The Hindu : Sport : Houghton paints a rosy picture

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jul 15, 2006

Sport

Sport

Houghton paints a rosy picture

Special Correspondent

PHOTO: SHANKER CHAKRAVARTY

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE: Bob Houghton (left) and Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi at a press conference in New Delhi.

NEW DELHI: Bob Houghton, expectedly, painted a rosy picture of the state of Indian football on the eve of the team's departure to Vancouver for a four-Nation tournament to be held from July 19.

At the end of his first training session with the players, the newly appointed National coach said, "the boys have worked hard. It is a talented group and we need to improve in the area of fitness."

The coach, however, was quick to point out the lack of tall players. "These days, set play is an important factor and we need to introduce couple of bigger players. A huge number of goals are being scored from set play and it is important to have presence in front of the goalmouth.

"We have some good players and need to introduce the physical element," said Houghton. As a result of this philosophy, Freddy Mascarenhas and Micky Fernandes were drafted into the team at the behest of the coach.

On the subject of tall players, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi pointed out, "we are trying to find some talented and tall players to be groomed. It is not an easy task, but we are planning to find such players in north India. In the north-east, it is tough to find tall players."

Free hand

Houghton enjoyed the privilege of picking 20 of the 35 players shortlisted for this tour. "I have been given a free hand and I have enjoyed the atmosphere. It is too early for me to say more, but we should get some idea at the end of the Vancouver trip," stressed Houghton, who has suggested importing players to represent India.

Prince Rajkumar and Michael Chopra are the two NRI players the coach has in mind. The AIFF, meanwhile, has given its permission to Houghton to negotiate with the two footballers.

Team captain, S. Venkatesh, was all praise for Houghton. "He is an amazing coach. He knows the details of each player in the team. He has obviously studied hard and come prepared. He knows each player inside out.

"He is a very positive man who insists on moving forward. He does not encourage us to play square passes or back passes," said Venkatesh.

Looking ahead, Venkatesh admitted the team felt intense pressure due to increased expectations from the fans, but is confident that the "self-belief" the players enjoyed should see the side through.

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