Striker Sunil Chhetri is yet to get into the groove as he failed to score from a spot-kick with young boys from I-League team Pailan Arrows held India's Nehru Cup squad to a goalless draw at the Jaypee Greens, here on Saturday.
Chhetri, whose shot hit the post said that mood in the camp was 'perfect'.
"We are really working hard to do what the coach wants us to do. It is a new system and it will take time. But we are moving in the right direction."
Goalie Subrata Paul added, "It's surely a new system. The build-up starts from the goalkeeper an integral part. It feels nice to be at the National Camp after so long."
Chhetri was all praise for the Pailan wards.
"They are a very tough unit. It was a very competitive match. They were not overawed and matched us. We regrouped better in the second half," said the player who is in Sporting Lisbon's second team.
Talking about his Portugal stint, Chetri said,"There are players from all over Europe in the squad and also from Africa. I am the oldest member in the squad and hence, the responsibility is greater."
Paul, who has also been back from a trial with RB Leipzig informed the football played "in Germany was much more direct. It was nice to be in an alien environment. They praised my work ethics and that means a lot to me."
Subrata played the entire 90 minutes while Chhetri was substituted after 45 minutes.