Football: New coach must bring team further, says Avramovic

SINGAPORE: The person who takes over from football coach Raddy Avramovic should bring the team beyond being champions of Southeast Asia.

That’s the opinion of many in the football fraternity, including Raddy himself.

However, the former coach also urged fans to give his successor more time.

P N Sivaji, former national coach who took charge from 1992 to 1994, said: "If the FA says we will be happy with winning the Suzuki Cup for the next edition, that is not a progressive step. The important thing to say is we need to step up and the stepping up is to step up into the Asian Cup competition."

But Avramovic warned others not to expect instant results, for the successor must be given time to fit in.

He said: "People should give him a chance and not judge anyone who is coming in next, because surely we need time. First, I think every new coach will try to bring some new ideas. I am sure some will be good ideas and some he will realise cannot do that."

The football association is aware of the task ahead, and are keen to rope in Avramovic himself to share his vast experience.

"We will work and listen to what he would like to do, so that if there is something that can be done we will find something that is win—win situation for Singapore football," said Zainudin Nordin, president of the Football Association of Singapore (FAS).

The first big task for the Lions in 2013 is the Asian Cup qualifiers and Singapore kicks off the campaign early next month against Jordan.

FAS said should a national coach not be appointed in time for this big tournament, a caretaker coach will lead the Lions on an interim basis.

— CNA/xq