Nationality of next Singapore football head coach should not matter, says departing Ogura
"Most important is that the players be professional (in their) mentality and attitude. And not only the players, that the whole environment - our coaching staff, our backroom staff - be professional, be one team and be positive," he said.
"If there's something that has changed in the past 18 months, I think this is the part ... But we need more."
FORGING THE SINGAPORE WAY
Ogura said that he was positive in his outlook for Singapore football, but stressed that the country must not follow the approach taken by other nations.
This is something he has tried to implement on the pitch from day one, constantly emphasising that the Lions need to play their own brand of football.
"Singapore has Singapore's specific culture, specific situation, specific environment. This (can not be) compared with other Southeast Asian countries," Ogura said.
Ogura added that what is key for the future of Singapore's future is improving coach education, as well as youth development. Should these two aspects of a "triangle" improve, Singapore football can move forward, he said.
"Singapore must look for (its) own way, not chasing another country, or chasing another (way of) how to do (things). In Japan, we were chasing Germany, chasing Spain, chasing other countries (ways of doing things)," said Ogura.
"But chasing always means you're behind and not going (in front)."
Ultimately, Ogura leaves with a positivity about the future of Singapore football.
He recalled how the team held firm in their last game, a tricky away tie to Bangladesh and did not capitulate as they might have in the past.
"I was very proud of our players. Our players had their own identity and kept the confidence," he said.
After rewatching the match, Ogura recalled how the players were constantly communicating with one another, all the way to the final whistle.
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