Baghdad – IA
Karbala team coach, Hassan Ahmed, attributed his team’s draw in the last match too the impact of the international break, which caused the absence of competition, which was reflected in the players’ performance on the field.
Ahmed said in the press conference after the match,which was attended by the (INA): “The international break affected the level of the team,as this appeared in the lack of focus among some players.”
Hassan added, “Some players did not perform at their usual level, stressing that he warned the team against committing mistakes near the penalty area.”
He added, “We were ahead until the 92nd minute, but we lost two points due to the players’ lack of experiance.”
The coach expressed his dissatisfaction with wasting many easy opportunities that could have decided the match in favor of Karbala, stressing that “the lack of mental focus was the main factor behind this.” He concluded his speech by saying: “This is football, winning and losing, and we must work to correct the mistakes.” To make up points in the upcoming matches.”
How do international breaks affect team dynamics and player performance in football?
Interview: The Impact of International Breaks on team Performance with Coach Hassan Ahmed
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Coach Hassan Ahmed. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent draw faced by your team, Karbala. You mentioned that the international break impacted your players. Can you elaborate on how this interruption disrupted their performance?
Hassan Ahmed: Thank you for having me. The international break can really affect a team’s rythm.When players are away from competitive matches, they often lose that sharpness and focus needed during crucial moments of a game. In our last match, it was clear that several players struggled to maintain their usual performance levels, primarily due to a lack of competitive play.
time.news Editor: Interesting viewpoint. It sounds like the break created a gap in the team’s competitive edge. Can you discuss how this lack of focus manifested on the field during your match?
Hassan Ahmed: Absolutely. During the match, I noticed that some players were not executing their routine plays as they typically would. For instance, we had a few simple errors near the penalty area, which could have easily been avoided. These lapses in concentration ultimately resulted in us conceding two points we could have secured.
Time.news Editor: It sounds frustrating. You mentioned that your team was leading until the 92nd minute. How significant is mental resilience in preventing such last-minute setbacks?
hassan ahmed: Mental resilience is crucial in football. When you’re ahead, it’s not just about individual skill; it’s about staying sharp mentally until the final whistle. We lost points due to a lack of experience among some players who were unable to manage the game effectively in those closing moments. We need to instill a stronger mindset in the squad to handle pressure situations better.
Time.news Editor: After such a performance, what are your plans to improve the team’s focus and effectiveness in upcoming matches?
Hassan Ahmed: We must analyze the lessons from this match thoroughly. Training sessions will focus on building mental toughness and addressing specific mistakes made during the game. Additionally,we’ll work more on closing out matches and ensuring that all players are fully aware of their responsibilities,especially in the dying moments of the game.
Time.news Editor: what practical advice would you give to young coaches and players facing similar situations related to international breaks?
Hassan Ahmed: My advice would be simple: prioritize continuous training and simulation of match conditions whenever possible,even during breaks. coaches should communicate with their players to help them maintain physical readiness and mental sharpness. Additionally, fostering an surroundings that encourages mental toughness can significantly reduce the risks of underperformance post-break.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Coach Ahmed, for your insights today. It’s clear that the psychological aspect of the game is just as important as the physical. We look forward to seeing how Karbala bounces back in the upcoming matches!
Hassan Ahmed: Thank you! We appreciate your interest and support. we’ll work hard to correct our mistakes and aim for better results moving forward.