Minimum targets for Indian coach Harendra Singh
During last two years in which Spaniard Jose Brasa was in charge of the Indian team, remarkable improvements have been observed in certain segments of the game.
On the eve of the Indian team taking up its first major assignment in the form of May 2011 Azlan Shah Cup, it is worthwhile to recount those positives, albeit on larger context, and then set minimum bench mark for the new chief coach. This approach will ensure a reliable methodology to analyse later as to whether we improved, or improving or otherwise.
This is in some ways a dream come true for Coach Harendra Singh, who have been with senior national teams as a second-in-command over a long period – and has been complaining of not getting independent charge. Now he is in the top seat, has a team of his choice, and the preparations went on 4-star style. He has got his long cherished dream of being at the top and see his word is final on technical matters. Now, after long years, he has got what he wanted all along. This comes with responsibility and public scrutiny.
He has an onerous task of first seeing his team consolidating the gains made in the last two years under Jose Brasa.
Firstly, Brasa’s teams haven’t conceded panic goals in the closing moments of the game.
Secondly, Brasa’s teams did not lose to Pakistan, exception being once in the Champions Challenge.
Thirdly, it started all the major tournaments with fabulous victory, meaning the jinx of losing first matches in any tournament is thing of past.
Lastly, whatever the end result, the teams appeared fully fit, due to various factors that include extension of support from trainers, physio and rest factors, and use of rolling substitutions.
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On a macroscopic scale, Harendra has to prove the gains haven’t been lost, and if possible, go ahead and do things that gives happiness to the team and fans.
The testing time have started for Harendra
Let us wait and watch, while wishing his effort.