Africa-Press – Liberia. As frustrations mount among fans of Liberia’s top-tier clubs, Fassel FC, LPRC Oilers, and Bea Mountain, one of the country’s most respected football minds, Coach Francis Sarploh, has stepped forward to clarify why the giants of the 2025/2026 First Division League are struggling against smaller, less-resourced teams.
Sarploh, a former Lone Star U-20 coach and now the Technical Director of Borough FC, says the Liberian football community must “stop oversimplifying the issue” and recognize that the sport has entered a new era where money and big names no longer guarantee dominance.
“People think because a team spends big, they must win. Football does not work like that,” Sarploh stated.
In a social media post, Sarploh said fans and club owners need to understand that football is not controlled by financial superiority alone.
“People think that because a team has money, they must win the league. Football does not work like that anymore,” Sarploh said. “Modern football is more tactical, more psychological, and more unpredictable than ever.”
He added that the struggles of big clubs in Liberia mirror global football trends.
“This is not unique to Liberia. Big clubs around the world suffer shock defeats. The game has changed, and teams that prepare better, mentally and tactically, can beat anyone.”
SARPLOH RECALLS JNJ’S WISDOM: “Football is like biscuit; it can break anywhere”
Sarploh said the veteran coach Josiah N. Johnson was years ahead of his time when he made his famous statement.
“When JNJ said football is like a biscuit because it can break anywhere, people laughed. But what he meant is exactly what we are witnessing today: Football has too many variables to guarantee results based on money alone.”
According to Sarploh, the unpredictability that JNJ spoke about is now more visible than ever.
SARPLOH’S BREAKDOWN: WHY BIG TEAMS ARE STRUGGLING
Tactical Discipline of Smaller Clubs
Sarploh says many small teams in the league are now tactically intelligent and well-organized.
“These teams sit compact, defend deep, stay disciplined, and force the big teams to play in crowded areas. If you cannot break them down early, frustration ensues.”
Counter-Attacks Are Destroying Big Clubs
“One mistake, one transition, one fast winger, and the big team is punished. That is football today.”
Psychological Factors: Overconfidence Is Killing the Giants
Sarploh believes complacency is silently hurting big clubs.
“Some players walk on the pitch feeling the game is already won. That attitude is dangerous. Smaller clubs fight harder, run more, and play with hunger.”
He added that even star players have off-days. “Fatigue, illness, or pressure—it all affects performance. One bad moment can change an entire match.”
Sarploh Warns: Big Budgets Are Being Poorly Used
Despite having money, many big clubs are failing in recruitment and planning.
“Some teams spend heavily but not wisely. Recruitment must support a tactical philosophy. Money cannot compensate for poor planning.”
He emphasized that chemistry, not just talent, is essential.
External Conditions: Home Advantage and Officiating
Sarploh said home games give smaller teams a major boost.
“When a small club plays at home, the environment changes everything. The crowd, the pitch conditions, the comfort—it empowers them.”
He acknowledged that refereeing mistakes also play a role, though not the main one.
“THE BIG CLUBS CAN STILL BOUNCE BACK,” SARPLOH ASSURES
Despite the current struggles, Sarploh believes that Fassel, LPRC Oilers, and Bea Mountain have the resources and capacity to recover.
“These clubs can bounce back anytime. All they need is tactical adjustment, better planning, and the right mindset. The season is long.”
He encouraged fans to embrace competitiveness.
“This is healthy for the league. Smaller teams showing quality is good for Liberian football.”
A New Football Reality
Sarploh stresses that Liberia must accept that the game has evolved. Money builds a squad but mentality, tactics, chemistry, and preparation win matches.
The former Liberian Best Coach echoed JNJ’s timeless words: “Football is like biscuit—no matter how strong it looks; it can break anywhere.”
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