Germans no pushovers: Hockey coach

3 Feb 2009, 0002 hrs IST, Gaurav Kanthwal,TNN

CHANDIGARH: With a win and a draw and four points, India sit pretty and look confident to make the next stage in the Punjab Gold Cup, currently under way in Chandigarh. On Tuesday, Sandeep Singh’s India face Olympic champions Germany, who have just one point after two matches.

Indian coach Harendra Singh sounded cautious when asked about his team’s chances. “You can take Germany lightly at your own peril. Even though they have fielded a much younger team, there is a lot to learn from them. And in the current scenario they are desperate to win.”

The former international also pointed out that India have to play tactically well as German coach Markus Weise is a shrewd tactician and can come up with surprises.

“We are ready for that. Our forwardline has to be patient and convert the opportunities that come their way. We cannot afford to waste penalty corners either,” said Harendra.

The Indian forwards were a bit wayward in the opener against New Zealand but they improved considerably against the Dutch in the second game. As both the teams play contrasting style of hockey it would be interesting to see how they square up.

Ajit Pal, Aslam in favour of Indian coach

Barely two weeks ago, Spanish hockey coach Jose Brasa had met the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi and impressed him with his presentation. This gave rise to the talk that Brassa could become Indian hockey’s chief coach.

However, two members of the ad hoc committee’s selection panel, Ajit Pal Singh and Aslam Sher Khan, gave indications on Monday that India may continue with an Indian coach if positive results are delivered.

Ajit Pal Singh said, “If the present coach performs his duty well there is no harm in continuing with him. Brasa has given his presentation and the decision will be taken in a few days. What ultimately matters is results. Whoever gives it, we will go with him.”

Aslam Sher Khan argued, “There is absolutely no need for a foreign coach for our hockey team. We have enough eminent players who can shoulder this responsibility better than a foreign coach. It is only when the team loses that people start thinking that a foreign coach will bring about a miracle.”