Marinica believes there’s still time for Flames to adapt his style
Flames interim coach Marian Mario Marinica believes the players will adapt to his philosophy despite facing a race against time ahead of the Cameroon 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals.
The Romanian told fam.mw in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where the team is camping that time is never enough.
He said: “There will never be enough time, but I am absolutely sure that they will understand and be close to what I want.”
Marinica said by the time the Flames head to Cameroon, he wants to have a team in place that is hard-working, creates chances “and try to maximise on those chances”.
“I want a team than can be able to score goals and be tight in defence,” said the interim Flames gaffer.
Marinica said so far, he has been pleased with the players’ reaction in training.
He said: “It’s a new philosophy, a new approach and I would say I am happy with their response. They have done very well.
“I would like to fully implement the philosophy and implement the style of playing fast, very fast, thinking fast, acting fast and moving fast.”
On his impression about the new players, in particular US-based striker Henri Kumwenda and Silver Strikers midfielder Zebron Kalima, Marinica said he has so far been impressed with their hardworking spirit.
“They are keen, hardworking young players with full enthusiasm, but it’s a bit too early for [a complete] assessment. It’s too early to call,” he said.
The 57-year-old tactician reiterated that he does not want to raise false hopes for Malawians in the countdown to the continental showpiece.
“I don’t want to raise hopes that later may not be much,” he said.
Flames captain Limbikani Mzava said they are getting used to Marinica’s style.
He said: “Obviosly, it won’t be an overnight exercise, but we are getting there slowly but surely.
“I believe we are on track and by the time we head to Cameroon, we will be somewhere.”
Marinica, who was hired as FAM technical director, was appointed to take charge of the Flames following the team’s poor performance in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
The Flames are expected to face Mali tomorrow and Comoros on January 4 in friendly matches as part of their preparations for the 24-team 33rd African Championship.
Malawi are in Group B alongside Senegal’s Lions of Teranga, Guinea’s Syli Nationale and Zimbabwe’s Warriors.
The Flames will kick-start their campaign against Guinea on January 10 before facing Zimbabwe on January 14. Their last group fixture will be against Senegal on January 18.
