The New Caledonia U-23 recently returned home from a three-match international series in Vanuatu where Sardo says they put themselves into competition mode.
“During that week we were truly put in the conditions of a competition and did very little tactical trainings,” he says.
“We concentrated on preparing for the matches. We got better as the competition went on losing first up to Vanuatu (1-0), then a draw against Fiji (1-1) before a final victory against the Solomons (3-0).
“We took it as preparation for the Pacific Games and we really tried to put in place, and work on the style of game we will develop in Papua New Guinea. In any case, we were able to kick off some positive learning during this camp.”
The style of game that Sardo is aiming for with his side is one he labels “classic”.
“It’s a system of play that resembles that which the selected players are used to in their respective clubs, so that they’re not feeling lost on the field. Then we will utilise the best qualities of our players like speed and technique, especially on the wings when facing sides like Fiji or Solomons,” Sardo explains.
“Then we want to combine individual technique with collective aggressiveness.”
The defensive frailties that were evident during last month’s encounter against Vanuatu at Stade Numa Daly have come under Sardo’s microscope and he says a certain defensive stability has been since been found.
“As an example, we were never in danger at the back against the Solomon Islands.”
“The reinforcements who have come from Metropole and the arrival of Mickael Partodikromo from Wellington to play defensive midfielder, have done us good. But to prevent conceding goals, everyone has to be involved and not just the defenders.
Sardo says that the week in Vanuatu was an opportunity for the players to bond which he believes will be of great benefit to the side going forward.
“We clicked over there. The players got to know each other both on and off the field. They trust in their potential, they talk to each other, motivate each other and sometimes that’s by shouting at each other.”
Looking at the players he has, Sardo says he has more-or-less settled on his starters with just one or two positions still in the air. With 16 players from which he can pick his starters from, the plan is to have at least two players for each position of equal level.
“This is important if we want to go far in this competition because we must be reactive to injuries, suspensions and fatigue.”
Speaking of the Pacific Games themselves, Sardo acknowledges the difficult group his side finds itself in alongside New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
“New Zealand are the scarecrow of the competition. Against them, we cannot just launch ourselves at them if we want to win the match. Papua New Guinea are at home, that makes it harder because we start the competition against them, in a white-hot stadium. It will be up to us to know how to overcome the pressure.
“But I hope that on their side, they’ll be a little bit nervous. Finally, Solomon Islands are an incredibly technical team. We beat them 3-0 and that’s great for our confidence, but we can’t let our guard down.”
As always there have been some critics of Sardo and the team he has selected for this competition.
However the seasoned coach, who led AS Lossi to the Super Ligue title in 2011 and took part in the OFC Champions League with Mont-Dore in 2011, says he will let the results speak for themselves.
“We’ve heard the criticism and it’s normal for people to ask questions based on our early results. But we are heavily involved and concentrated, we’re proud to represent our country and to provide pleasure for people.
“We need to be left to do our work and we can pick it up again at the end of the games.”
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