I Have Called The Players I Have Worked With In The Past – India Coach Savio Medeira Explains His Selection

The twin friendlies against Malaysia will provide the first test for Savio Medeira as he takes over the role of the national coach of India.

The going certainly wouldn’t be easy given that Malaysia are ranked higher and are the defending ASEAN champions.

Given that Medeira wouldn’t have much time to prepare ahead of the first friendly on Sunday, the former Salgaocar SC coach has named a squad of players whom he has worked with in the past.

“There is not much time for me bring in new players who have never been to camps for long and work with them. I think the only player who wasn’t under the previous two coaches was Jaspal (Parmar) who has been called.

“We will look at those who have impressed in the I-League before the Challenge Cup. In February, I will have around two and a half weeks or so which give us a chance to look at some of the new boys and help them be a part of the larger group,” Medeira explained to Goal.com.

“If we bring in someone new into the squad, it will be a gamble. By the time we make them understand what I want, the tournament will be over. So at least for the SAFF Cup too, we shall work with the boys who have some experience of being in the camp,” he added.

With the style of play being the subject matter of discussion each time the national team plays over the last 12 months or so, with Bob Houghton and Armando Colaco having had different views on the same, Medeira gives his take on the same.

“Both (Bob and Armando) were from different mould. From what I saw, I can choose according to what best suits the day.

“In football, you need both the long and short passes. The short passing game is good but for that you need to be technically very superior which we are not still.

“I would concentrate more on the shape of the side, as Bob did. The idea is that if you keep the shape of the defense and midfield right, no matter how good the opponents are it becomes very difficult for them to break you down.”

Having worked with Bob and Armando as their assistant coach, Medeira highlights the positives he shall take from being under their tutelage.

“Armando is very good in man management. He knew when to shout, when to be polite with the players. Bob was very well organized in the manner that right from the tickets, to the hotels, he would take care of every minute detail. He wouldn’t travel at night as he wanted players to take rest.”

The SAFF Cup draw saw India being grouped with Bhutan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka wherein all the teams are ranked below the Men in Blue.

“The group is a little easier. In the SAFF region, people consider India as the best and hence they are to be at their best when against us.

“We need to ensure that whatever team we play, we must give our best and not take them lightly.”

Medeira will have an assistant coach before the start of the SAFF Cup to aid him in his day-to-day affairs.

“I have more or less decided who the assistant coach will be. I will tell the Federation about him and hopefully before the SAFF Cup, he will be onboard.”

The first friendly against Malaysia is scheduled for November 13 at Guwahati.