Amongst the REPRESENTATIVES of AGLA taking part in the upcoming World Cup in Thailand is Pablo Prieto, head coach of the Libyan national team. They are one of the 24 teams to gain entry into the championship. The team from Africa qualified after winning their regional qualifiers and were drawn in the ‘group of death’ alongside Brazil (reigning world champion), Japan (champions of Asia) and Portugal (one of Europe’s powerhouses). Libya continues, with some sacrifice, to prepare for the ultimate international challenge. The internal instability in the country, including recent elections, are hampering their plans to implement their schedule of games leading up to the World Cup. In any case, it has been confirmed of at least 4 games before departing for Thailand. Between September 23rd and October 7th the Libyan team will visit Istanbul to play to friendlies against Turkey. Cairo will be the next stop for two more friendlies with Egypt, who have also qualified for The World Cup. It will then be on to Korat that will host games against Portugal and Brazil. The ultimate game will be against Japan in Bangkok. The schedule for their final games will be as follows Portual-Libya (1st November in Korat), Brazil-Libya (4th November in Korat) and Japan-Libya (7th November in Bangkok).

Why did you decide to coach Libya?
I started in December 2009 following a call from a fellow Spaniard who had held a referees’ course there organised by FIFA. I also spoke with Javier Lozano, president of the Liga Nacional de Futbol Sala (LNFS) about the possibility of coaching Libya. I asked the permission of my club at that time, Azkar Lugo FS, to attend an interview in Tropoli. The project they presented was very ambitious as I was not only entrusted with the first team but also the creation of other national teams, the training of local coaches and the creation of leagues. Without doubt it was a great challenge for me at an international level.

How far is African futsal from European and South American?
The major problem in Libya is the lack of a proper league for the country. There are only local amateur tournaments, university tournaments and then 11-a-side leagues. Also there is a shortage of coaches. These factors make it difficult to create a national team. So there is a big difference to the futsal in Europe. In addition, the situation in the country at the moment is not a good one. We have some good ideas that are already on the table but we need stability in the sport section of the government to start working on the project.

Can you make a predication for the World Cup in Thailand?
In the last few editions The World Cup has had two strong favourites, Brazil and Spain, and this Asian edition is no different. As in any competition of this type there will be national teams that emerge to complicate the route of the favourites to the final. I am referring to Russia, Argentina, Iran, Portugal and Italy. One or more of these could be the surprise team.

Would you coach in Italy?
I don’t think any Spanish coach would have a problem to work in a country with a very stong league and in which Spanish coaches like Velasco, Miguel Rodrigo, Lord Thomas and Julio Fernandez have already succeeded.

What qualities must a national coach have compared to a club coach?
In my opinion a national team coach must form a coaching structure around the category below, the under 18s, to implement a seamless transition and apply the same selection methods at all levels. I believe that Spain has been a model example in this aspect for many years. They closely monitor all players at all ages (technical-tactical, physical and following them in their competitions). In a club, currently, the first team coach must pay close attention to the youth section of the club. At a competitive level coaching a club can be more interesting because you play every week. But the functions at player level of managing the players and training methodology are the same.

How would you rate Agla’s products?
I was pleasently surprised by the general quality of all products, from the the look to the quality of the fabrics.

What is the AGLA product you like most?
The tracksuits and the match kit.

PABLO PRIETO has years of experience as a coach and technical director in several Spanish clubs. He started at O Parruulo Fs Ferrol Ferrol, then moved to all'Autos Puentes As Pontes (La Coruna). After he went to all'Egasa La Coruna, then again back to O Parruulo Ferrol Fs. Following this he was at Azkar Lugo, then to Seville FC (futsal). Then it was to Talavera de la Reina and finally back to Azkar Lugo before arriving as the head coach of the Libyan national team.

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Looking to the future. With the brand new AGLA ONE 2012, renamed “THE ONLY ONE”, AGLA has created a professional product using the latest technology. A futuristic shoe, not only in design but also in the materials used. As always the Research & Development department has utilised the advice from university research studies while AGLA’s designers have created another masterpiece. A shoe that is perfect for futsal.

Analysing the technical features we should highlight the uniqueness of the AGLA ONE 2012. Marche has added the AGLA 5-PAD on the bottom of each shoe to ensure it gives the maximum transpiration of the foot

AGLA ONE 2012 has THE NEW ANTI-SHOCK SYSTEM in the heel to prevent injuries.

The sole is made of a natural BIO-DENSITY rubber which gives grip in all game situations. It ensures maximum grip is available on all surfaces.

The soft upper uses the SLIM SYSTEM and is an optimal mix of various materials such as canvas and polyurethane reinforcements for maximum grip, increased comfort and great durability, requirements for this sport.

The insole is both ANATOMICAL in shape and REMOVABLE.

The ANATOMICAL shape maximises the grip available to the foot.

Finally there is a protective element on the toe for precise and powerful shooting, a unique requirement for the futsal shoe.

This masterpiece of technology and innovation could not be complete without a touch of FLAIR. Each box provides two laces of different colours to give a customisable touch for the player.

To conclude, the AGLA ONE 2012 is a high-performance shoe. It is designed for serious players and professionals and is suitable for all game situations, especially in performing quick changes of direction.

The new AGLA ONE 2012 is available from 2012 in various retailers and in a wide range of colours: WHITE-SILVER, GOLD-BLUE, VIOLET-BLACK-YELLOW, GOLD-BLACK, BLACK-RED, YELLOW-BLUE, MANCHESTER (WHITE-RED), BARCELONA (RED-WHITE-BLUE) AND ITALY (BLUE).

The EXE version, designed and manufactured for outdoor use is available in BLACK-RED, YELLOW-BLUE, MANCHESTER (WHITE-RED), BARCELONA (RED-WHITE-BLUE) and ITALY (BLUE).

The WOMEN’S RANGE, are available in VIOLET-BLACK-YELLOW, YELLOW-BLUE, MANCHESTER (WHITE-RED), BARCELONA (RED-WHITE-BLUE) and ITALY (BLUE).








Posted by Mico Martic --> mico.martic@futsalplanet.com