Izzo urges commitment as he takes plunge into new job

Karl Izzo steps into the most important coaching job on the local waterpolo scene next week when he starts a two-year stint in charge of the national team. In this interview, he tells Valhmor Camilleri he wants to see the level of the game improve and is prepared to introduce new initiatives to help him reach his aim.

­­­­­The decision by the Aquatic Sport Association (ASA) earlier this month to name Karl Izzo as Sergio Afric’s successor at the helm of the national team was met with a measure of surprise in some quarters, given the impressive list of candidates vying for the job.

The affable Izzo, who led San Ġiljan to a third-place finish in the National League in summer while also serving as Afric’s no.2, was shortlisted along with four other experienced coaches.

Italian Marco Risso was making his second attempt to land the job, former coach Afric sought another term while Anthony Farrugia, who for many years was Malta U-19 coach, and former national team goalkeeper Joe Caruana Dingli were also in the frame.

Izzo’s enthusiasm and the philosophy he envisions must have left a lasting impression on the ASA selection committee who awarded him the coveted job.

Now, the former national team stalwart, who has won every honour the local game has to offer during a glittering playing career with Sliema and San Ġiljan, is relishing the challenge.

“If I had to describe my coaching career so far, I would definitely say that it has been a learning experience,” Izzo, 43, told The Sunday Times.

“Over the last 10 years or so, I was lucky to work alongside some highly-experienced coaches and pillars of the game, the likes of Tony Camilleri, Dirk Dowling and Sergio Afric. They have so much to offer and their work ethic is great.

“With Sergio, in particular, I learnt a great deal these last two years. Obviously, my aim is to continue where he left off and see that all the good things stay in place. However, I also want to introduce my ideas which I think could make the team more competitive.”

Izzo’s first move will be to appoint a panel of coaches in the youth sector.

“I want these coaches to work hand-in-hand and take responsibility of the junior national teams,” Izzo said.

“For sure, Anthony Farrugia will remain U-17 coach. Together, we will draw up a training schedule ahead of the European Championships which will be staged in Malta next September.

“I want to see our youth teams figure more prominently in the future. Over the past few years, none of our selections took part in international competitions, bar the tournament in Kiev in 2007.

“This has to change as the only way our junior players can improve is by testing their wits against their fellow peers from other countries on a regular basis.”

A busy 2013 awaits Rizzo and the national team as they will play in the European Championship qualifiers, the first of three events that will decide which teams progress to the play-offs and a place in the finals to be staged in Hungary between July 13 and 26 next year.

In the LEN draws held recently, Malta were pitted in Group C along with Russia, Portugal, Israel, Bulgaria and hosts Denmark. The tournament will be played between April 4 and 7.

“Russia are the strongest team in the group,” Izzo said.

“They’re favourites to finish first but the other teams are, more or less, of the same level so I’m confident our national team can achieve a satisfactory result.

“Five matches of this kind in four days will inevitably put a huge strain on our players and their physical condition. So, we have to prepare well in the pre-season.

“In March, a few weeks before the start of the tournament, we will be travelling to Italy for a short training camp. We’re planning to play some friendlies against Serie A1 teams. That would give us some much-needed playing time against top-quality opponents.”

Izzo, meanwhile, is expected to name his first national squad in the coming weeks but made it clear that only those who are totally committed to the team’s cause will be on his list.

“Soon, I will be calling a meeting with the players in the current squad. I want to make it clear that my new list will only include those players who are ready to make sacrifice and show strong commitment,” Izzo emphasised.

“I believe that long-term success can only be achieved if we adopt a well-studied strategy and with careful planning.

“I also want to give space to the up-and-coming players. That way, they will not find it difficult to adapt to their new environs.”

Izzo has made no secret of his and the association’s plans to step up the drive to attract more youngsters to the sport.

“Despite the competition, we need to be more successful in luring young players to waterpolo,” Izzo remarked.

“These days, young people see a better future in other sport than waterpolo and to stop that we must embark on a strong campaign, starting from schools. The ASA agrees with this strategy and hopefully we will be making our first visits to local schools soon.

“We have to lecture students and explain the complex rules of our sport. We’ll invite those interested to come to the pool and see how the game is played and, perhaps, give it a try.

“The ASA needs to do everything in its power to protect the future of waterpolo.”

Karl Izzo factfile

• Name: Karl Izzo.
• Age: 43.
• Playing career: 1985-2001.
• National team: 1989-1997.
• National League titles: 1991, 1996 and 1998.
• KO honours: 1991, 1996 and 1998.
• Winter League titles: 1996 and 1998.

Coaching career
2001-2002: U-14 San Ġiljan.
2002-2008: U-14, U-16 and U-18 Neptunes. Assistant coach first team.
2008-2009: Assistant coach first team San Ġiljan.
2009-2010: Sirens first team coach.
2010-2012: San Ġiljan first team coach.

National team
2008-2012: Responsible for youth sector ASA.
2010-2012: Assistant coach national team.