Axe effect: Carvalho next?

The suspension of Indian Hockey Federation and subsequently chief KPS Gill might have been welcomed, but one person worried about his future now is chief coach Joaquim Carvalho.

The suspension of Indian Hockey Federation and subsequently chief KPS Gill might have been welcomed, but one person worried about his future now is chief coach Joaquim Carvalho.

Currently in Australia for the two-legged four-nation tournament, Carvalho had been under fire ever since India8217;s Olympic qualifier debacle. He was widely expected to be sacked, but was in fact told to continue when he turned in his resignation. However, with Gill gone, Carvalho has lost his biggest, and perhaps the only, supporter in the federation for the job.

Though the new selection committee formed by the Indian Olympic Association is not expected to decide on matters of support staff, the fact that the selectors have to work in close co-ordination with the coach might make it difficult for Carvalho to continue.

8220;Initially, he Carvalho seemed to be working fine. But after the Asia Cup win, he seems to have lost his balance,8221; said one of the new selectors on condition of anonymity.

8220;He began to feel that he was the sole authority and he did not want anyone else to help with the team. Giving powers to the coach is okay, but not when it is arbitrary and without accountability,8221; he added.

Shaky position

Add to it the fact that Ric Charlesworth, whom Carvalho had openly criticised and accused of not helping ahead of the qualifiers 8212; going to the extent of saying that his services were not necessary 8212; has been made advisor to the new selection committee, and Carvalho8217;s position becomes even more shaky.

In fact, IOA president Suresh Kalmadi has made it clear that the coach issue would be discussed with the committee.

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8220;It is important for everyone to work together. We will talk to all concerned parties before any decision,8221; he said.

Meanwhile, Dhanraj Pillay, also part of the new selection committee, said that the senior team needed rest. 8220;I personally feel that the junior team needs more exposure now. They have important tournaments coming up, including the Asia Cup. With no major assignments soon, the senior team should work on getting rid of their shortcomings,8221; he said.

Asked about the coach, he said that only someone who has been with the team for a long time should take charge, clearly indicating that Carvalho could begin to feel the heat soon.

What could be the strongest case against Carvalho is the fact that, despite being given sweeping powers to not only select the team but also run it the way he liked, there have been no major achievements, apart from the Asia Cup.

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India8217;s two biggest challenges in his tenure were the Champions Challenge in Belgium and the Olympic qualifiers 8212; and the team failed to perform in both. Also, charges of preferential treatment and autocracy in the squad were beginning to make the rounds.

Sources say that Carvalho could resign as soon as he returns from Australia. This time around, however, it is unlikely it be rejected.