Dreamer, LP was disenchanted before the Wim incident. I think he had been embarrassed from being forced into the confrontation. But the real source of the silence was when he was demoted after the World Cup and both Wim and Anton were given LP's player development responsibilities. Remember the story that "LP will be confined to coaching development and working with goalkeepers"? However, he hasn't been completely silent and if you ask Shaka about LP's support of the players, he will vouch that LP has not forgotten his roots as a player and coach. We just have to be patient, kiss 2010 good bye and hope the Government will support a players academy led by LP and with no Corneal or Warner involvement. In the meantime here is a recent rare news quote from LP giving his usual constructive criticism. Enjoy
Tiger concerned about defence - Newsday[/b][/u][/b]
LINCOLN “TIGER” PHILLIPS, technical director of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF), is pleased with the improvement that the national team showed during their 2-0 win over Grenada in a friendly encounter at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Tunapuna.
Moments after Sunday’s victory, with goals from debutant Jerol Forbes (56th minute) and Kevon Carter (70th), the ex-national goalkeeper said, “I think it was a better game in the second half.”
Regarding another newcomer, Kevaughn Connell, Phillips said, “I think that Connell came on and added a little spice to the game. He was definitely one of the few forwards that (were) going at the defence.
“I like Connell very much,” Phillips added. “He looks like he’s going to be a nice player, one for the future.
“Kevon Carter was very penetrative with his runs and I think that was a difference in the second half,” said Phillips.
But he is concerned about the ability of the TT defence to deal with stronger opposition, especially within the CONCACAF region, especially with the FIFA World Cup qualifiers due to resume in June.
“We’re still not out of the woods in the defence,” he said. “The defending, we’re a bit square.
“I’m sure that (coach Francisco) Maturana knows that’s one of the areas that we have to put a lot of work on,” he added. “We definitely have to keep working at it.”
Marlon Charles, coach of the national women’s Under-17 team, has lauded Maturana and his technical staff for their emphasis on young blood.
“When you look at what’s happening in Trinidad right now, (it) is to give the opportunity to young players,” said Charles. “And for me, this is what it’s all about.
“I am satisfied with what I’m seeing,” Charles continued. “There are a lot of things which they can improve on but the coach knows what he’s doing.” (April 30, 2008)
<Previous