Community » Hattrick Press

U21: the first mandate of JohnSparta

Written by Migna

Very smart interview with U21 coach JohnSparta (11433110) who led our boys till backing to the WC

I think every presentation is useless, let's go back to interviewing Ivan after the conclusion (as far as official competitions are concerned) of his first term as coach of our U21; a mandate that can be defined as virtuous given the qualification to the WC that was missing for some time.
A friendly chat to briefly retrace the fundamental steps of his mandate and conclude with a thought about the future, certainly growing and full of satisfactions, of our national team.

Hi Ivan, first of all thanks for being here.
So, let's start by taking a small step back, tell us about how you lived the electoral period
In one word, exciting! it was a very positive experience, lived carefree (given the holiday period spent on the Italian coasts).
The confrontation with the local managers and their questions was stimulating even if, to be honest, I thought that I would have to compete with some more opponents (usually an election involves 3-4 "last minute" candidates) ... I therefore deduce that I must have scared all the rivals or more likely that the summer holidays had a big impact.

How do you rate your experience as U21 Cymru head coach?
Fun and exciting; being able to manage and deploy the young talents that I discovered and started to follow since the youth was incredible.
Our performance in the Europe Continental Cup can be compared to the roller coaster of an amusement park, where the games in which we dared and risked the most rewarded us more than those in which, statistically, they could have been more in our favor.
Practical example of what has been said so far were the 12 consecutive points gained thanks to the prestigious victories against Belarus, Holland, Croatia and Serbia; these results suggested to some managers a new nickname that I liked and it made me smile: “Giant Killer”.
The game that I remember with the most pleasure and with the most "feeling" remains however that of the Wild Cards against Syria, where I put all my instincts on the pitch.
Speaking of the way to the World Cup, the results were less exciting both for the level of the opposing teams and because the blindfolded Goddess was not very kind towards us; however, it remains a wonderful experience that has enriched me a lot, personally and in terms of play.

Do you have an ideal staff?
Yes and no, in the sense that I have no prejudices towards any manager, I would simply like to have collaborators of different nationalities as long as there is a real interest in the Welsh case.
In the 2 years spent here in Wales, I feel I have managed to get in tune with both the local managers and those who have chosen to open the second / third team in this country; this allowed me to live the experience to the fullest and to embrace the common goal.
Entering into a relationship with the community, the real one, and being an integral part of it I think it is a sine qua non to be part of the staff is not possible, a love goes on, a flash in the pan goes out after a while (I am referring to those looking for the climb to the national teams without having the country at heart).

How do you see Wales in relation to other European teams? What position do you hold, and which can you aspire to in the future?
The numbers of Wales are not comparable to those of other European nations, but I have noticed with immense pleasure that the attachment of the locals goes far beyond all expectations, imagine that as many as 70% of our champions are trained at home.
The primary goal that I have set myself together with my staff is to improve the ranking in order to be able to face a greater number of teams of the same level and have an ever greater chance of participating consistently in the world championship.
Certainly, thanks to everyone's commitment and dedication, Wales can and must become a solid reality, a difficult team to face that would rather be avoided on their path.
All this is the basis to be able, one day, to aspire to something more... maybe even a medal.

Your WNF federation has become the largest in the country. Did you expect that?
Do not read my answer as an excess of presumption but... YES, I expected it!
The passion that reigns in this community is the lifeblood that made me be positive and proactive (I don't deny it also served a good dose of spam) as well as a visible amount of work done in terms of scouting; added value was the transformation, at my request, of the WNF into a federation of reference for the U21, driven by the desire to unite everyone and by giving a sharing tool already started and with a good following.
Making the WNF public was a natural step that I took forward in a decisive way, believing that it could and should be a good for everyone and not limit it to being a private federation for the exclusive use of a few users, without considering that it is managed by the head coach. and passed from hand to hand in order to provide continuity of information and projects over the years.

What do you think needs to improve in Wales so that we can continue to grow?
I am committed to continuous improvement and while acknowledging the giant steps taken, I believe there is still a long way to go.
Specifically, I believe that focusing on academies and making the greatest number of users aware of the use of the tools available that allow the scouts to do their jobs in the best possible way is a fundamental element, making the relationship with managers closer.
Another important aspect is the rotation of the staff, which consists in working in a dynamic environment, with collaborative and enterprising people, with the desire to learn and to make themselves available to the common cause; I would like there to be a shift in scouting, giving the most willing the opportunity to join, certainly there cannot and must not be a “safe chair” here, meritocracy must be in first place.

Do you have any thanks to do? Is there anything you want to say to your community?
Of course!
I start by thanking the staff members who over time have also turned out to be friends with whom I have established relationships that go beyond the game and without whom, this adventure would not have had such a sweet taste, in a united and serene environment. .
I cannot fail to thank all the managers who have embraced the WNF project and who have made themselves available to train our champions.
To all of you I say thank you for having elected me and I hope to be able to continue this path with you, always aimed at trying to win!
Cymru am Byth

The aspect that most emerges, in my view, is the seriousness and dedication that has been there from the beginning in the creation of this project and in wanting to give continuity with enormous strength to what has been created up to now; because you can always improve!
This is a bit of the romantic aspect that goes far beyond the game and is filled with that extra something that makes the experience unique.
Wales for Ivan is home, and it is a home that deserves attention and work, to make it even more beautiful and welcoming.
I thank Ivan for the time he has dedicated to me and first of all I want to thank him for what he has done so far and for what he has done. I am sure he will still be able to do it for the good of Wales.