Brasa’s tactical plan will surprise opponents: Tirkey
Kabir Mandrekar

Sun, Jun 21 06:08 AM

Former captain and the world’s most capped player, Dilip Tirkey, is of the view that the Indian hockey team will give their opponents a tough time once they put into practice new coach Jose Brasa’s tactics. In his first interaction with the national team during the camp at Balewadi here, Brasa has floated the ’11 midfielders’ formula, wherein no player’s role will be confined to the position assigned to him.

“It could be a bit tough for everyone to adapt to this system as we have been playing in our fixed positions for a long time. But at the same time it will surprise our opponents as even the defenders would be able to get into attacking positions,” said the 31-year-old Tirkey.

The proposed system would mean that forwards would not shirk from playing in a withdrawn role, and it won’t be uncommon to watch them fall back if required. Also, defenders will be encouraged to move up front, as creating the through-balls and the passes will no longer stay a prerogative of the midfield alone.

Age no issue

About the new style of play which would require more physical effort from players during a match, Brasa said that the players would be able to adjust to any style of play provided they were motivated enough. He also added that age would not be a deterrent. “At this moment we are 12th in the world. In order to be amongst the top four teams we need to modify our game. If the players are motivated enough they will be able to adapt to any situation. Till now I have not had any problems or complaints from the players. They are adjusting well,” he said.

While India and Pakistan have stuck to the sub-continental brand of hockey based on individual skills, majority of the top teams have banked on the collective effort of all players on the field.

Experienced campaigner Rajpal Singh is of the view that the all-round development of each player will be good for the team as a whole. “The players are adjusting well to this new technique of coaching and we will definitely spring a few surprises on our opponents within the coming months,” he said. Bharat Chhikara welcomes the new method as it is similar to the European style of play. Twenty-one-year-old right-half Gurbaj Singh is also looking forward to playing in the midfield.

Birendar Lakra is happy with the change in tactics. “The coach has carefully assessed our weaknesses and on that basis has made an informed decision to develop our all-round skill and make us complete players,” he said.