Category: Kiwi Videos

Neil Emblen, who is in charge of the New Zealand national team on an interim basis, has revealed that he wants to become the permanent manager of the national team. New Zealand football Association recently revealed that it had started looking at various options for the permanent managerial position. The FA also revealed that it had received an overwhelming response through applications for this position. Emblen is also thought to be one of the managers considered for this position, but his record in the last few months has certainly not helped his case.

The team has not managed a single victory since September 2013. They have only managed two 0-0 draws as the only positive results during this period. Even those results came against Trinidad and Tobago and South Africa. This poor run of form may result in the FA considering other options, but Emblen has confirmed for the first time that he wants to remain in charge of the national team. The FA are unlikely to take any risks with the next appointment, as it could seriously hamper their chances of reaching the World Cup 2018. The qualification for the tournament begins in September.

Emblen says that his experience of working with the team for several years – including as an assistant manager – will hold him in good stead.

“I actually haven’t put a CV in to them [NZF] yet. I think it closes midnight Friday, so maybe we’ll see after about 10 o’clock that night, after the South Africa game. The organisation pretty much knows how I feel about the whole thing. I’m happy to retain the role I was in. If they go for a local candidate, then maybe there’s more of a chance. If it’s someone from overseas that’s wanting to do it, and within budget . . . I’m just dictated by what the organisation is thinking,” said Emblen.

New Zealand have decided to make a permanent appointment for the managerial role, which has been currently occupied by Neil Emblen on an interim basis. The court was appointed as the manager of the team following the exit of Ricki Herbert, who managed to lead the team to immense success over the last five years. Their most crowning achievement certainly has to be the 2010 FIFA World Cup. New Zealand not only qualified for this tournament against all expectations, but they also did exceedingly well even against the world champions Spain.

Since then, New Zealand has been unable to hit the heights in terms of international football. This has led to the exit of Herbert and then the arrival of Neil Emblen. However, it is understood that in New Zealand football Association are not too happy with the work done by Emblen. They recently advertised an opening for the comment managerial job. New Zealand FA chairman Andy Martin has revealed that the response for this advertisement has been overwhelming, as he has already received 50 proposals from managers around the world.

Until the permanent appointment is made, Emblen will be leading the team for the upcoming matches and this includes the friendly against South Africa. New Zealand have failed to win any of the last five matches, but they did go on a three match winning run prior to this.

“The key decision is how we put the team together. In an ideal world we’re looking at a coach that’s fulltime, that can deliver on the high stakes. If that proves to be difficult or we’re not able to do that, then we have to look at how we blend the team together,” said Martin. The South Africa friendly is the final friendly match for the team before they prepare for the next World Cup qualifying.