Papas ready for India challenge

Australian Arthur Papas happily accepts that his latest assignment with the India U-22 team appears to be more of a challenge than a chance to prove his worth as coach.

Australian Arthur Papas happily accepts that his latest assignment with the India U-22 team appears to be more of a challenge than a chance to prove his worth as coach. The 32-year old has joined a team of 33 India probables who are training at the Ambedkar stadium and will be further pruned to 23 before flying to Dubai on June 14 for a nine day practice session to prepare for the U-22 Asian Championships at Oman.

Given his countrys sporting background,it would not be far-fetched to assume that the Australians primary focus will be on fitness when it comes to handling the young Indians but interestingly he doesnt belong to that school of thought. Papas is aware that mere twenty days of rigorous workout cannot change his players,so he has instead decided to give them more match practice. I have no expectations from the boys right now. I dont want to comment on what they have been doing in the past. The team is good and the players have potential. I want them to learn as much as they can to play as a unit, Papas said.

For Papas,players like Jeje Lalpekhlua,Lalrindika Ralte and Gurpreet Singh are a ray of hope as they have been regulars with the senior India side. But since Lalpekhlua,is injured and warmed the bench on Monday,Papas is actively searching for his replacement. He makes the players play 90-minute matches and takes down notes on each footballer. With Jeje I dont want to take risks. He is a talented Indian asset and I would not want to risk his career for this championship. Though I would be happy if he gets fit by the time our matches start in Oman but I will not force him to play, he added.

When asked about the positives he sees in the team,Papas said that the players are very dedicated and keen to learn. Pointing negatives at this moment would only ruin their match preparation. They are very keen on learning. Having trained under many coaches before,the boys are willing to learn something new and are ready to adopt to new style. And that is what I will vouch upon. As far as the fitness is concerned,I dont want them to run unnecessarily as it develops no thinking. I am making them stick to football and whatever fitness is required,will be done with the ball. Football is a game in which you have to think while you possess the ball. This is what is important for Indian football as they are going to be up against teams which play international friendlies and are way higher in matchplay, Papas said.

And once the tournament is over,Papas will be supervising the Pailan Arrows in the I-league. He believes in fellow Australian Michael Nobbs method of off-field activities. More than playing,off the field activities make a difference. My schedule will have all these factors and I can ensure in the coming three to four years,Indian footballers will offer a tough competition.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram