Harendra Singh: Our structure delivered us today

Harendra Singh: Our structure delivered us today

Indian coach Harendra Singh praised his team on the eve of defeating England 3-1 on the second day of the Azlan Shah Cup.

“The key today was we were able to play a sort of game that we wanted to play all along, and that revolves around maintaining a sound structure throughout 70 minutes of the games.

“With Dhananjay Mahadik directing the defence, our structure persisted unlike yesterday, the beaming coach said in the post match press conference.

He was often referring to Indian team conceding too many goals yesterday against Korea, as ‘we lost the structure due to the loss of the service of Dhananjay due to injury’.

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He called the victory as good win. We wanted to play technically a sound game, what count is playing well rather than the result.”

He also wondered as to why the midfield of the England today was not unforgiving as it used to be otherwise, or like Korea yesterday.

“Yes we got lot of leeway in the middle. I am quite surprised their liberal was not pressing hard enough, which helped us to continue attacking.

Besides praising Dhananjay for the fantastic defence today, he said, “all the defenders barring him are new, and are playing against a team that qualified for the Olympics. They are learning, and it is very important. I really congratulate the boys for the success and the way they are improving”.

On a specific question as to Rupinder Pal singh who scored a hattrick today is a match for Sandeep Singh, the victorious coach said, “too early to say. Other than goals, which I appreciate, he is improving on one to one tackling, recovering the ball, and other vital aspects of the game. I am happy to see youngsters improving and delivering.