In the world of football, emotion and loyalty are often seen as more important than scores and results. Recently, an incident in Croatian football has once again allowed us to witness this. Jarni, a veteran who has played for Real Betis and Juventus, was sacked by the Croatian Football Federation as Croatian Under-17 coach for expressing support for his former club Real Betis at a sensitive moment.
In the football family, everyone has the right to support their favorite team, even if it is an opponent of their own national team. It's the freedom of personal emotions and the diversity of football culture. However, when you are in a position that represents the honor and image of the country, this freedom has to be constrained by some invisible responsibilities and rules. Although Jarni's behavior is a true expression of personal feelings, he ignores the responsibilities and image maintenance that he should assume as a national coach.
The official statement of the Croatian Football Federation mentioned that although the Football Association allows everyone to support any club, including the opponents of Croatian clubs, all national coaches are expected to adhere to higher standards. This, I have to say, I agree. The national coach is not only a teacher of tactics and techniques, but also a representative of the country's image and national feelings. Their every word and action represents not only themselves, but also the entire country. To openly support an adversary at such a sensitive moment is undoubtedly a neglect of duty and irresponsibility to the country's image.
On the football field, every pass, every attack of the players and coaches is full of strategy and wisdom. But off the football pitch, we just as much need strategy and wisdom to deal with every word and action. Jairni's remarks can be described as a strategic mistake. He may just want to express his feelings for his old club, but he has forgotten his current identity and environment. This incident is undoubtedly a major blow and a lesson for him personally. But for the entire Croatian football community, and even for all national coaches, it is also a reflection and a wake-up call.
Football is round and represents variables and uncertainties. We can't ** the outcome of every game, but what we can control is our own words and deeds and image. As part of the Croatian football family, we need unity, cooperation, respect and mutual trust. Only in this way can we earn respect and honour on the international stage. The incident of Jairni reminds us once again that football is not only a contest of games, but also a test of emotion, responsibility and intelligence.
Here, I hope that Jairni can learn from this incident and be able to face the public and ** with more maturity and caution in the future. At the same time, I also hope that all national coaches can realize their responsibilities and influence, and use their wisdom and words to make more positive contributions to Croatian football and even world football.