Junpiter Futbol caught up with AFC Ajax Amsterdam’s head coach, Michel Kreek, at Victoria Junior Colleague, where he’s leading the 24th Canon Lion City Cup Coaches Clinic. So what did the former Ajax, Padova, Perugia and Netherlands International defender feel about Singapore youth futbol? Junpiter Futbol shares with you exclusively!
Based on what you have seen so far, what do you think of Singapore futbol standard?
I am very surprised by the Singapore U-16 (specifically) but in a very positive way. The technical skill is very good and the team spirit is very high. They deserve to be in the first place in the group.
How’s Ajax U-15 doing in this tournament?
First of all, they have got a great time here. We saw beautiful country, had great excursion and have played great matches so far. We do have problems with the humid weather and time difference but it has been a great experience for the team. Not only great experience for the boys but for us, the staff too.
Will Ajax win the Cup?
It is our aim to win the Cup. We are in the semi-final and have 2 difficult games coming up. Most importantly, we want to play good futbol and leave a good impression with the people. And most of the times when you play good futbol, you will win the game. If the opponent plays better than us, then congratulation to them. So long as we do our best.
Ajax’s youth academy developed TIPS model, which is Technique, Insight, Personality and Speed. Which of these is the most important or the hardest to get/develop from a young player?
It’s the mentality, the will to succeed. But of course, all 4 ingredients are equally important, its a combination of all.
We have interviewed some great street futbol players from Netherlands, such as Edward Van Gils, Issy Hitman, Khalid Hamadaoui, Jermain Vanenburg, Ricardo Pinto, and understand street futbol is a big thing back home. Do you think that street futbol culture does in a way contribute to Netherlands’ total futbol?
Children in Netherlands don’t learn futbol in academy. They learn futbol on the street. Street futbol provides them with all the elementary technical skill and in the academy, we bring them up to another higher level.
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