Developing juniors to better players main focus: Gordo

The head coach of Oman national U-20 football team, David Gordo, said that his focus is to assist the boys to develop into better footballers in the near future.

“I am working closely with my coaching staff on an aim of forming a competitive, balanced team in the defensive phase, creative and brave in attack. We are working hard towards development of the players to have their own identity and help them to grow properly and be excellent footballers after each camp,” he told Oman Daily Observer in an exclusive interview.

The first actual assignment for Spanish coach Gordo, who took charge earlier this year, will be leading Oman team at the AFC U20 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022 Qualifiers. Muscat will be the host city for Group G matches during September 10 to 18.

Hosts Oman will face two-time champions Thailand besides Philippines and Afghanistan in Group G. The group winners and the five best runners-up among 10 groups will join hosts Uzbekistan in the 2023 Finals.

Commenting on the draw results, the 52-year-old responded that the draw was good and balanced. “We do not have the choice to select the rivals. The main task is to focus on the preparatory plan of the team and shape the players readiness for the forthcoming matches as best as possible” he added.

On the team’s chances to progress into the finals, Gordo said: “We will enter any match in the qualifiers as a final match. This is our philosophy in all the group games until achieving our desired target. The intention is to prepare each match to win regardless of the rival in front of us,” he said.

The former Spain U-16 manager said that the work of the clubs is classified as fundamental for the national team. “The players will spend most of the time in their clubs. The clubs shape their daily practice routine and this forms the base of their development,” he clarified.

The Spanish coach concluded his statements stating that the coaching staff are looking for players who have winning characters and be proud to wear Oman's shirt. “ The goals are to have brave players, eager to improve, with ambition, who are humble and open to assimilate the work,” he ended.