Newly appointed National Chief Coach Joaquim Carvalho has come out with a press release, which in itself is a refreshing approach. The release gives a glimpse of his vision; which is reprodued below:
“Our aim will be to play aggressive hockey, with hard running and not giving the opponent too much respect. Going by the World Cup and Asian Games results, our performances went on dipping not due to lack of talent, but due to other factors which we have short listed and will be worked upon by the entire coaching staff.”
“I am no magician, nor do I have any magicians in my coaching team. We do have an experienced team of thinkers who have played modern-day hockey and have kept themselves abreast of developments. My years of hockey experience, as player/coach/talent spotter will be used to the fullest, coupled with inputs from the support staff. “
“Indian players are talented, hard-working and have the desire to perform. They have come up playing the traditional Indian style with a little bit of withdrawn halves. A lot of confusion still persists in their mindset. It is my duty to bring out the best in them and make them thinking players. To play scientific hockey, you do not need a laptop, nor am I a laptop carrying coach, but my assistant certainly will. “
“We have skilful players, destructive players, experienced hands a youngsters with raw talent. We will do our best to mould them into one unit. Continuity in coaching methods is one way to get there. The appointment of technical director/technical adviser to the senior and junior groups of players and co-ordination between the technical advisers will be useful in creating a backup of probable for the national squad and ensure that the right type of players are selected. “
“The Indian Hockey Federation’s decision to appoint technical director/technical advisor needs to be appreciated. The senior players on the national squad will form a core group whose advise will be taken to draw plans and form team strategy. There may be initial hiccups due to new faces in the probable list. I’m sure we will overcome these hurdles and play aggressive, effective hockey. “
“I have done a detailed analysis of each player and you will see a different Indian team perform in the coming tournaments, starting with the Azlan Shah. The final goal is qualification for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. In modern-day sport, there is no Goliath who can walk and play freely. There is always a David and right now our team will go into the field as Davids’.”
My support staff:
* R K SHETTY (MANAGER) M M SOMAYA & MERVYN FERNANDIS ( TECHNICAL DIRECTOR & TECHNICAL ADVISER),
M P SINGH & RAMESH PARAMESHWARAN (ASSTT. COACHES).
“I also take this opportunity in thanking the President/Secretary for having imposed their faith in my ability and assure I will do my best in serving to bring laurels for the country.”
“We need the Good Wishes and Blessings, Support in our future endeavors. “
JOAQUIM CARVALHO