We are working with different formations, however we will always maintain one main model as a reference point. As long as the group believes and performs well in this main model, the tactics and the positioning is an easy task to execute.

Give us an insight into your off-season conditioning program.

Our Physio, Brian Da Costa designed a program to be followed by the players, giving three options (cycling, swimming or light running) supported by a dietary plan with a good nutritional approach.

There have been quite a few new signings as well as contract extensions so far. Prior to the new I-League season, how effective will that be?

It will no doubt help us in performing as a winning team, with a winning attitude both on-and-off the field. As the pre-season progresses, the players will become accustomed to each other, and that will only help us in achieving our goal.

What are your views on team building?

I believe a team with no balance is a weak team. Here in Sporting Goa, we like to work in terms of balance and consistency and for that you need to have good regular players in all the lines – be it defence, midfield, or attack.

Are you pleased with the youth program employed by the Club at the moment?

Oh yes, the whole scenario is very positive, work-based and I am sincerely very happy to see that everybody at Sporting Clube de Goa are working towards one direction.

We currently have five U-23 Indian players in the Czech Republic, which is the largest representation out of all the I-League clubs. That is a big motivator for the young crop of players coming through. It shows that our youth development program is on the right track.

According to you, what should a good Youth Development Program focus on?

The training should be age specific. With youngsters, the key is small-sided games related to coordination and technique, while the later stages are all about working with the players in a very professional approach.

As for the players, the work rate and ambition should be a must and it is also important to pass certain criteria concerning football skills and physical parameters.

What expectations are you having from the current crop of players?

After a fine scouting mission throughout the last season, we brought in ten young players from other well known academies which include Sesa Goa, the U-20 India National Team and Tata Football Academy. Our U-20 Captain Jesus Estrocio is training with the senior team and so does Mauvin Borges.

My expectation as of now is to see these players reach the competitive level of the rest of the group as early as they can.

Any expectations from the Clubs’ backroom staff?

Our technical director Alex Alvares and Assistant Coach Norbert Gonsalves have demonstrated immense experience, attitude and aptitude throughout. I am happy that they will keep helping all of us throughout the upcoming season.

Finally, on a personal note, how does it feel to coach a side built on the lines of acclaimed Portuguese Club Sporting Lisbon?

I live in Spain, in Vigo (Galicia), which is only 20 kms away from the border of Portugal. I have many Portuguese friends, and must say that it is a lovely nation.

Goa has many things in common with Portugal, and so somehow I feel close to my home. Coaching Sporting Goa has been really influential in my journey so far.

Credit:AIFF Media and Sporting Club De Goa