Hope more Sunils come through the pipeline: Constantine
India National Team rode on a brace from Sumeet Passi and a breathtaking header from Sajid Dhot to garner an impressive 3-1 victory against APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC U20s during their preparatory camp in Sydney
Before taking on three-time A-League champions and reigning A-League Premiers Champion Sydney FC tomorrow (August 28, 2018), coach Stephen Constantine discussed at a length about the preparation in Sydney, the team’s performance against APIA Tigers and many more.
EXCERPTS:
How satisfying was the 3-1 win against APIA Tigers U20?
SC: It is always good when you win a game but we must keep on continuing the work that we have started. We are a young U-23 team and the win against a team comprising of the U-20 boys and some of the younger pros from APIA Tigers is always encouraging.
I would like to thank Chris Tanner and Joe Mirigliani for getting us the game at such a short notice and we gained quite a bit from this game. It was a gruelling physical battle throughout and this was an experience our players don’t get very often unless they play for the Senior National Team.
We can expect this sort of tough contest in the SAFF Championship too.
What will be your approach against Sydney FC?
SC: We always try to play our natural game and we’ll stick to that against Sydney FC too. We know that we are pitted against a team who are three-time A-League champions and we have to be at the top of our game to make the best of it. I am sure that Sydney FC will look forward to dictating the game but we must be ready to accept the challenge.
Sumeet Passi made a strong case last day, having come from a long injury lay-off. How do you assess his performance?
SC: Passi played almost 80 minutes and considering the lesser game time he got this season, he did reasonably well. It is utmost important that we keep trying to develop the forwards as we don’t have in abundance.
Players akin to Daniel (Lalhlimpuia), Farukh (Choudhary), Manvir (Singh) need to be given as many opportunities as possible to shine in the future. Once Sunil (Chhetri) decides to hang his boots, we’ll still have Jeje (Lalpekhlua), Balwant (Singh) but there aren’t many centre-forwards at our disposal. We must keep on working with these young guys and hope more Sunils come through the pipeline.
How effective has been the training camp in Sydney so far?
SC: The Valentines Sports Complex owned by the New South Wales state association is a one of its kind and we’re treated very well here. The facilities like the rooms, pitches and other amenities are befitting and we’re extremely happy with what we got.
We’re learning to adapt to the environment away from our home and focusing on nothing but our game, the sole reason why we are here. The reason behind choosing the young guns is providing them with some much-needed international exposure from this camp in Australia as well as the upcoming SAFF Championship which will help them going forward.
Also Read: Hero ISL Season 5 schedule released with new kick-off timings
Also Read: Sumeet Passi scores brace as India start off SAFF preparation with a 3-1 win
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updated on Mumbai & Indian Football
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC flares an important 3-0 victory over Sporting Goa in an crucial encounter
Maharashtra Oranje FC returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win over Sporting Goa to lift themselves to 7th spot in the I-League 2 table In a high-stakes I-League 2…
Roundup: Chennaiyin FC win against KBFC as RFYC, Bengaluru FC play gripping draw in RFDL National Group Stage in Mumbai
Mumbai, April 16: Bengaluru FC and Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) played out a goalless draw at the Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) in Navi Mumbai in the National Group Stage…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC win 5-2 to stay in title race, Hope United enters top 3 in the league table
Title contenders Millat FC kept their unbeaten run on with cruising 5-2 win over Kalina Rangers, Hope United picked up a come from behind win. Millat FC rode on Duane…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 1 Preview: Playoffs fever grips the ISL as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC with a semi-final spot at stake
Bhubaneswar, April 18: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will face each other in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in…
Attacking talents flourish, defensive stability define league’s best: ISL 2023-24 Statistical Breakdown
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages rounded off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant becoming the League Champions for the first time in the history of the competition. They…
Ivan Vukomanovic: Seeing Kerala Blasters FC players shine for the national team gives me great satisfaction
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is into his third season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and he has naturally overseen the rise of multiple young players who…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant crowned ISL Champions 2023-24 after 2-1 win in title-winning clash against Mumbai City FC
Kolkata, April 15: Mohun Bagan Super Giant became the Indian Super League (ISL) Champions by defeating Mumbai City FC by 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight. The…
NorthEast United FC end their campaign on a high with feisty 3-0 victory over Odisha FC
Guwahati, April 13: NorthEast United FC bowed out of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on a high with a resounding 3-0 victory against Odisha FC at the Indira Gandhi…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…