Replies to Media ● Jul 23, 2013
FAS’ reply to media queries on preparations for upcoming tournaments
The development of strong national teams remains one of FAS’ key objectives. Our coaches, including our national head coach Bernd Stange, who was appointed in May this year, are well aware of the association’s goals. Preparation for the national teams for upcoming tournaments has been in place since national coach Bernd Stange’s appointment and it takes into account any probable overlap that our coaches might face. The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) has always been clear in our objectives which includes developing football at all levels and we view the teams’ participation in the various selected tournaments as a necessary step towards this goal. Both head coaches of the senior national team and the U23 team are in agreement with this common goal.
Coach Bernd: “Since coming on board, I have met up regularly with Coach Sundram and National Team officials, and together, we have set the objectives for the senior and Under-23 national teams. We are always in discussion on what is the best way forward for all our teams, especially with regards to participation in friendly matches and major tournaments. As it is important for us to get ranking points from these International ‘A’ games for us to move up the FIFA World Rankings, we have decided together that our Under-23 team will participate in the Merdeka Cup as part of their preparation for this year’s SEA Games. While the fixture overlap is unfortunate and beyond our control, it presents us with an opportunity to allow more of the players in the provisional squad to play in competitive games such as the Merdeka Cup as well as other planned matches in preparation for the SEA Games.”
Coach Sundram: “Coach Bernd and I are always in communication with each other on how to manage our players in the best and optimal manner. I am always happy to see my U23 players turn out for the senior side as their playing time in the senior squad can only enhance their development as players. This will in turn provide us with stronger players in our SEA Games squad which will benefit us in our SEA Games preparation. Ultimately, we are confident that we will achieve success at the upcoming SEA Games as well as the objectives that we have set in the Strategic Plan with the extensive training and developmental plans that have been put in place.”
