Former Super Eagles defender Michael Emenalo has advised that a proper scouting department is essential for the Nigerian national teams.
Emenalo heads a similar department as Chief Scout of English Premier League club Chelsea and he says the job is not just about scouting opponents.
“I think scouting is important, whether by the coach or by his assistants, or on a more professional level by qualified people. It is important to analyze your team as well as your opponent before every game.
“It is about realizing your own weaknesses as well as theirs.
“If I were to be the one there, I would have my own scouting network.”
Emenalo says scouting is a vital ingredient in the decision of what formation a coach decides to go with, and against what opponents.
“People like to talk about systems and formations. But it doesn’t work in isolation. The next thing is to make sure you understand the strengths and weaknesses of each system and formation and how it can be taken advantage of.
“Every formation has its weaknesses, and can be countered by another system. The idea is always to find balance between defense and attack so as not to give the opposition space to attack you.” |
