Interim boss Roberts Rules out Permanent Bermuda Hot Seat
IslandStats.com
Bermuda Senior Women’s National Team interim head coach Karl Roberts has firmly ruled himself out of the running for the permanent managerial position, insisting his sole focus remains assisting the team through its current transition.
Roberts, who was handed the reins alongside Calvin Dill for the international friendly double-header against Belize following the departure of long-standing manager Naquita "Coach Keta" Robinson, made it clear he has no desire to assume the top job full-time.
Speaking candidly after his side's latest performance, Roberts downplayed any speculation that he was looking to audition for a long-term tenure in the technical area.
"In reference to me taking on the senior role—no, I have no intentions of replacing Keta," Roberts stated. "Keta brought me in to assist, and that's it. I had no intentions of taking that position.
"I have already talked to the BFA concerning it, and I have no interest in taking it on as a head coach."
Despite ruling himself out of the flagship position, Roberts emphasized that his commitment to the growth of the women's game on the island remains completely unchanged.
"In some way, I still would possibly be interested in helping out or assisting with the senior women," he added, leaving the door open to support whoever the Bermuda Football Association eventually instates as the permanent successor.
On the field, Roberts was quick to highlight the tactical strides his squad made between their first and second outings, noting a massive leap in execution and spatial awareness despite what the scorelines might suggest.
Reflecting on the strategic adjustments made during intense training sessions between matchdays, the interim boss praised his players for successfully implementing the tactical tweaks.
"Yesterday’s game was quite good," Roberts explained. "We practiced after Thursday's game in preparation for yesterday, and we went over a few things that we saw in the first game and sought to improve.
"Yesterday’s game was a lot better in reference to how we played. We kept the ball better for longer occasions, and the movement off the ball was better by the ladies. The decision-making was better from the first game to the second game."
While football managers are frequently judged on raw data, Roberts insisted that the overall progression of the squad outweighed the optics of the final whistle.
"Even though the scoreline doesn't really reflect it, our play was better in yesterday's game," Roberts concluded. "Applause to the players. They are coachable, they want to do well, and from their energy, it’s just a matter of nurturing and guiding them."
