Sandeep Singh has to re-invent himself; will not drop a player because he is old: Nobbs

“A man may make mistakes but he isn’t a failure until he starts blaming someone else,” quotes the Indian Men’s Hockey team coach, Michael Nobbs, from the book “They call me Coach”, written by the legendary Basketball coach, John Wooden.

Nobbs corroborates his quote by an incident that happened during a game India played in the Asian Champions Trophy, Doha. He recollects that during this game captain Sardar Singh made a few mistakes. The coach did not mind instead applauded him for what he did after the game.

“He said sorry about the way he played,” says a proud coach.

“That is how I want the Indian players to be – to give their best on the turf and if they aren’t able to, let them own the responsibility for not being able to do so. That’s how Sardar leads by example,” tells Nobbs.

“At the World Hockey level, you have to consistently perform well, all the time. As a coach, for me, the only acceptable performances are: either you ‘really play well’ or you ‘play fantastically well’. German players don’t play a bad game. Sardar doesn’t do so,” says the coach stating his expectations from his team.

In a candid chit-chat with www.stick2hockey.com, the Australian talked about a variety of topics, ranging from future of dropped players to his plans for the future for Team-India.

“Sandeep Singh has to re-invent himself. There is no doubt that he is the best bid for India at the penalty corners but he has to work on his defense-tackling skills, ball distribution skills, man-to-man marking skills, etc. He has been clearly communicated on the parameters that he needs to work upon,” says Nobbs, who proclaims that each person who is not in the team has been clearly told what is expected from them to stage a come-back to make it to the final cut.

“Even Tushar Khandker or Shivender Singh have also been told what is expected out of them in the upcoming Hockey India League,” asserts the Australian, “We tell players about their nutrition, speed programme, agility, etc. You just don’t drop players because they are old. They are still valuable if they can perform well. We have everything to gain from them; there is nothing to lose if they can perform.”

Talking about the future of Indian Hockey, Nobbs says that there a junior-level programme in place.

“The idea is to build a base of 33 players. The best of these will represent India at the top-level tournaments. We will keep working with the rest and give them a chance during the other tournaments so that there is always a Team A and Team B in place,” shares Nobbs, “If we don’t do so, our senior players like Sardar and Raghu will be worn out very soon.”

Nobbs has some strong words in praise of Ignace Tirkey.

“He has given a long, wonderful career to the Indian team. He has to take a call on his future. I believe India should shower all their accolades on a player like Ignace. As a player, he has taken a much needed break. He has to take a call about his future,” says the coach, aptly hinting that he has no objections in having Ignace back in the team.

“But you need to have a team where there is an apt mix of seniors and juniors or else the day your senior members leave, you don’t know whom to fill their place with,” says a future-minded Nobbs.

Expressing his thoughts on the talent pool present at the Junior-level, Nobbs says, “We are working closely with the Junior level players. There is huge talent there as well. We have promising players like Amit Rohidas, Gagandeep Singh, etc. pushing hard for their entry at the senior level.”

Quoting the example of Manpreet Singh, a member of Junior-India team, Nobbs says that Manpreet has shown a lot of promise in the center-half and will have a significant role to play in the upcoming Junior World Cup 2013.

“We need players from the Junior-levels to take up the position at the senior-levels,” foresees the coach.

Elaborating the changes that have been brought about in the Indian team in the recent times, Nobbs boasts of a huge improvement in the defense of the team.

“To be the best, you have to learn from the best, i.e. the Germans. We have implemented many moves that the Germans employ in their defense. The results are showing up; our defense is much strong and we have reduced the number of goals that we have been conceding in the recent times, “ points the former Australian Olympian as he elaborates how the Indian players have changed the way they tackle an incoming opponent compared to before.

“In the forward line, there are a number of things we have been working upon,” tells Nobbs.

So, what can a Hockey-lover expect in the months to come?

“We are trying to re-establish India’s position in the World Hockey, of a team that plays super-tough, uncompromising and consistent Hockey. We need support from the fans, it’s very important to us. Good times are about to come,” responds Nobbs, with a confident look on his face.

Lastly, does criticism bother the coach?

“You can’t please everyone but I listen to all criticism if it is a valid one. If people are not passionate enough they wouldn’t be criticizing, after all,” is the parting shot by Nobbs.

The writer was recently in Doha