My interview with Bangkok Utd goalkeeping coach, Valdir Bardi, from April, 2017.
Q - How are you enjoying Songkran and what have you been up to?
I’m enjoying Songkran with my family and friends, playing water fights with them near our home.
Q - What have the players been doing during the break?
Good question! We trained on the day before Songkran and gave them time off on Thursday and Friday, coming back on the Saturday. So, whatever they did, I hope they come back to training in good condition.
Q - Many people expected Bangkok Utd to do well this season, why do you think you've had such an indifferent start?
For many reasons. However, starting with earlier pre season than our rivals, to prepare for an AFC Champions League match, didn’t help. After that, I think the players were down a little, and this has played on their mind. We just need time to come back. If you look at our results, they seem bad, but we have really only played two bad games, against Thai Honda, and Chiang Rai Utd. In the others we were unlucky, like against Police Tero in the last game.
Q - What are you doing to try and put things right?
Nothing special. Just reminding the players how good they are, especially with my goalkeepers.
Q - What is the mood like in the camp?
With Thai players, the mood is always good. There’s no doubt about that!
Q - What are your expectations for the rest of the season?
I’m not going to say that I think we will start playing good games, because we are already doing that. We just want to get the results, because the way we are playing, and the chances we are creating most of the games, will bring us to the top again.
Q - How are you preparing for Tuesday's match?
Analysing Chonburi’s strengths, looking for our weakness and creating some moves and sessions that can help our goalkeepers to be ready for the match.
Q- And what are your expectations for the game?
I must say that I think it will be a hard game. Playing against Chonburi in Chonburi is not easy. Renan is the league’s top scorer at the moment and Andre Luís is a fast guy, who always take our players on. They are both dangerous players. Chonburi as a team are dangerous. It will be an interesting match to watch, but I believe we can play a good game.
Q - What are your thoughts on Chonburi's season so far?
As with Bangkok United, Chonburi is a club that should be on top of the table.
Q - Please can you talk us through your pre match preparation with your goalkeepers?
Normal breakfast, meeting with team preparing by our analyst Luís Viegas e our Coach Mano, normally at morning time. After this meeting, i have a small brieff about last game, after that we come specific about oponent where Luis give me some points to show them.
Q - Do you study opposition goalkeepers and give your forwards tips on their strengths and weaknesses?
Sure, when a goalkeeper, have problems on aerial balls, or bad position on free kick we Always try help them with some tips.
Q - Which T1 teams have impressed you so far this season?
I think Chiang Rai Utd. They have invested money there. They have bought good players, and along with their good facilities, this has helped them to play well. Ubon Utd are a motivated squad and have also impressed me. I will be interested to see where they are at the end of the season.
Q - Which T1 goalkeepers have impressed you so far this season and why?
We are talking about goalkeepers, the weak point of Thai football, don't forget that. However, I have seen some goalkeepers in Thailand who have ability. Kawin, Ukrit from Ratchaburi - I know he didn’t have a good start, but has great potential - and our goalkeepers Kittipong And Warut. They have different styles, but both of them are efficient in what they do, following our game philosophy.
Q - What qualities do you think make a good goalkeeper?
The way football is going, I believe that the goalkeeper who can control his emotions and make decisions under pressure, will be always one step ahead of the rest.
Q - Which Thai goalkeepers do you think have the ability to match the current number one, Kawin?
Not just because is my goalkeeper, but I really believe Kittipong can be the one. He showed during last season’s campaign, and keeps showing again this season, how well he can play. For me, he is the same level as Kawin.
Q- For me, many Thai goalkeepers seem too small. Do you think this is a problem?
No. The best keepers around the world are small; Bravo, Cassillas, Valdez, Barthez. Goalkeepers here can compensate with agility, speed and being smarter.
Q - Mano Polking is a well liked and well respected coach, what is he like to work with?
Mano is a great coach and a great person. Everyone close to him, likes to hear his stories about football and life. He is a friend, who is always ready to help As a coach, he is a guy loyal to his philosophy on how to play, but obstinate when people have different ideas. Mano is a coach who really supports his staff because he believes we can always do our best for the team.
Q - Can you tell us any funny stories about him?
As a superstitious guy, he always wants to wear the same jeans, shoes or shirts, but when he forgets, he gets very angry with himself!
Q- Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thanks for the opportunity to talk about my job. Normally nobody wants to hear about goalkeepers and their coaches.
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