Coach looks forward to SAFF Championship
After a 3-0 loss to Tajikistan India coach has insisted the defeat will act as a shot in the arm to his players as they look to to defend their South Asian Championship title this September.
The men in blue are favorites to win their third straight title and have been draw in a group with Pakistan, Bangladesh and hosts Nepal.
Speaking to Goal India coach Wim Koeverman bemoaned the lack of competitive friendlies the country play, he also praised his opponents who he admitted were a cut above his own side.
“I reiterate it’s important to play International freindlies. We need to develop.
“The defeat) would help India in the SAFF Championship. We did our best but Tajikistan were a much superior side. We have learnt a lot from this match. Tajikistan had a much higher tempo
“Tajikistan were quick and fast. They made it difficult for our boys. Tajikistan, we knew from the FIFA Rankings were of much higher level.
“We had our Players for 5 days as it’s the pre-season and they haven’t played for long”
Tajikistan are ranked 114th in the world, 31 places above India, they are unbeaten in their last three games, having dispatched Pakistan and Macau before beating Koeverman’s side.