Some Golden Soft Sombrero Moments with Nick Theodorakopoulos Theodorakopoulos on the prospects… Diego: Two seasons ago, Wollongong was experiencing a similar run of great form and attracting crowds of up to 10,000 to Brandon Park. Last season was disappointing though with both the team and crowds falling away dramatically. What have you done this season to turn things around?" Theodorakopoulos: "Two years ago, quality players such as Kosta Salapisidis and Alvin Ceccoli were sold overseas and we also suffered the huge loss of Tony Perinich to Northern Spirit. Irrespective of people's views about last season, the truth is that the club had a very successful season because they received a lot of money for Costa's transfer and for Alvin's loan. Furthermore, with the major loss of Perinich to Northern Spirit, these were players who could not be easily replaced. This year, with the return of Alvin with the signing of Stuart Young to immediately replace Kosta's goal scoring prowess, and with the addition of the more experienced Sasha Petrovski after his initial move from the state league, we have the three key players back on deck. We have not stumbled across success; we have been an attacking side for three or four seasons and it seems to be working again this year because we have the quality personnel." Soft Sombrero Moment 1999
Diego: " It's taken a while for Wolves striker, the "Fijian Flyer," Esala Masi to consistently produce at the NSL level. This season he seems to have left the lays, pineapple daiquiris and the hula girls behind to concentrate on hitting the back of the net a lot more consistently. What has brought about the change?" Theodorakopoulos: "Esala has always had the talent, he just seems to lack performance in difficult and extreme circumstances. This year has been a bit different for him. In order to build his speed and his strength over a longer period, he needed to take part in a program during the off-season. He came back bigger and stronger than ever and his results have obviously proven that. As you know, he is one of the leading goal scorers in the league so I am extremely happy with his form." Soft Sombrero Moment 1999
Diego: "Last season it was touted that you were being wooed by an international club to fill its coaching position. Why did the deal fall through and, in your opinion, are Aussie coaches such as Angie Postecoglou, Branco Culina and yourself ready to take on the challenge and coach in Europe?" Theodorakopoulos: "I did speak to two clubs overseas and I made three trips to tidy up some loose ends. I would still like to coach overseas but there are a number of difficulties associated with the opportunity that Australians and Australian born coaches need to understand. Suffice it to say that it is a lot harder than what you or I could have anticipated. As far as Aussie coaches such as Culina and Postecoglou are concerned, I believe we have nothing to fear if we do go overseas. The only disappointing aspect would be the lack of supportive Board of Directors and players since a lot of player power controls coaches and their duration of coaching spells at overseas clubs, which is something we don't have here. There may be occasions where Boards become unsettled due to pressure exerted by fans but I still believe that, from a perspective of a coach, we live in the lucky country where soccer is all that counts. The reality in some overseas countries is that a coach's future is not only controlled by his results; it is also controlled by the extent to which he is liked by his players, whether they will perform at optimal levels under his leadership and whether he has solid relationships with his bosses." Soft Sombrero Moment 1999 |