Players realise their potential: India's football coach
India coach Wim Koevermans tellsChander Shekhar Luthra that Nehru Cup victory was a learning experience for him and the players. Excerpts:
Are you satisfied with the team’s performance?
Without any doubt, it’s an incredible achievement. Obviously, we had to straighten a few things up at the half time and the boys fought incredibly well. Beating a team like Cameroon is not at all easy for anyone. Forget world rankings, but everyone saw how they were moving on the field. So, it surely has been a special victory for all these boys.
Without any doubt, it’s an incredible achievement. Obviously, we had to straighten a few things up at the half time and the boys fought incredibly well. Beating a team like Cameroon is not at all easy for anyone. Forget world rankings, but everyone saw how they were moving on the field. So, it surely has been a special victory for all these boys.
What did you tell the players before going into the final?
The only thing that I asked them to do was to keep the ball on the ground for as long as possible. And I think that’s what suits our players’ style too. I didn’t ask for too many things as I have seen them practicing in last three weeks and I knew that it’s important for them to give their 100% on the ground without really worrying about the result. The team didn’t miss a single penalty against Cameroon in the shoot-outs... A day before the final when we were practising penalties, the boys took eight penalties and, believe it or not, we missed all of them. And then, they scored five out of five in the match.
The only thing that I asked them to do was to keep the ball on the ground for as long as possible. And I think that’s what suits our players’ style too. I didn’t ask for too many things as I have seen them practicing in last three weeks and I knew that it’s important for them to give their 100% on the ground without really worrying about the result. The team didn’t miss a single penalty against Cameroon in the shoot-outs... A day before the final when we were practising penalties, the boys took eight penalties and, believe it or not, we missed all of them. And then, they scored five out of five in the match.
It was your first tournament in charge of the team. Did it go according to the plan?
We were the lowest in rankings going into the tournament. The tournament has certainly been a great learning process for me and for the entire team. I couldn’t believe it. I have had a few highs in my coaching career, but this one will certainly be one of the special moments.
We were the lowest in rankings going into the tournament. The tournament has certainly been a great learning process for me and for the entire team. I couldn’t believe it. I have had a few highs in my coaching career, but this one will certainly be one of the special moments.
What’s your impression of the youngsters?
They are a talented bunch. From Francis (Francisco Fernandes) to Lenny (Rodrigues) to Alwyn (George) to Raju (Eknath Gaikwad) to Jewel (Raja Shaikh) and the rest... they have come a long way. It’s an encouraging sign to see that the pool is talented and delivering.
They are a talented bunch. From Francis (Francisco Fernandes) to Lenny (Rodrigues) to Alwyn (George) to Raju (Eknath Gaikwad) to Jewel (Raja Shaikh) and the rest... they have come a long way. It’s an encouraging sign to see that the pool is talented and delivering.
What’s your assessment of the technical abilities of the boys?
Beating Cameroon is certainly not possible without playing a quality football. Players have now realised their potential and I’ve always found the boys to be technically sound. They are, in fact, much better than what they think they are.
Beating Cameroon is certainly not possible without playing a quality football. Players have now realised their potential and I’ve always found the boys to be technically sound. They are, in fact, much better than what they think they are.
What changes you have brought in during the last three weeks?
Keeping possession of the ball is something that stays the priority. At the same time, we need to create chances and convert them as they come our way. Defending is also a big priority because the moment you lose the ball, you need to be aggressive to earn it back. We have been practicing it during our camp.
Keeping possession of the ball is something that stays the priority. At the same time, we need to create chances and convert them as they come our way. Defending is also a big priority because the moment you lose the ball, you need to be aggressive to earn it back. We have been practicing it during our camp.
What is the road map now for the Indian team?
We hope to play a few matches in October and November. I believe the AIFF will be arranging a few matches. The key is to qualify for the Asian Cup. I will also monitor players’ performance during Federation Cup.
We hope to play a few matches in October and November. I believe the AIFF will be arranging a few matches. The key is to qualify for the Asian Cup. I will also monitor players’ performance during Federation Cup.
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