Bhubaneswar: Dutchman and coach of the India men’s hockey team might have struck gold in his maiden assignment at Asia Cup, but he still has a lot to deliver. Preparing up for the Hockey World League Finals in Bhubaneswar, the coach who replaced Roelant Oltmans, another Dutchman, wants to see India in the top three of World Rankings. A tall order, but his optimism cannot be doubted.

“When I became the coach, I sat with the players asking what do we want to do as a team. I told them we should try to go high on the ranking – we want to go to the first three positions in the world rankings. That is what we are aiming for and this tournament can be a good start,” the coach said on the sidelines of the practice session.

Marijne, who has so far tried to keep minimal changes in the coaching style in order to avoid any last minute confusion and hiccups among the players, is happy with the way the team has shaped up since the Asia Cup.

“The preparations is not very different. For Asia Cup, I had two week to know the team, This time, I got three weeks but players had also participated in a lot of domestic tournaments. So, we focussed on recovery and fitness. Body and mind should be fresh before every tournament and there should be an unending hunger for the ball,” he said.

“Hockey World Finals will see eight of the world’s best teams participating and though Argentina is world number 1, each team will be a challenge”.

“I am focussing on our team and I am not busy thinking about others. We are working hard. Our desire is to get medals in the tournament. In the last two practice days, we have given a lot of emphasis on structure. If the structure is good, it will be difficult for the opponents to score goal.”

On the frequent changing of coaches in India, he said, “That is something I can’t control. I am working as hard as I can. If I am doing that really that good, I might stay longer. I don’t feel any pressure.

“I am busy with performance not outcomes. Outcomes add pressure,” said he in a crowded interaction with media after a strenuous practice session.