Does feel a lot like we have been here before. Though the issues with Heraf and Klimkova sound different, there are also similarities. Apparently Heraf told Ali Riley and one other player he would never pick them again. Riley was devastated. But that was just one incident in several for Andreas, who was completely ill equipped to coach a women's football side.
Again why Pragnell appointed Jitka for 6 years beggars belief, especially when she was mostly an unknown commodity. It was always high risk. Then it sounds like he's doubled down, on not handling this player greivance well.
Bit strange how the incident apparently happened at the WWC last year, but the player didn't lay a complaint until February this year.
Big takeaway for me don't appoint a European as coach, who has blunt English as a 2nd language. I don't think it's sexist to surmise that you need strong tact and communication skills when dealing with female players. Language oh so important. Easier to soften a tough conversation with someone if your English is on point.
If the players like and respect Michael Mayne, give him the job to the 2027 WWC, ie a 3 year deal. That's enough time. And he knows the group dynamics.
Tellingly Daisy Cleverly has fired a retirement shot that Klimkova was like a 'junior coach'. So NZF should definitely consult the senior players prior any appointment. But again if they like and most importantly respect Mayne as a coach, the job is his. If not well then gets tricky.
But I'd be looking more local (incl Australia) than Europe. Obviously NZF have a limited budget (see Bazeley appointment) but try find someone who's known and respected. Like Riley went and contacted Tom Sermanni herself directly after Heraf was sacked. She knew him, and he was a experienced respected figure in women's football. Low risk. I think we are all getting tired of the off field dramas, that further hinder this team with a limited talent pool, of actually improving.
Again why Pragnell appointed Jitka for 6 years beggars belief, especially when she was mostly an unknown commodity. It was always high risk. Then it sounds like he's doubled down, on not handling this player greivance well.
Bit strange how the incident apparently happened at the WWC last year, but the player didn't lay a complaint until February this year.
Big takeaway for me don't appoint a European as coach, who has blunt English as a 2nd language. I don't think it's sexist to surmise that you need strong tact and communication skills when dealing with female players. Language oh so important. Easier to soften a tough conversation with someone if your English is on point.
If the players like and respect Michael Mayne, give him the job to the 2027 WWC, ie a 3 year deal. That's enough time. And he knows the group dynamics.
Tellingly Daisy Cleverly has fired a retirement shot that Klimkova was like a 'junior coach'. So NZF should definitely consult the senior players prior any appointment. But again if they like and most importantly respect Mayne as a coach, the job is his. If not well then gets tricky.
But I'd be looking more local (incl Australia) than Europe. Obviously NZF have a limited budget (see Bazeley appointment) but try find someone who's known and respected. Like Riley went and contacted Tom Sermanni herself directly after Heraf was sacked. She knew him, and he was a experienced respected figure in women's football. Low risk. I think we are all getting tired of the off field dramas, that further hinder this team with a limited talent pool, of actually improving.