Seysoccer is thrilled to present PART 2 of our exclusive interview with Michael Delpech, the Club Secretary of Saint Michel United and former Team Manager of the Seychelles national team.
Following the remarkable response to PART 1, which garnered significant attention from the local football community, we continue our in-depth conversation. In this instalment, we explore Delpech’s experiences with the national team and gain insights into his thoughts on the current setup.
Stay tuned for more captivating insights from a true football insider.
Seysoccer: As the previous manager of the National Team (August 2021 to September 2023), what is your opinion on the current setup? Are there any aspects you think could be improved or changed?
Michael Delpech: When I was the National Team manager I did not get involved in technical matters. I tried to administer and manage the team to the best of my abilities. So there’s no doubt in my abilities. I think I need some respect. I have managed the National Team on 3 occasions (2016/17 , 2019/20 and 2021/23). I will give you my opinion on the management side only: 1) When you are the National Team Manager you should know your work inside out. You should be on top of all the issues that you expect to arise and know how to deal with it. 2) You should have experience dealing with players, Club managers, Club Chairmen, SFF executives, your own technical panel (National Team), social issues the players are facing and so on. You will never be able to deliver if you have never worked in that field. 3) The coaching panel should also be willing to work with you in a respectful manner.
Today the National Team has the following personnel: Liaison Officer, Kit Manager, Team Administrator… maybe there’s a few more people that I don’t know of. While I was the Manager, all those responsibilities were being done by myself as Team Manager alone. It was a very big task and was done accordingly. I remember last year I asked the SFF for a kit Manager and the door was shut in my face. I believed players should be paid training allowance, a win bonus, and travel allowance. Why are players not paid travel allowance but the management are paid their dues? SFF always said that for you to get involved with the National Team you should have gone through the system. There are always more questions than answers.
On the technical side, I have listened to all the interviews on both local and international media but still today am not convinced the new plan will work. Yes, we need fresh legs (young players) which I support but at the same time we need results. There were 23 players in the last selection that participated in the 2023 Indian Ocean Games. Yes, I admit the management and the players failed to deliver, but do you change 20 players in one go? It was said in an interview that the players were released from the National Team but they were not given valid reason. Also the clubs were blamed together with the coaching panel. Up till now we haven’t had any detailed explanation why the players were released. In all the interviews no liaison Officer nor the Team Manager was involved. Why? Does the National Team belong just to the technical team?
I am a Seychellois and with big experience in football management I will try to advise any players that are called up for the National Team to take it seriously. But these players should be able to deal with the National Team management themselves for personal issues and the National Team management should be prepared to listen and accommodate them as well. As St Michel United we can encourage players to a certain degree but the rest will depend on the players themselves.
Seysoccer: How satisfied are you with recent results in the World Cup Qualifiers?
Michael Delpech: No one will be satisfied with the recent results. During my term (2021 to 2023) we played 20 matches. With 3 wins, 4 draws, and 13 losses we scored 11 goals and conceded 31. We also managed to win 2 trophies outside of Seychelles (2 gold medals). The current National Team have so far played only 2 matches, losing both and conceding 14 goals. No one should be satisfied. But that coaching panel was given only these 2 matches. Will wait for the next panel to see what they come up with.
Having said that, if they were given only these 2 matches then why are they planning for the long term? Again we go back to having more questions than answers.
Seysoccer: Is there anything specific that you think should be changed?
Michael Delpech: The SFF did something really good after the 2023 Indian Ocean Games. The contracts of the whole management team and including the Head Coach were not renewed. In my opinion it was really the best decision they ever took. Let’s hope those responsible for the last two defeats are dealt with accordingly.
Seysoccer: Having been involved in football for so long, what are your suggestions for Seyscoccer as a news outlet covering Seychelles Football?
Michael Delpech: I think it’s a good initiative and should carry on. I suggest that you continue to give accurate information and don’t be afraid to tell the truth. All the best.
