The new Italian coach of Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra, Flavio Raffo, wanted commitment, discipline and a good positional sense in a lively and humourous introductory session with his charges at the Army Museum ground yesterday.
A product of the AS Roma academy, Raffo played for Roma Juniors in 1985-86 and 1987-88 before going on to feature for a number of Serie B teams till the end of the 1998-99 season.
He started his coaching career in 2008 with Pomezia, a regional club in Rome. The 42-year old tactician also managed Academics Atsika in Madagascar, Sports Africa in Ivory Coast and Al Ittihad in Salalah, Oman. His latest team, Al Ittihad, were relegated from the premier league last year. It is mentionable that the Uefa professional license holder won the Madagascar Premier Division with Atsika in 2010.
Yesterday, Raffo was seen laughing and joking and appeared full of energy.
The Italian coach presented a realistic target to his players. “Position in football is all-important for me. I want my players to be the best in their positions. I was a player and I know the feelings of the players. If you feel that you are not comfortbale with your position and you may do better in other position please feel free to express. We will find a solution.”
He said light-heartedly that many defenders have the thirst of scoring goals but ultimately it helps the opposition as many empty spaces are created. “I don’t like risky approaches. All I want to see is a stable team (he runs to show how a defender gasps for breath while trying to return after an overlap). The players will have to rely on teamwork.”
Raffo also expects a friendly atmosphere in his team. “Think of me as an elder brother. Don’t hesitate to reveal any problems. We will make the perfect team-spirit In Sha Allah (learnt during his stay in Oman).”
As far as his coaching stint in Bangladesh is concerned, the Italian coach said gaining experience is the goal of every football coach. “I have been in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. I have heard about Bangladesh football. I want to go through the football in this part of the world and prove myself. I love attacking football and my favourite formations are 4-3-3 and 3-4-3. Let’s hope for the best.”
