The performances that the national football selection of Suriname has achieved in the past period give confidence, but according to the new Surinamese national coach Henk Fraser, do not offer any certainty for what is to come. Although Suriname is now viewed differently by opponents, he does not want to take things for granted or be a favorite during the upcoming matches in the Concacaf Nations League against Honduras (Friday) and Martinique (Monday).
Text and image Marinio Balsemhof
“Past results are no guarantee of the future,” Fraser emphasized during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon. “But we are going for it, absolutely.” In doing so, he tempers the idea that Suriname, partly based on previous results, should suddenly be regarded as a clear favorite.
“I really enjoyed the Surinamese people”
National coach Henk Fraser
The national coach recalls that prior to the previous cycle, other countries were rated higher. “When we started the last cycle, Guatemala was the favorite and Panama … based on what they had. But Suriname has delivered and is now suddenly the favorite.”
For Fraser, that doesn’t change much in the way Natio should approach the coming matches. He points out that every match is one in itself and that previous successes do not automatically bring advantages.
Different ‘weapons’
According to the national coach, the confidence among the technical staff mainly comes from the possibilities within the current group of players. Fraser acknowledges that there are players he would have liked to have in the squad, but does not want to dwell too much on those who are missing. “There are some people I would have liked to have there. But with the people I have now, we have different weapons.”
He believes that the team has a lot of footballing ability, speed and defenders who can slide in from the last line. With this combination, Suriname should be able to play matches in different ways. The competition within the team is fierce, but Fraser nevertheless indicates that the absence of some players automatically takes away certain choices for the technical staff.
Play method
He also does not want to tactically commit himself completely to one field occupation or formation. The 4-3-3 remains the starting point. “When I talk about 4-3-3, I mainly talk about clarity for the boys,” says the national coach. That’s just the starting formation. At this level the game principles are very important.
However, Fraser points out that modern football has evolved in such a way that systems are constantly changing during a match. For example, a team that starts in 4-2-3-1 can end up in a 4-4-2 when pressing. “If you are playing against a strong opponent and you want to keep a midfielder in front of your defense, you can easily end up with 4-1-4-1,” he explains.
The formation can also change in the build-up. A back can move through, building up three players at the back, while in another situation both backs can be higher and two controlling midfielders are left behind. For Fraser, therefore, it is not only the formation that is decisive, but especially how players recognize and interpret different moments in a match.
‘Home and away’
The national coach also finds the old football law that home games must be won and away games are mainly about survival less and less applicable to Suriname. He refers to previous results outdoors. According to him, Suriname showed that it can also play for a win outside its own country. “I don’t think it’s so much the case anymore: you have to win at home and not away. Every match is one in which you go for the result.”
According to him, this does not mean that the advantage of playing in front of your own audience is underestimated. The support around the national team has impressed him. During the previous cycle he saw up close how great the enthusiasm around Natio was. “That is fantastic to experience. I really enjoyed the Surinamese people.”
The coach hopes that that atmosphere can be created again. He sees an interaction between players and supporters. “We have to try to entertain them and they have to support us in difficult times, because they will come.”
It is precisely this addition that fits with the caution with which he views the coming period. The development is visible, but setbacks will also remain part of the process, according to him.
Preconditions
General manager Brian Tevreden emphasizes that Suriname should not only try to make progress on the field. After previous experiences, the travel circumstances of the selection were also examined. Due to the geographical location, connections within the region are not always easy and long travel and waiting times can affect the preparation. “Geographically we are not always ideally located. A short flight is always a problem to get from A to B,” says Tevreden. At the same time, he emphasizes that, in his opinion, the Surinamese Football Association is facilitating the team well.
According to him, there must also be an annual evaluation at an organizational level where further progress is possible, taking into account the financial possibilities. The ultimate goal is to create an environment in which players feel completely comfortable.
For Tevreden, one thing is beyond dispute: Suriname has taken steps forward. However, that doesn’t mean the next step will come naturally. “We have known for some time that Suriname is developing and we hope to contribute to this.”
