New Zealand Football will soon begin a worldwide search for the next All Whites coach - but one of the most suitable candidates could be right under their noses.
On Thursday morning (NZT), Auckland City take on Raja Casablanca in the Fifa Club World Cup. It's the third year insuccession Ramon Tribulietx has taken his amateur side to Fifa's global event. Given the timing, this match doubles as an important audition for the Barcelona-born coach.
There are significant parallels to the challenges in the club competition and hurdles the All Whites must overcome. The Oceania club representatives are almost always massive underdogs against highly rated opponents; preparation time is limited and it's a large step up in level; there is a need to come up with a game plan that optimises the opportunity.
Tribulietx has always excelled in this area. Under head coach Paul Posa in 2009, the Spaniard did much of the technical analysis of the opposition and tactical planning for that incredible campaign, where the New Zealand side won two games to finish fifth, including a 3-2 victory over African champions TP Mazembe. In 2011, Tribulietx was in sole charge, as his team lost 2-0 to J-League champions Kashiwa Reysol in another creditable performance. Last year, Auckland City pushed Hiroshima Sanfrecce to the limit, losing only to a spectacular long range goal in the 66th minute.
The gulf between amateur and professional sides should be much greater and it is a tribute to the meticulous planning of Tribulietx and his coaching staff, as well as the dedication of the playing group, that it does not seem so.
The step up from the ASB Premiership to an international job would be huge but maybe not insurmountable. At the least, Tribulietx should be engaged in a role within NZF. He has already been used by the Canadian Soccer Association on various campaigns, but strangely ignored by NZF.
Tribulietx would bring a Latin approach, a contrast to the style of recent decades which has favoured a British-based approach.
He has a good understanding of the local game and culture and knows what it takes to succeed in the islands, extremely pertinent given the fallout from the 'Horror in Honiara' and the likelihood the 2016 Oceania Nations Cup could be staged in Fiji or Papua New Guinea.
The 41-year-old also has a eye for talent. Former City players Albert Riera and Jason Hicks are performing well for the Phoenix and there have been few import flops over the past few years.
Perhaps most importantly, he is a disciple of the possession-based game. It has been a gradual, step by step change in philosophy at Auckland City but the football they play now is light years away from three or four seasons ago. If NZF have a genuine desire to move gradually in that direction, then they need to consider applications from experts in that area.
