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The head coach of the Lithuanian national football team, Csaba Laszlo, does not have a favorite team in "EURO 2012" and he is a fan of beautiful football. However, he admits that he most sympathizes with the national teams of England, Germany, and the Netherlands. Among the participants of the continental championship is one former protégé and familiar coach of Cs. Laszlo.
Favorites remain from childhood
Cs. Laszlo stated that he is not an active fan of any team and is most happy with good football, but he revealed that he sympathized with English teams since childhood.
"My favorite teams were Nottingham Forest, Derby County, as well as Manchester United with George Best, and Liverpool. I had Tony Woodcock's number nine jersey. In Hungary, everyone liked Barcelona or Real Madrid with Ferenc Puskás, but I liked English football. They always played honorably," said the 48-year-old football coach.
It was difficult for him to choose whom to support in the duel between Germany and the Netherlands. "My sympathy for both teams was equal. I have always liked Germans because they never gave up. In addition, German football helped me a lot," said the coach who holds citizenship of this country. "One of my favorite players was the Dutchman Johan Neeskens, who was legendary Johan Cruyff's partner. The World Cup in Argentina, where the Dutch played in the final, brings pleasant memories. In the Netherlands, I have quite a few friends."
Coached Poland's guard
The football coach from Hungary, who has traveled to many countries, also has fond memories of his previous acquaintances. Cs. Laszlo said he personally knows the English coach Roy Hodgson: "He traveled around the world for a long time before finally being recognized in England. He is a true gentleman and a good person. I wish him success."
One participant of the European Championship was coached by Cs. Laszlo in the past. This was Poland's national team goalkeeper Eugeniusz Polanski. "He was the captain of the youth team of Mönchengladbach's Borussia that I trained in the U-17 and U-18 age groups. I know his father and mother. I am glad that he has the opportunity to play in the European Championship. Initially, he played for the German youth team, but now he represents Poland."
One of the coach's proteges was also Germany's national team goalkeeper Marcel Janssen, who played in the last World Cup, but in recent years, injuries have halted this player's progress, and he did not make it to the European Championship squad.
Analyzing championship trends
Watching the European Championship matches gives the Lithuanian national team manager new ideas and confidence that he is on the right track in his work.
"Most goals come from losing the ball in midfield, after a quick pass from the depth, and a precise strike in the penalty area. That's how the Greeks scored goals in the matches I watched, similar were the German goals for the Dutch. The teams play from the depth - like the Champions League winner Chelsea did. In this case, individual talent and innovation are important. Players like Mesut Ozil or Bastian Schweinsteiger have an eye for a 'killer' pass," said Cs. Laszlo.
According to the coach, he would attribute the role of favorites in this championship to Germany but does not rule out defending champions Spain.
"They play very disciplined. The German team spirit during the long tournament only strengthens. In the first matches, the Germans played weakly, but in the second they played better. I think Germany can go very far," said Cs. Laszlo. "I don't understand why Spain played without true forwards. When Fernando Torres came on, there was immediately sharpness up front. I think that if the Spaniards start playing with a true striker, they can become champions. These are players who have a winning mentality and know what it means to win championships.".
The coach admitted that he no longer cherishes hopes that the Netherlands can save themselves, and he was disappointed with the England and France matches. "In the last 15 minutes, both teams were satisfied with a draw, and I was disappointed. I don't think the English can achieve much. Due to Wayne Rooney's disqualification, England lacks leaders, recognizable faces. The biggest problem is that there are not enough English players in English clubs. There is a lot of money in this country's football, but it ruins the national team.".
This week, while watching the match in Wroclaw between Lithuania's future opponents in the World Cup qualifying matches, Greece and the Czech Republic, the coach was impressed by the football event. "Compliments to the organizers for a well-organized football celebration. Wroclaw has an excellent stadium, and I didn't see any hostility between Greek and Czech fans."
