India U-22 impress Koevermans

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Indian national football coach Wim Koevermans (second from left) interacts with the U-22 players in Muscat.

India’s U-22 footballers had heard about Wim Koevermans, but never seen him in person. So when the newly-appointed national coach met the U-22 squad for the first time at a practice session in Muscat, it was a special moment for them.

A day later, Koevermans and technical director Rob Baan spoke at length about India’s draw with higher-ranked United Arab Emirates at the AFC Championships and a lot more.
Excerpts:

You watched India take on UAE in Muscat. What were your impressions?
I am quite pleased with the manner things were conducted on the pitch. Obviously, there are areas of improvement.
But one needs to remember that the performance came against a strong nation. We had our moments on the field and could have won it. There were some elements which are very promising indeed.

Baan: It was heartening to see that boys were focused throughout. They were passionate in playing for their country, though I must admit that the passion at times, was disturbing the tactics a bit.
What was your perception of Indian football before taking over?
There were some similarities in the style of play with Ireland, the last nation I worked in. But at the international level, the game has changed vastly and we need to implement the same to keep ourselves updated. We need to get accustomed fast and try to develop with a young set of boys.

The India U-22 squad had just 16 days of practice under Arthur Papas prior to Oman. Tour impressions on the way they have adjusted?
The new style and discipline will take time.
There will have to be changes and it always takes time. So we just can’t afford to hurry at the moment. Let’s be patient and the difference will be evident.

You will be officially taking charge from July 1 and the Nehru Cup will be your first assignment. Your plans?
It is too early to comment on that at the moment. I have some meetings lined up in the first week of July and only after that will I be in a position to dish out a plan.

In such a championship, how much of a role does discipline play off the field?
Baan: It is indispensable. There can be no success without discipline. Look at the Dutch squad as an example.
The players need to listen, take proper rest, sleep and at the right time and have common goal. Only then can you think of success. If you don’t have the discipline, the results will be damaging.