Spanish coach says yes, to land in Delhi soon

Harpreet Kaur Lamba

New Delhi

April 28: Indian hockey’s wait for a foreign coach might be over soon.

Spanish coach Jose Brasa has “given his consent” for the job and will arrive in the capital soon to complete the paperwork. Interviewed by the Indian Olympic Association’s ad-hoc committee in January this year, the 55-year old will join as the men’s national coach and will work alongside current coach Harendra Singh.

Said an ad-hoc committee member who did not wish to be named, “Brasa has agreed to the job and will be in New Delhi soon for final negotiations and to sign his contract. If all goes according to plan, he will join the national team for the Asia Cup in Kuantan, Malaysia.”

Handed the final contract two weeks back, Brasa it is learnt was unhappy with the “new terms and conditions”.

“I have been considering taking up the assignment for some time now, but the offer letter that I received does a 180-degree turn on the terms,” he was quoted as saying.

According to the new contract, Brasa’s demand for six assistants — assistant coach, physical trainer, physiotherapist, consultant doctors in physiology, psychology and power — has been shot down by the sports ministry and the Sports Authority of India. Further, he has being asked to leave his family back home as originally agreed upon.

Clearly miffed with the changes, Brasa has nevertheless sent his consent and is eager to join.

The Spaniard though has refused to budge on anything that could hinder the quality of training. “Top scientific methods and modern infrastructral training” remain his priority and Brasa has made it clear that he will not compromise on these two issues.

Asked about Brasa’s unhappiness over the final terms and conditions, the source said, “Brasa has sent his confirmation which is a sign that he wants to work here.”

Money was another issue but that has been settled for now. “The sports ministry and the SAI are going to pay him and the government has its limitations. The amount he had asked for was huge, and there are certain norms for the foreign coaches.

“The set-up here is different. We have tried out best to meet his demands, but one cannot get everything. Things are moving in the positive direction and that is how this should be seen.”

Courtesy; Asian Age