On July 13, the former National Soccer Commissioner, Francisco Reynoso, revealed through his personal Facebook profile that Yunielys Castillo, coach of the absolute team and the SUB-20, had presented his resignation to the Cuba Soccer Association (AFC). While at the time of writing this work, even the governing body of this sport on the island has not confirmed or denied such information, various sources have given faith about their truthfulness.
Certainly, the results of the spirit strategist at the head of the major selection were discreet. Its four victories, five draws and eight losses, as well as the negative balance of 15 goals in favor and 31 against, are incontestable evidence of the erratic performance of the team. And, although in its first year the absolute achieved the permanence at level A of the League of Nations, the second stage saw us fail in each and every objective.
Therefore, this step to the side of the Mr., at least in the major selection, could even be classified as honorable. However, it is tremendously surprising its departure from the U-20 team, where its work was commendable, achieving the World Cup classification for the second time in the history of our country.
Surprising, even more, taking into account that this quote from the world is just around the corner and that this tournament was always the priority of Castillo and the AFC. In fact, in the name of this, unhappy, the project that had been carried out with the major selection since 2021 was sacrificed, removing from the calls to experienced players to give tickets to boys who did not have the level to assume the challenges of our main squad.
Only two months after the start of the competition, the Cuban team – which will face rivals like Argentina, Italy and Australia in its group – would be in a critical position, with little time to adapt to a new DT, implement a game system and cohes the group.
The change of coach at this point can generate instability in the equipment, especially in terms of tactical clarity. Young players need more time for these readjustments, and a new coach may require time to meet the group, adjust strategies and prepare key matches against strong rivals in the World Cup.
The absolute, combined selection that, although it does not have official competitions until 2026, contains in its FIFA calendar a date for friendlies in the month of September would also be found without helmsman. Although, following the logic of the AFC, it is not surprising that this window is sacrificed according to the Sub-20 team. Will it be?
But this is not the only question that would raise the alleged resignation of Castillo. Given this respectable decision of the coach, there are many issues that are subject to the unknown and the debate. Will the practice continue – differently dysfunctional – to name the same coach for both teams? Is it the will of the Federation to resume the process that had been carried out with the major selection, or will the policy of using the absolute national picture to oxygenate as a sub-20 process come in the future?
From the answers to these questions it will follow which coach can be chosen for the position. Well, it is clear that, if the will of the institution is to follow the twisted tendency to take the absolute laboratory, the coach profile that we will see will not be far from the one who leaves. It seems unlikely that a respected technical director accepts such priorities distortion.
Back to common sense would imply designating separate coaches, which would allow more focused preparation. However, the argument of the economic and organizational limitations of the AFC could push it to maintain a single DT for “budget issues”, which would perpetuate the difficulties of managing two equipment with different needs.
While the consensus – almost unanimous – revolves around the need for a coach with international tour, modern tactical vision and experience in work with professional players, we will have to see if the AFC opts for a pragmatic and economic solution, which could perpetuate competitiveness problems.
If you really aspire to deploy a football according to the level of our workforce, it is unsustainable to continue with amateur coaches. It took a long time that it was understood that, if we wanted to climb at a next level, it was necessary for our players to go on professional stages to detach ourselves from the level limits inherent in amateurism. It will not be difficult to understand then that those same limits are also applicable to coaches.
