Although winning matches is the result supporters wish to see, the true responsibility of a coach is towards developing the mindset and skills of players, National Football Team Coach István Urbányi has said.
Urbányi is under heavy criticism after failing to guide the Maldives team to their expected performance in the ongoing SAFF Under-20 Championship. Despite playing on home turf, the team finished at the bottom of their group and exited the tournament early.
This is Urbányi's third year working in the Maldives. The coach, who previously led the Under-23 team to win, said that a coach's success should not be measured in match results alone.
Urbányi said his focus is on reshaping the team's mindset and pushing players to attempt what they once believed was beyond their reach. While outsiders may judge only by match results, he assured that those within the squad recognizes the progress and growth taking place.
"We are not here to just achieve short-term results. We are working on building intelligent players who can deliver quality play no matter where they play," he said.
Urbányi said that these changes are already being reflected in the team even now.
Tomorrow, the senior national team will face Timor-Leste under Urbányi's leadership. It will be his first match with the senior side since beginning his third tenure as Maldives' coach. The Asian Cup Qualifier is scheduled to kick off tomorrow afternoon at the National Football Stadium.
