Noida: Indian football coach Wim Koevermans is focused on strengthening the team’s defence ahead of the upcoming Nehru Cup tournament, according to 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 in Jaypee Greens here, 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 Bangalore 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 U-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, which had played a practice match against Bangalore XI during their preparatory camp in the Garden City, will be taking on AIFF’s developmental team Pailan Arrows tomorrow.
If the boys started off with match related basics, the day ended with a practice match. (PTI)