I can’t tell anyone when to retire – Savio Medeira responds to Climax Lawrence’s tirade

Savio Medeira has refused to be drawn into controversy after former skipper Climax Lawrence laid the blame on the national coach for failing to act on his word which led to the latter announcing his retirement.

On being further probed over the reasons to drop Climax from the squad, Medeira blamed the odd timings of the I-League matches.

“I didn’t keep him out of the squad because of poor form. When a player like him plays day in and day out in such hot conditions and at odd timings, you need to give them some rest. Not only him but quite a few them would need rest. This would ensure that they can continue serving the nation even longer.

 “However you have to change the timings of the matches and without that the players do not get proper rest which is the topmost criterion I believe.”

"I have not completely ruled Climax out"

 Medeira added that he definitely had Climax in mind for future competitions that his decision to retire has taken him by surprise.

 “I cannot straight away work with the younger players’ altogether. According to me, I have not completely ruled him (Climax) out. I want to see fresh talent coming in. This is what I have gone with for the Challenge Cup. But that shouldn’t disappoint senior players like him.”