For the second year in a row "TFA-Milan" academy in Lithuania received another distinguished guest. Once again, a former footballer of the Milan clubs "Inter" and "Brescia Calcio", Danilo Tedoldi, who now takes care of the youth in Milan, arrived in Lithuania. He was entrusted with the duties of the technical director of the academy there.
"Excellent organizational work, successful implementation of the Italian system, and incredible dedication. I can assure you that the view is truly better than the impression I had before coming here. That's what I first noticed when I arrived in Lithuania," began the Italian with words of praise for the conversation, which came to Lithuania to hold a mini-seminar and training camp for academy coaches.
-Danilo, what are the main goals of your visit?
-The goals are set according to the age of the children. For six-year-olds, one goal, for eight-year-olds another, for ten-year-olds and twelve-year-olds another. Speaking of this camp, my main focus was on individual technique. I can praise that both children and coaches listened carefully to my comments, so I have no doubt that in the near future the technical skills of the players will improve.
-From experience?
-Yes. Implementing the same methodology throughout Europe is not difficult. It is much more difficult in the United States, Japan, or China. I have been in these countries, so I know how difficult it is there due to cultural differences. For example, in the United States, baseball is more popular than football, American football, ice hockey, basketball, and so on.
-But in Lithuania, basketball is more popular than football.
-I know. However, having seen the experience of various countries, I can confidently say that football is growing in Lithuania. Not every country can see so many children interested in football and closely following every step. I can guarantee that in five years, the difference between basketball and football will no longer exist.
-Do you think the lack of stars in our country could hinder that?
-That doesn't mean anything. You may not have stars now, but that doesn't mean you won't have them tomorrow. If circumstances develop successfully in the next selection stage, Lithuania could qualify to play in the final stage of the World Cup. And then the stars would appear. Why not?
-What else is needed for this to happen?
-Finally, stop evaluating children's results. Just give them pleasure. When they turn fourteen, then start teaching them a winner's mentality. But until that moment, the most important thing is to work and allow the child to improve.
The main thing is thinking. Without that, you will never become a good footballer. We strive for this every day in Italy, so children start thinking at the age of five. That's what I demand from Lithuanian coaches as well.
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