Armando Colaco: We can never play like Barcelona

Today Armando Colaco held his first official press conference as interim national coach at Football House in Dwarka, New Delhi. Some of his recent statements in the media had raised eyebrows and Armando made it a point not to raise expectations any further by saying phrases like 'I need time to adjust' and 'I'm not a magician'.

Armando further added, "Just be a bit patient. This is a new beginning for Indian football."

This was all very good to hear as Armando also said, "the National team won't ever try to play like Barcelona. It's impossible to play like Barcelona. No team can ever emulate that style. It's futile to think we will be playing like them."

And added, "I have been successful with Dempo. I'd rather like to infuse the Dempo style of play into the National Squad."

This sounds more realistic on the task on hand as India face the United Arab Emirates in an Asian Round 2 qualifier of the 2014 FIFA World Cup on July 23 (away) and on July 28 at home at New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

There have been discussions on team selection as Armando said, "The boys from the Indian Arrows will form the nucleus of the future National Squad. I have analysed each and every player and decided on my squad."

Armando singled out Arrows striker Jeje Lalpeklua by saying, he expects him to carry on his I-League momentum into the International Matches. "Jeje is a strong boy. He has been the highest Indian scorer in the I-League. I expect a lot from him."

Answering questions about not calling up senior players Armando said, "I have never axed any player. I just want to build a squad for the future."

But the question has to be asked why senior players with international experience have been left out, while others who are also in the bracked of 27 to 30 years have been called-up with little to no international experience.

Ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against the UAE next month India has already finalised two friendlies against the Maldives (July 10) and Qatar (July 17), while the AIFF is working on organising a couple of more friendlies to give Armando a chance to set his playing eleven.