Focus on defence

[1]

Wim Koevermans

Indian football coach Wim Koevermans is focused on strengthening the team’s defence ahead of the upcoming Nehru Cup tournament, says defender Syed Rahim Nabi.

Speaking on the sidelines of the first day’s practice, Nabi stressed: “Wim has been insisting on building up from defence.
“I have been with the national camp for long but some of the tips as far as positional sense is concerned have been an education for me.”
As the team got down to business at the Jaypee Greens in Greater Noida, Koevermans was seen motivating the players and at the end seemed quite impressed.
“Top quality guys,” Koevermans yelled almost throughout the 90 minutes practice session.
This was the team’s first practice session here after being based in Bengaluru for almost a fortnight.
As the boys sweated it out, the Dutchman was in no mood to compromise.
His attitude was infectious enough — from Nabi to Subrata Pal to Gourmangi Singh to Sunil Chhetri to the Under-22 players like Milan Singh and Alwyn George among others, all stayed ever willing to give that extra bit on the lush green field.
“The boys are much better than what they think they are,” Koevermans maintained.
“We are on the right track and the atmosphere in the camp is good. Everyone is working hard,” he added.
The senior team, who had played a practice match against Bangalore XI during their preparatory camp in the Garden City, locked horns with AIFF’s developmental team Pailan Arrows on the day.
Nabi also praised Under-22 midfielder Alwyn George. “Mark my words, he is a special talent. He has it in himself to be one of the biggest stars of the future,” he added.
Alwyn added: “I have been learning a lot. The Under-22 stint in Muscat and my experience in the national camp under Koevermans has helped me immensely.”
India take on Syria in the opening match of the Nehru Cup on August 22.

Schedule:
Group Matches:
August 22: India vs Syria
August 23: Maldives vs Nepal
August 24: Syria vs Cameroon
August 25: India vs Maldives
August 26: Nepal vs Cameroon
August 27: Maldives vs Syria
August 28: India vs Nepal
August 29: Cameroon vs Maldives
August 30: Syria vs Nepal
August 31: India vs Cameroon

FINAL:
September 2: Group Winners
vs Group Runners-up