𝑳𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝑳𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝒄𝒐𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝑷𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑩𝒖𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒓 , 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘.

🔹Challenges ?

The challenges which I faced where compounded by finance. I fully understood from day one, the challenges which I faced was financial.

“Many times, we were scratching around at the 11th hour trying to raise funds. And Liberia is one of the lowest paid international teams. Where Sierra Leone, our friendly neighbor, earns far more money for international appearances and match bonuses.”

“I impressed on the players that we’re in it for them [Liberians]. Not for money. You are in it for pride of pulling on that jersey and representing the lone stars.”

-The challenges financially of bringing a group of players together internationally, according to butler, unfortunately many of them didn’t want to come because of the way players at international level get treated financially.”

Butler said he was being told constantly by the Ministry Of Youth & Sports that there were no money. He continued that it was quite soul destroying for a coach and disconcerting.

“It was very very unfortunate for a coach. And there’s me with a UEFA pro license, vast amount experience.”

“We have to put our expectations in to perspective and not just blame the coach because coach is not a problem. Peter Butler was the answer to majority of the problems.” He uttered.

But there’s something I could deal with. I didn’t blame anybody. I didn’t blame the government because financially Liberia was not in the position to compete. Butler stated”

🔹The next lone star coach ?

“I’ve got absolutely nothing to say. Whoever comes in, I wish them well. They’re going to have the same challenge probably even more.”

The challenges which I faced obviously not having a field for three years. No home fixture, You cannot win matches if your association does not have money to compete and does not have a home ground. So I hope the next coach doesn’t have problems. Which I faced with regards no home fixture and financial situation. But whosoever comes in, I wish them well.

🔹Fans?

“I don’t really think the fans knew what was going on , because I don’t think a lot here told the truth. If I spoke the truth, if I said what I felt, I was lambasted.

I’m a honest person. The fans were great to me. I think they understood and they appreciate and respected that I was fair, I was honest. I brought through many good young players, give them time, give them the opportunities. They were Brilliant to me. I never had a pride.

“The fans are not stupid. They understand the challenges which I faced ; financial challenges, no stadiums, disciplinary issues. There were many challenges which the fans knew about. So of course they’re going to voice their concerns and their disappointment when the team loses. But when you play in every game away from home and there’s money, because players do get motivated by money, it is challenging.

🔹Mandate ?

“The mandate changed because of COVID. And I could not fulfill the mandate of qualifying for a World Cup. Liberia is never going to qualify for a World Cup. Let’s be honest about it. Because they don’t have a home ground and more importantly no finance. “

🔹Accomplishment?
-I accomplished many things.

“Identify new players. Bring in players from overseas. Create new brand of football rather than defensive , boring counteracting football that Liberia played before I came. It was all about trying to create new DNA.

🔹Last statement ?

-I have no animosity. I love the country. I love the people. And I gave me all. I have my best. Put my heart and soul in to it. And I made the difference to a lot of young players lives. And if the legacy is providing more young players opportunities and create a pathway and an opportunity for the young players to play national team football, whether that be under 20 or senior national team. I’m happy with that legacy. And I wish the players all the very best in their respective careers.”

Written by Yusuf Mafin