Brasa has made India a better team, says Lombi

They may have come a cropper in the World Cup but the Indian hockey team are the most skillful in the world and all they need to become a force to reckon with internationally is planning and organisation, feels legendary Argentine drag-flicker Jorge Lombi.

Lombi has high regard for India coach Jose Brasa, having played under him in Madrid’s Clube de Campo and said the Spaniard had introduced the Indians to modern-day hockey. “The Indians were good during my time but the entire philosophy of the game has changed now,” said Lombi, who is presently the assistant coach of Argentina.

“Earlier they didn’t know about their specific roles in the team. They lacked organisation. But the current lot is different. They know their roles in the side.

“Only skill does not count, you also have to organise and plan things. After taking up the India coach’s job, Brasa has organised the Indian players. He has made changes in their playing style, which is necessary to compete against today’s top teams,” he said.

Incidentally, Lombi was part of the Clube de Campo side that won back-to-back European Club Championships in 2004-05. “I have learnt a lot from Brasa. I was a member of the Clube de Campo team that won two European Club Championships and Brasa was the coach. He is very experienced. India will benefit from his association,” said Lombi.