German Lissek favourite to be Pakistan hockey coach
KARACHI: Renowned German coach Paul Lissek has emerged as the favourite to take over as Pakistan’s hockey coach after the team’s World Cup debacle this month.
The News reported on Thursday that after its last-place finish in the New Delhi World Cup, Pakistan had decided to rope in a foreign coach.
It said the Pakistan Hockey federation (PHF) had almost roped in Lissek but the serial bombings in Lahore March 12 forced the German to have second thoughts.
PHF secretary Asif Bajwa met Lissek on the sidelines of the World Cup and urged him to help Pakistan prepare for the 2010 Asian Games in China and the 2012 Olympics in London.
Lissek, who masterminded Germany’s meteoric rise in world hockey during a stint that lasted almost a decade, was first reluctant but later conveyed his willingness to take over as Pakistan’s head coach. This happened just a few days before the March 12 blasts in Lahore.
The report added that Lissek was still mulling over the option and is expected to tell the PHF about his decision in the next few days.
“Lissek is still very much the favourite to take over as Pakistan’s coach,” said the report quoting sources. “He has always been keen to be a part of Pakistan hockey and now that he is not attached to any team on a long-term basis, Lissek is seriously considering the PHF offer.
“He would have said ‘yes’ after the World Cup but is having second thoughts because of security concerns.”
The PHF is also targeting an Australian coach but, according to sources, he is not as high profile as the German. Australia’s two most high-profile coaches – Ric Charlesworth and Terry Walsh – are already associated with Australia and the US.
Pakistan have to hire a coach as soon as possible as they are without a team management and will need one before the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh (Malaysia) May 6-16.
The PHF sacked the entire team management after the World Cup disaster.
Meanwhile, PHF president Qasim Zia is hopeful that he will be able to hire a foreign coach ahead of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
“We have decided to have a foreign coach and the government has assured us that it will provide appropriate funds,” said Zia, a former Olympian who is under fire for Pakistan’s 12th position in the World Cup.