Barasat: AIFF XI Head Coach Goutam Ghosh believes his Team is yet to “get into a rhythm.” Ahead of their second Home-match against current Table Leaders PVF Vietnam, Ghosh is banking on his practice sessions where he is insisting on “getting back to the basics.” In a freewheeling interview with www.the-aiff.com Ghosh analyses the two back to back losses, his practice sessions, regaining lost confidence, the next opponent PVF Vietnam and much more. Excerpts:
Your Team, one of the most talented-ever youth Teams of the Country have suffered two consecutive losses in the first two Matches. What’s gone wrong?
We haven’t been able to find our rhythm as yet and we are leaving no stone unturned to keep going and get it back. We are working to fine-tune some aspects. We have also had a chat with Scott (O’Donell) and his inputs have been invaluable.
When you are dealing with such an age-group, you need to remind your wards about sticking to the basics. Even in the practice sessions, we have gone back to the basics and are building up from the roots.
How tough is to deal with such a situation?
It’s not the start we wanted. At the same time it’s our responsibility to keep our boys fresh and motivated. Understandably, they were a bit dejected and doubts could have crept in. We have spoken to the boys both individually and then collectively. The boys need to regain their confidence and at the same time stay afresh both mentally and physically.
Post AIFF XI’s first home-match how have you approached your practice sessions?
The quality of our sessions are improving with every day and the boys are responding positively. Keeping in mind the recovery and rest of the Players, we had decided to shift base to Barasat for the Home-matches and it’s helping us immensely. I need to thank AIFF for trusting us and accommodating us away from Kalyani for the three consecutive Home-matches.
What have you gathered of PVF Vietnam?
We have had a look at their match videos of their last edition to have a feel of how they play and their style and characteristics. We tried to gauge as to how they operate and there’s no doubt they are one of the strongest Teams in the Tournament. At the moment, they are at the top of Group A with two wins from their first two Matches.
But at the same time, I believe we are also a good Team who are struggling to get to a rhythm. But I have full confidence in my boys.
Is it possible for the Team to get back to reckoning in the Championship?
It’s early days in the Tournament. The Championship is being played on a Home and Away format and you will play every Team again. There are still eight matches to go.
By Nilanjan Datta
