Sabi Hussain
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, July 30

Indian hockey captain Sardar Singh on Thursday conceded that constant chopping and changing of coaches affected the overall performance of the team but insisted that the players were focused to give their best at the Rio Olympics under new coach Roelant Oltmans. Ahead of the team’s departure for the tour of Europre, Sardar spoke to The Tribune about the unceremonious exit of Paul van Ass and the challenges facing the team. Excerpts:

What do you make of Van Ass’ sudden exit?
It’s not good that you change coaches so often. It’s frustrating for the players and it affects the team’s overall performance. Ric Charlesworth, Jose Brasa and now Van Ass, all left… but the issue was between them and Hockey India (HI). Players can’t do much about it. Our job is to play and perform on the field. HI, however, has done one good thing by appointing Oltmans as the chief coach. We have known him for 3 years and understand his style of coaching. Had there been a new coach in place, it would have been difficult for us to follow his methods.

There were reports that Van Ass’ style of coaching was confusing. What are your thoughts?
He did not get enough time to execute his plans. He had certain ideas in his mind and that’s why he was experimenting with the players’ positions. Every player has his own opinion and it’s quite possible that some of them might have failed to relate to his coaching style. Personally, I did not have any problem. No one can doubt his credentials as a coach. His results with the Dutch national team were great.

HI’s special committee has accused Gurbaj Singh of misbehaving with the coaches and creating disharmony within the team. Are you aware of any such incident? How important is Gurbaj for the team’s success at the Rio Olympics?
When I came to know about it, I personally asked Gurbaj and all the other players whether such a thing had happened. I got a positive response and everyone spoke highly about him. As a captain, it’s my responsibility to keep the team united. I should be aware of what’s happening on and off the ground. He has also been accused of disrespecting the coaches; now that I don’t know of. That was mentioned in the report. I believe Gurbaj has requested for a hearing and he will get a chance to put forth his side of the story. I personally never experienced any such bad behavior from Gurbaj.

If the players have to depose before the committee members, are you ready to openly back him?
Yes, we will. We will tell the committee members that there’s no divide in the team and Gurbaj never indulged in such things. We all love him and respect him.

The Indian team conceded too many goals against higher-ranked sides during the HWL Semifinals? Don’t you think much needs to be done before the Rio Games?
In HWL Semifinals, we gave a chance to our reserve pool. Most of our key players were injured and there was shortage of experience. Our core group was not there and Van Ass was experimenting with the playing positions. I agree that it was a poor showing on our part conceding so may goals. It’s unacceptable. But, that’s how you will come to know about your best 16 before the Rio Games.

Coach Oltmans wants more support staff. Any demand by you?
Yes, we need a psychologist on an immediate basis.