While his resume looks like the who’s who of “Where’s Waldo”, Bora Milutinovic has had a knack for taking teams that realistically shouldn’t have a chance, instilling belief and getting the most out of his players in high stress situations.
Now with training camp set up in Doha, Qatar, the 64 year old might be in for his toughest test yet as he guides Iraq into the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup next month.
Via FIFA
Though only recently acquainted with his latest squad of players, Milutinovic appears happier than ever, having throw himself into the role with customary enthusiasm and commitment. “I feel like a little kid. I’m enjoying every moment with the Iraqi people, the players and the fans. For me it’s an honour to coach this team.”
The Asian champions have set up their training camp at Aspire in Doha, Qatar, the country where many of the squad members play their domestic football. As far as Milutinovic is concerned, they could not have gathered in a better place. “When you’re playing in such an important competition and you’re representing your continent, you need to go with maximum ambition. That’s why we’ve been training and preparing in this stunning corner of the world. It’s a wonderful setting with impressive facilities, and I’m sure that this can only inspire us.”
Asked what he felt the team could achieve and how he found the side on taking over, the 64-year-old replied, “Better than I’d expected. With all the overseas players, I’ve no doubt but that we’ll be a competitive team. I need to spend more time in charge to have my complete side, but given the atmosphere in the group and the capability of the players, I’m sure the result will be a good one.”
A little-known fact about the veteran tactician is that he handed senior international debuts to such players as Javier Aguirre, Rafael Marquez, Alexandre Guimaraes, Alexi Lalas, Claudio Reyna and Wilson Palacios. Of course, it is a trend he hopes to continue with the Asian champions, and his assessment of the country’s players is encouraging in this respect.
“They’re very good technically and they’re also physically strong,” he says, adding, “I’ve been watching games from the Asian tournaments since 2002 as well as the region’s World Cup qualifiers, so I had a reasonable knowledge of the players who would be here in Qatar. In addition, some of my staff have been showing me games from the Iraqi league. There is a lot of talent there.”
“It won’t make a huge amount of difference what tactics we use. I’m sure we’re going to have a competitive side as we play with a lot of heart. Moreover, Iraqi players compete with enormous passion and emotion, and are fiercely determined. I really like how committed they are and the way the train, and I’m convinced we’ll have a good chance at the tournament [in South Africa].”
Image via Teamtalk
