Valdas warns Pinilla

[Dr. Bapswent]

http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/Valdas-warns-Hearts-star-Pinilla.4056521.jp

 

VALDAS IVANAUSKAS spent months at Hearts trying to cajole Mauricio Pinilla into showcasing his tantalising South American flair. News of the Chilean's new contract concerns his former head coach, who is urging the player to change his mindset or risk wasting his inimitable talent.

 

As revealed in yesterday's Evening News, Pinilla has signed a new three-year deal tying him to Tynecastle until 2011. The agreement perplexed some fans, who have watched the striker appear in maroon just eight times in two years due to a combinationADVERTISEMENTof illness and injury. Most of those outings, including two goals, came in autumn 2006 during Ivanauskas' tenure.

 

The Lithuanian would later bemoan Pinilla's depression and general attitude but, at the time, Hearts appeared to have uncovered the proverbial gem; a player who looked truly capable of shouldering the mantle of a cult hero like Rudi Skacel or Drew Busby. A physical presence, two good feet, an impressive turn of pace and a ferocious shot had Scotland's footballing community in awe. But then, ability has never been Pinilla's hindrance.

 

Depression followed injury and, early in 2007, he returned to Santiago complaining he wasn't mentally attuned to Scottish football. Ivanauskas believes he still isn't.

 

Earlier this season, the 24-year-old was dispatched to Spain by Vladimir Romanov and Pedro Lopez for ?35,000 worth of psychiatric treatment paid for by the majority shareholder. He has managed only two substitute appearances since but finds himself rewarded with a three-year contract.

 

Ivanauskas has implored him to maximise the opportunity given to him by Hearts and show the club the true depth of his dedication.

 

"Pinilla is capable of playing in Scotland and being successful but he must want it. I think he needs to show more commitment to Hearts," said Ivanauskas, speaking from his home in Lithuania. "He is a good player, he has real quality. I would not say he is one of the best I have coached but he is very talented.

 

"It's very difficult to speak about his ability because his mentality is not okay. He must change his life.

 

"In my time at Hearts he was injured a lot. He played six games and scored two goals and looked a real football player. He can play much better but, mentally, he is not ready for Scottish football. I could see he was an excellent player but his mind was not 100 per cent. If he is staying he must think about the future.

 

"He is still young and the situation is not easy for him being so far from home. If he wants to continue playing and prove himself as a good player, he must change mentally."

 

Frequent socialising was one vice Ivanauskas strove to steer Pinilla away from in Edinburgh, yet his best efforts were in vain. He was left seething in January 2007 when the striker flew home to South America, saying at the time: "I am very disappointed with Pinilla, with how he was when he was here, with how he worked and with his attitude. It makes me very angry.

 

"He is not mentally ready to be here just now and he has gone back to Chile. We are waiting to hear from him."

 

With Romanov's permission, Pinilla negotiated a loan deal with Universidiad de Chile but managed only a handful of games before being kicked out of the Santiago club following a nightclub incident.

 

Concurrently, he also incurred the wrath of the Chilean public after a hotel-room liaison with Maria Jose Lopez, the model wife of national team captain Luis Jimenez. Ivanauskas explained the difficulty in managing a player who is occasionally brilliant but often wayward.

 

"Pinilla arrived at Hearts as an international player with a big reputation. He isn't an easy footballer to coach and every manager must look after him.

 

"Every manager has his own qualities and you must use everything with Pinilla.

 

"You must speak with him, include him in the team and understand the Chilean and South American mentality.

 

"He played some excellent games in the beginning and showed true class.

 

"He was great for supporters because he isn't a normal player, he can produce something different and unexpected. I can understand how the fans feel now.

 

"They know he is a good player but he hasn't shown what was expected."

 

Romanov can usually point to method in his inherent madness. Having negotiated Pinilla's new contract personally, he clearly believes having a 21-cap Chilean internationalist at Tynecastle will bear fruit. Even with the expected side issues.

 

Part of the Russian businessman's summer schedule will involve travelling Europe, and perhaps beyond, in search of striking reinforcements for next season.

 

Provided he is managed properly, Ivanauskas argues that Pinilla remains capable of filling voids left by Andrius Velicka, Roman Bednar and Michal Pospisil.

 

"There is always a chance for Pinilla to be a regular in the team. If he is ready and focused he can be very important for Hearts and the supporters," said Ivanauskas.

 

"If he changes his mind and his way of life, he can even get back in his national team if that is what he wants.

 

"This would be good for Hearts because they would then have a top striker playing at his best."

 

Pinilla is now exclusively Hearts' property.

 

For a player previously owned 50 per cent by Inter Milan, the time for half measures is well and truly over.

[Coco]

Romanov can usually point to method in his inherent madness...

... Part of the Russian businessman's summer schedule will involve travelling Europe, and perhaps beyond, in search of striking reinforcements for next season.

 

Here we go again.

 

Another bunch of Romanov signings not suited to the SPL.

 

Does he never learn any lessons?

[c41rns]

http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/Valdas-warns-Hearts-star-Pinilla.4056521.jp

 

Another 4 million in registration fees then?

[japanjambo]

http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/Valdas-warns-Hearts-star-Pinilla.4056521.jp

 

 

I particularly liked this part:

 

"The Lithuanian would later bemoan Pinilla's depression and general attitude but, at the time, Hearts appeared to have uncovered the proverbial gem; a player who looked truly capable of shouldering the mantle of a cult hero like Rudi Skacel or Drew Busby."

 

He he

 

Lynn

[Cut The Crap]

Here we go again.

 

Another bunch of Romanov signings not suited to the SPL.

 

Does he never learn any lessons?

 

I thought he said the new manager would be doing that?

[K1874M]

Quite liked Valdas's attitude to the game... seems like the only one from Vlads pyramid that knew what hearts were about

[magicTs]

Quite liked Valdas's attitude to the game... seems like the only one from Vlads pyramid that knew what hearts were about

 

I would agree, I liked Valdas, best since Burley for me (I know that's not saying much !). Was delighted for him at the end of the 05-06 season.

[H.A.N.S]

I would agree, I liked Valdas, best since Burley for me (I know that's not saying much !). Was delighted for him at the end of the 05-06 season.

 

Eddie Malofeev was my favourite

[japanjambo]

Quite liked Valdas's attitude to the game... seems like the only one from Vlads pyramid that knew what hearts were about

 

 

I agree. Had a lot of time for Valdas.

 

Lynn:ninja:

[Cigaro]

Think of the guys we've had since Burley.

 

Valdas is streets ahead IMO.

[WalterEgo]

"I would not say he is one of the best I have coached but he is very talented."

 

Crikey, Valdas has coached better players than Pinilla?

[Ryan Gosling]

"I would not say he is one of the best I have coached but he is very talented."

 

Crikey, Valdas has coached better players than Pinilla?

 

 

Clum.

[H.A.N.S]

"I would not say he is one of the best I have coached but he is very talented."

 

Crikey, Valdas has coached better players than Pinilla?

 

Barasa and Pilibaitas

[Cade]

Come back Valdas. All is forgiven.

[Seymour M Hersh]

Here we go again.

 

Another bunch of Romanov signings not suited to the SPL.

 

Does he never learn any lessons?

 

obviously not the fax keeps having Neilson at right back!!

[Pete Seeger]

The only thing I didn't like about Valdas was the constant lying. I'd love to see him get 100% control of a side and see how he does without pressure from above to lie and say the right things.

[chester copperpot]

I just want to point out that I love a Fit, Happy Pinilla.

 

Any other Pinilla, then its see ya. I sincerly hope we've given him a bumper pay deal for when he actually plays. The guys an enigma, but really needs to get the finger oot.

 

If we can get him playing 30 games next season, then as Gig Aunt says, that will be the darts.

 

I would love it if he proves me wrong this season (In Keegan stylee).

[sked21]

Close your eyes.

 

Clear your mind.

 

And just imagine:

 

A new (proper) manager.

A fully fit Mauricio Pinilla firing on all cylinders.

A clearance of the deadwood.

New players.

 

 

I apologise.

[S.N.T.H.]

Weeeeeeeeee've got Iva Iva Iva Ivanauskis on the bench, on the bench...

[Nelly Terraces]

I have a full transcript from the 1st time Valdas met Pininogoals.

 

Valdas: "You're a loony!"

 

Pini: "You're a loony as well."

 

Both (together): "Lets be friends, hurrah!" (sound of bottle of prozac being opened in background).

 

Amazing stuff. This will rock the football world to the core.

[sked21]

Ivoooo, oh Ivo-nauskas, oh Ivo-nauuuuskas on the bench.....

[Auld Reekin']

The only thing I didn't like about Valdas was the constant lying. I'd love to see him get 100% control of a side and see how he does without pressure from above to lie and say the right things.

 

Unfortunately, it seems to be very much a common denominator amongst Romanov appointees at Hearts (and presumably beyond...). They either have to swallow their pride and recite from the script they're given, or they know that they'll be very swiftly out of a job. As with nearly all of the other problems afflicting us just now, the responsibility for that falls fairly and squarely on Romanov's shoulders.

 

I also thought that Valdas had good qualities about him and had the potential to build a good coaching / managerial career for himself, away from the baleful influence of "Uncle Joe" Romanov.

 

He did actually get a chance to do this with Carl Zeiss Jena but was sacked in January this year, after only 4 months in the job, due to poor results (according to Wikipedia). However, there may well have been other factors behind his dismissal... maybe things at Carl Zeiss are a complete shambles too!

 

Oh - nearly forgot! I fear that this is just good money chucked after bad regarding Pinilla, but hope against hope that he proves me wrong and turns out to be a great player for us. (Wouldn't put my life savings on it, though...)

[Drylaw Hearts]

Valdas is a nob.

 

He's a gutless, spineless individual.

 

Football is better off without guys like him involved.

[Nelly Terraces]

Meester Valdas - De man, he is da nutter.

[leginten]

He did actually get a chance to do this with Carl Zeiss Jena but was sacked in January this year, after only 4 months in the job, due to poor results (according to Wikipedia). However, there may well have been other factors behind his dismissal... maybe things at Carl Zeiss are a complete shambles too!

 

My understanding is that there are many similarities between Carl Zeiss Jena's situation and our own. There is Russian money involved (although not Romanov's, as far as I'm aware), there are showcasing policies and there are also abysmal results.

Having played in Germany and having become accustomed to taking it up the Khyber, Valdas was probably seen as a suitable candidate for the managerial position.

[Auld Reekin']

My understanding is that there are many similarities between Carl Zeiss Jena's situation and our own. There is Russian money involved (although not Romanov's, as far as I'm aware), there are showcasing policies and there are also abysmal results.

Having played in Germany and having become accustomed to taking it up the Khyber, Valdas was probably seen as a suitable candidate for the managerial position.

 

It does all sound very familiar... Seems to me that what VI needs to do, if he still has any desire to continue in coaching or management after all that, is to start applying for jobs at more conventionally-run clubs (i.e. those with only averagely incompetent / megalomaniacal / dishonest / contemptuous owners or boards), perhaps in one of the lower divisions in Europe, and try and build up a career where he is the one taking most of the major decisions* along with the responsibility for failure.

 

(* If he's up to the task, that is. )

 

In fact, exactly the same could be said about Frail!

[boabyarsebiscuit]

Valdas is a nob.

 

He's a gutless, spineless individual.

 

Football is better off without guys like him involved.

 

Spot on. A Romanov "yes man" who just couldn't say "yes" too often. Unless it's to spill the beans on his lord and master, he should STFU about anything to do with Hearts.

[walton1983]

Valdas is a nob.

 

He's a gutless, spineless individual.

 

Football is better off without guys like him involved.

 

Say what you mean

[i8hibsh]

?2 million in 3 years wages

 

 

what do we get in return?

 

Sweet Feck all

[spennyboy]

Quite liked Valdas's attitude to the game... seems like the only one from Vlads pyramid that knew what hearts were about

 

IMO the only reason Valdas started to lose it was because of VRs constant interfering and undermining, Valdas simply couldn't take it anymore! Though he did seem to be a rather weak charactor but I think just about anyone would turn into a wreck after years of working for pol pot.

 

If he was give full control I think he'd dio really well for us.

 

 

 

We've got Ivo, Ivo, Ivo, Ivanuaskis on the bench, on the bench! :107years:

[S.N.T.H.]

Valdas is a nob.

 

He's a gutless, spineless individual.

 

Football is better off without guys like him involved.

 

What a load of ****e, honestly.

 

Valdas is a good man. He's never had a bad word to say about the club. Calling him a 'Yes Man' could be applied to several people at Hearts in the Romanov era; but none of them lifted the Scottish Cup.

[IMA MAROON]

You could say that about anyone collecting wages from Romanov, that is everyone employed by Hearts.

[DC_92]

I will always like Valdas for that goal celebration when we beat celtic 2-1 at the start of last season;)

[KisLas]

IMO the only reason Valdas started to lose it was because of VRs constant interfering and undermining, Valdas simply couldn't take it anymore! Though he did seem to be a rather weak charactor but I think just about anyone would turn into a wreck after years of working for pol pot.

 

If he was give full control I think he'd dio really well for us.

 

 

 

We've got Ivo, Ivo, Ivo, Ivanuaskis on the bench, on the bench! :107years:

 

I would not say that. Hamburger SV fans used to call him "Ivan the Terrible" and he allways had the 'never die' attitude and great determination while playing for the national team. Don't think an individual can lose these qualities.

[KisLas]

He did actually get a chance to do this with Carl Zeiss Jena but was sacked in January this year, after only 4 months in the job, due to poor results (according to Wikipedia). However, there may well have been other factors behind his dismissal... maybe things at Carl Zeiss are a complete shambles too!

 

That dissmisal was a bit harsh IMO. I'm sure he never even got a chance to sign any new players and only was in charge for 11 games. His record was 3 wins 3 draws and 5 losses with 15-20 goals. Not to bad and a form that could probably have saved them from the relegation. The thing is that Jena have a completly pish team and now sit 3 points adrift at the bottom of the Bundesliga 2 with only two games to go.

 

Poor judgement from their board.

 

edit: in fact I just checked and they went on a 7 game streek without any wins after Valdas was sacked. Hope he tries his luck somewhere else. Another former Lithuanian player who spent his whole career in Denmark is building up a reputation as a manager in their second division and IMO this is something Vlad should try in Germany (i.e. regional league).

[Drylaw Hearts]

What a load of ****e, honestly.

 

Valdas is a good man. He's never had a bad word to say about the club. Calling him a 'Yes Man' could be applied to several people at Hearts in the Romanov era; but none of them lifted the Scottish Cup.

 

Valdas had no bottle.

 

He was weak and is now getting his just desserts.

[IMA MAROON]

Valdas had no bottle.

 

He was weak and is now getting his just desserts.

 

Everyone employed at Hearts knows how Romanov works. They are all Vladsheep, they all do as they are told and take the money.

[Drylaw Hearts]

Everyone employed at Hearts knows how Romanov works. They are all Vladsheep, they all do as they are told and take the money.

 

Does that mean you agree ?

[IMA MAROON]

Does that mean you agree ?

 

I'm just saying he is no different to anyone else employed by Hearts.

 

If you hate Valdas then you have to hate them all.

[Drylaw Hearts]

I'm just saying he is no different to anyone else employed by Hearts.

 

If you hate Valdas then you have to hate them all.

 

Valdas was very different.

 

Just 2 days after he returned from 'sick leave' he informed us that Elvis was "the cement that held the team/squad together".

 

Just days later he told Elvis quite the opposite.

[Hereward]

http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/Valdas-warns-Hearts-star-Pinilla.4056521.jp

I particularly liked this part:

"The Lithuanian would later bemoan Pinilla's depression and general attitude but, at the time, Hearts appeared to have uncovered the proverbial gem; a player who looked truly capable of shouldering the mantle of a cult hero like Rudi Skacel or Drew Busby."

He he

Lynn

 

I'd rather have the Buzzbomb in the side than Pinilla, and I mean the Buzzbomb of today. I'd bite your hand off for Busby in his prime with this mob. Can you imagine what he'd say to some of these fandans?

[Magnoem]

That dissmisal was a bit harsh IMO. I'm sure he never even got a chance to sign any new players and only was in charge for 11 games. His record was 3 wins 3 draws and 5 losses with 15-20 goals. Not to bad and a form that could probably have saved them from the relegation. The thing is that Jena have a completly pish team and now sit 3 points adrift at the bottom of the Bundesliga 2 with only two games to go.

 

Poor judgement from their board.

 

edit: in fact I just checked and they went on a 7 game streek without any wins after Valdas was sacked. Hope he tries his luck somewhere else. Another former Lithuanian player who spent his whole career in Denmark is building up a reputation as a manager in their second division and IMO this is something Vlad should try in Germany (i.e. regional league).

 

Valdas did a decent job at Carl Zeiss (like eliminating holders Nurnberg from the German Cup) but relegation battles are always harsh and coaches are rarely given time.

 

Anyway, Valdas strength is also his biggest weakness. He is very determined and passionate at the things he's doing (I'm sure he loved it at Hearts with the support this club has), however, he can't really control himself and his passion. That's why he might never be a good coach.

 

Don't know anything about Valdas relationship with VR but knowing the latter's liking of interfering things and the former's character one can assume that it probably lead to eventual Valdas departure.

 

I'd also say Valdas and Pinilla got on well at first because Valdas might have understood him, since he was no stranger to mad partying and things like that in his player days himself and is no easy character. The difference is that Valdas is a determined person and Pinilla seems to be rather a primadonna, and it showed because one became a legend an another is a waste (at least for know).