Time I proved my worth: Jose Brasa

By Mihir Vasavda | Place: Mumbai | Agency: DNA

How much has the Indian team changed since you took over as coach 18 months ago?

It was a very different Indian team at the Asia Cup (May, 2009) when I saw this team for the first time. I instantly fell in love with the way they played. The individual skills of these players are unmatched. But then, they did not play as a team. I feel that has changed over these 18 months. I feel the players’ positioning on the pitch and the way they attack are the two most important changes I have noticed. Besides, there is this youthful energy in the boys.

How do we approach the Games now?

We approach the Asian Games with a lot of care and concentration. This is the most important competition that we are playing this year. If we win we qualify for the 2012 Olympics.

How badly can a defeat as bad as in the Commonwealth Games final (India lost 8-0 to Australia) affect the team?

On that day, it did affect us mentally. That was a very bad end to our spectacular CWG campaign. But Australia is not the match we should focus on. Everyone knows they are two or three steps ahead of rest of the hockey world. Our competition in the Asian Games will be much different. The players are mentally strong, not like before where they used to get carried away by wins. The players now know that no match is easy to win.

How is the bonding in the team?

The fact that the team and the staff have stayed together for most part of this year has helped them bond well. As a result, the team-play has improved. They know they will fall flat on their face if they try to be smart and play selfishly. Hence, we have improved a lot in passing and understanding between the players.

So what areas still concern you?

We need to improve our defence of the counter-attacks. We are slow to shift gears from attack to defence. We have to beat quick teams like South Korea. We also have to adjust in short corners.

Are you confident of winning the gold?

When I was appointed two years ago, Asian Games gold was the target. It is time I proved my worth. I think we can. We will go to the Games with an aim to win the gold medal. The boys are determined to win it. Only we can stop ourselves from winning the yellow metal.

If you do prove yourself, will you stay on as the coach after Asian Games?

I don’t think that decision is in my hand. I think we should focus on the Games right now. Whether I continue as the coach or not is an issue we can talk about later on.