Magazine: Socceroos Query Pitch Surface
By Editor in Football on 24th Jun 2008 6:00
Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek has called for greater communication between football codes, admitting his concerns over the state of the ANZ Stadium pitch.
The Socceroos' match followed two NRL games and two under-20 rugby league games at ANZ Stadium in two days and Verbeek believes the surface affected the way his team play.
Stadium officials have said the ground recently underwent a major resurfacing and is in its best condition since the start of the NRL season in March.
But after taking his team through their paces at the stadium on Thursday night, Verbeek was not impressed. "I think we have to discuss it," Verbeek said. "It (the pitch) is not good enough for us to play the way we normally like to play football."
The match on Sunday is a dead World Cup qualifying rubber, with Australia already guaranteed a spot in the next stage, but Verbeek said Football Federation Australia (FFA) should take a lesson from the situation. "Okay there's not so much pressure on our shoulder for Sunday's game but I think we all, FFA in particular, have to learn from this situation," said Verbeek. "Because next year if you play your last two (qualification) games at home and if you have to play on that surface, then I think it's something we have to avoid. "I think we all know that there has to be more communication between the stadiums, the rugby league, the AFL. "Because only one thing is important, that we qualify for the World Cup."
Verbeek said neither the stadium nor the rival codes were to blame and described ANZ Stadium as "beautiful" but he wanted to ensure a similar situation would not jeopardise any future campaigns.
Verbeek's side trained again on Friday, this time at Parramatta Stadium, with the Dutchman admitting it was a relief having already qualified although acknowledging there was still a job to be done. "Of course, that makes a difference," Verbeek said of the lack of pressure having already qualified.
Source & More: news.smh.com.au
| There are 3 comments on this article |
02 Jul 08 by Eddie Albert
As always the media make it worse than what it is.
what is said in the SMH is told different in other papers.
like "why is it not like Wembley's"(surface). - Which has no training and only 20 games a year, plus 8 weeks off for renovation, and has a "concert /other event"season from June to August and after that they replace the turf. and no cricket .
Truth is that the media like the general punter has no idea what goes on in major stadia. all they see is a game played on the weekend.
Poor Loges and his crew like most of us in major multi stadiums are smashed every day with training,film shoots, rehersals.etc
What needs to be done is for the media to be more aware of what is happening. Tv programs like the "NRLfooty show" need to be more informative. The same goes for the AFL footy show- instead of complaining about grounds with wicket blocks they should look at how the team trains prior to these events.
The turf manager knows that it is only a matter of time before the demand for greater intensity of use exceeds the ability of the surface to cope. Its a pitty the people in media and mangement can't see this.
Eddy
05 Jul 08 by jerry spencer
I agree 100% Eddie. Grame has a ridiculous schedule to deal with as he manages an 'events venue'. That particular weekend he actually had 7 games including rugby league and the round ball game, with all tehse games on consecutive days. If anythign they should be congratulated for teh pitch actually still beign in one piece. Soccer Australia must learn that they are a 'hirer' of teh venue jsut like St. George, Bulldogs, Roosters adn whoever bloody well else decides to turn up (60 person Tongan choir?). If they have concerns about the surface they could always build a specific venuce for soccer use like Wembley?
06 Jul 08 by David Nickson
The turf manager in this sort of common situation is the first to take an undeserved kick in the behind or worse where it needs to be directed at the venue management and or owner.
If I was a customer wishing to hire a sporting venue at considerable cost, I would expect the condition of the surface to be suitable for play regardless of any other circumstances. It should be the responsibility of the venue owner/management to ensure that the customers needs are met properly and it should be the responsibility of the customer not to continue with a scheduled event if the state of the surface does not meet their expectations. Soccer wants the cash from the large (hopefully) crowd numbers and the venue management wants the cash from scheduling in as many events as possible coupled with the least amount spent on turf replacement, both sides should cop the kick in the behind.
The greed of venue owners/management usually wins the day until someone successfully wins a court case.
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