Hockey India (HI) president Ashok Kumar Mattoo appears to have brought about a temporary truce between the players and national coach Jose Brasa. Mattoo attributed the recent stand-off to a lack of communication.

Both Brasa and deposed captain Sandeep Singh, who is seen as the spearhead of the revolt by senior players, did their bit to defuse the tension by making politically correct statements, though the coach was aggressive while talking to the media.

Mattoo told reporters that the coach should also stop airing demands when HI was trying to provide all facilities to the players.

“There is no problem with the players now that we have bridged the communication gap, and as for the coach he should stop making demands,” said Mattoo.

Brasa had said on Thursday that it was news to him that the players have grievances against him, especially concerning his coaching techniques and man management.

Sandeep, for his part, is believed to have promised the authorities that he was fighting hard to get fit for the Champions Challenge at Salta, Argentina.

Brasa tried to play down acrimony by reiterating that Sandeep is one of the best defenders in the world and easily the most potent drag-flicker.The Spaniard made it clear that he has a job on hand he will do it come what may, surmounting all difficulties.

“I am a fighter and I will not give up. I know there are people who are out to sabotage my work here but my job is to make a good team and I will pursue that.”

A worried Mattoo extended his stay in Pune by a day, realising the gravity of the situation, and by the end of the day he seemed relieved at the turn of events. Brasa said his meeting with Mattoo was to find ways to improve communication channels between him and the players though he insisted that the coaches or the players never brought up their views about his coaching.