On Trial - Ali's Words

When recruiting players and while evaluating their talent one of the key attributes coaches look for is their attitude. Coaches keep a keen eye for promising players who have the best potential to excel as elite players and that doesn’t come from talent alone. Players who are showcasing their talent must understand that their physical abilities are not the only skillset you need to be a successful player. Having a?strong character, willingness to learn and the right temperament is just as significant.?

I want to share a recent experience where I had to cancel the trial of a young player because of his conduct. Throughout the process, he demonstrated unreliability and unprofessional behavior. The reality is that if your attitude is not correct then skills alone cannot take you beyond a certain point.

The truth is that football players go through rigorous training that tests their mettle! It involves upset schedules, fatigue, injuries, and dealing with all kinds of ups and downs. You need mental and physical strength to overcome the obstacles, confidence to beat all odds, and determination to never give up. Your attitude is an indication of how you will cope with all this and how you can perform under various conditions.

Coaches observe the personality of the players not only on the field but field as well. We want to assess how a player responds to diverse situations and how he interacts with others. Therefore coaches are always on the hunt to identify players with leadership qualities. If you do not have the right attitude, then I believe you do not deserve a chance. Coaches will always want to give a chance to those with championship attitudes rather than those who are only gifted players.