Interview with Arthur Papas (India Under-22/Pailan Arrows coach)

Australian Arthur Papas made an impressive start as India Under-22 national team coach at the Under-22 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in which India were drawn in Group A along with the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Oman, Turkmenistan and Lebanon. I caught-up with the young Australian after a strong campaign in Muscat, which sadly did not have a happy end for India and before he joins the Pailan Arrows as their new head coach.


The loss in the final game against Oman was surely heartbreak. What did you feel afterwards?

It was a natural reaction to feel an initial emotion of sadness as with 36 minutes to go in the final game we were still in a strong position to qualify for the finals. From here it unravelled and the manner in which the game ended left us all disappointed but in saying that it really was the only game I can say we were convincingly beaten by a better team on the day.

After this initial reaction though my only thoughts centred around providing a supportive figure to the playing group as they were hurt considerably and the job of a coach in these times is to provide comfort and perspective to his players. This group over the course of a month had developed such a strong sense of unity and what was important was that during this moment after the game we still maintained a collective spirit because professional football is full of ups and downs. Therefore, the most important thing is that you can realise that above all else you have given your utmost to the team and I am comfortable about the process in which this team evolved and most importantly that their characters are of such a high quality.


What did you think about the overall performance of your team, the India Under-22s, in the qualifiers?

Overall our performances were very positive when you take into account all the variables we were confronted with. As a team we received much respect throughout the tournament externally but most importantly we found a belief amongst ourselves of what can be achieved when every person involved is moving in the same direction. Our collective discipline, spirit, unity and confidence grew the longer we stayed together and I am certain the players have learned many valuable lessons that hopefully they can continue to refer to over the course of their careers.

I will never be able to say I was completely satisfied because although we were the lowest ranked nation in the group by some way I came with the mindset that we could qualify. Like I have mentioned with 35 minutes to go in the final game this was still a possibility, in the future I would hope that the pressure of dealing with that last game will result in a further development of the playing group because they need more and more of these situations under pressure to further progress on an international level.


Positively surprised that the boys adopted so quickly to you and your style of coaching?

Pleasantly surprised because of course there was always going to be a question mark on whether they could adopt the differences in the style of play we sought. At first there was some trepidation from the playing group because the message was about building up from the goalkeeper, keeping the ball on the ground and playing a possession style of football. However, the main ingredient was to maintain a consistent message at all times whether that be in the training exercises, practice matches, team meetings, etc because this way it becomes ingrained and the players become more confident in this message because of its repetition and consistency.

There were times for example in the practice matches where errors were made when building up but when this occurred there was never a strong reaction from the bench but rather a supportive message which reinforced the football idea. On the contrary when the easy option of playing long was taken this was the moment there would be a strong reaction because the football we wanted to play requires players to take initiative and not seek the easy option of kicking the ball long. I kept saying to the playing group that you all thought I was crazy when on my first day when I outlined the way we would work but the longer we stayed together I really felt the playing group brought in to this style of football and the feedback received supports the process.


What has been your impression of Indian football in the first few weeks you have worked in India?

Indian football is in the midst of some very major developments and I am pleased to have joined at a time when fundamental change is taking place. I can only speak glowingly about my experiences so far but in general am still not in a position to comment on the overall state of Indian football until I have spent more time in the country. I do know though that the players have the correct attitudes, desire and intention to improve and are very open to the different coaching and playing styles.

There are always areas that need improvement and in terms of the individuals there needs to be a high emphasis placed on the basic technical elements, their game intelligence as well as improving the areas off the field which at top level can play a big part meaning their diets, recovery, and habits of being a professional athlete. At the moment myself, Scott O'Donell, Colm Toal, Wim Koevermans and of course Rob Baan have the task of educating as many Indian's who are passionate about playing a role in the long-term success of Indian football because these are the people in the future that are the real lifeblood of the football in India.


One of your boys, goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was on a trial-cum-training at EPL side Wigan Athletic. Your thoughts on that?

My thoughts are that as an experience this is a fantastic opportunity for Gurpreet, he is still a young goalkeeper and normally this position begins to mature a little bit later than the outfield player. In my time with Gurpreet he has shown a real willingness to learn and what is important is that this is just one of the many ways he continues to look to develop himself because it stands as one week in a whole year that he spends at Wigan so imperative is that he keeps receiving the correct coaching, match experience every week consistently to reach his full potential.


Now you take-over the Pailan Arrows as their new coach. What's the aim in the I-League this season?

Our aim again has a double edged sword because the facts remain we are still a young team full of some of India's most talented youngsters competing in a senior professional league that is growing at a very quick rate, especially in regards to the type of foreigners entering the league. It's still imperative that the football style we bring to the league is what we consider the best in terms of developing the players both individually and collectively. In turn I have a clear vision that in the long-term this is also the best way to achieve results and they really go hand in hand.

I had a similar experience in Newcastle (Australia) where in the off-season I assembled a development team to play in the local senior state league and with an average age of 19 we stayed near the top of the league for the duration of my time there. Most important though was that we kept our best young players involved at the highest level possible for 11 months of the year.

There's no denying we need to improve on last year's showing in the I-League and I'm very confident that we will be able to do this.

AFC Under-22 Qualifiers: Oman end Indian dreams with 4-0

The India Under-22s suffered a 0-4 loss against Oman in their fifth and final match at the AFC Under-22 Asian Championship qualifiers at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, Oman to end any chances of qualifying for the final round of the AFC Under-22 Asian Championship.

Coach Arthur Papas made two changes to his starting eleven keeping with his style of rotating his players due to the fact of five matches being played across only 11 days and also as Narayan Das and Tirthankar Sarkar are suspended due to two yellow cards.

There are days when domination doesn't yield you anything. Tuesday, July 3 was such a day. India despite having more possession for most part of the match bowed out of the AFC U-22 Asian Championship qualifiers. Hamood Saleh scored the first goal for Oman in the 54th minute while Faed Ibrahim scored the second goal in the 67th minute. Besides, Saleh Hadid and Mubarak Humaid scored one apiece.

After a dominating first half, India lost control in the second half and went down tamely. If it was all India in the first 45 minutes, the first 20 minutes of the second half settled the issue for the hosts. India finished with 7 points from 5 matches while Oman on 10 points from 7 matches.

India started the match on a bright note. They absorbed the initial pressure and slowly started the buildup. A Lalrindika Ralte freekick from striking zone struck the wall and Manandeep Singh's powerful left footer was punched out by rival goalkeeper Mazin Masud in the 21st minute. Manandeep again broke free in the 30th minute and ran inside the box but Masud managed to keep him at bay. For the hosts, 19-year old Raed Ibrahim stayed the pivot. Being a part of the Senior Oman side in the World Cup qualifiers, he was nippy to create problems for the Indian defence. But the two central defenders Prathamesh Maulingkar and and Souvik Ghosh stood tall. On the other hand, Alwyn George was creating all sorts of problems for the rival defence. Oman were not willing to allow him space and once he started his run, he got suffocated at the top of the rival box. In the 43rd minute, his back volley sailed over.

But Oman came back with more purpose in the second half. They didn't allow the Indians to settle down and were eventually rewarded when Hamood Saleh tapped in a Abdullah Saleh pass in the 54th minute. Minutes later, Saleh's header hit the post. Jeje Lalpekhlua was introduced in the 63rd minute in place of Romeo Fernandes. But Oman pressed hard and Faed Ibrahim made it 2-0 in the 67th minute after he had sneaked down the right. A minute after Faed's goal, Manandeep's header off a Dika corner missed by a whisker. But Oman struck again. Pranay Halder brought down Badar Nasib inside the box and though off the resultant penalty Gurpreet Singh Sandhu kept it at bay, Saleh Hadid tapped in the rebound for the third of the night. In the 88th minute, a Jeje rasper from the top box was saved by Mazin for a corner and off the counter attack, Mubarak Humaid made it 4-0.


INDIA Under-22s

1-Gurpreet Singh Sandhu [Captain]; 26-Vishal Kumar (71' 3-Abhishek Das), 6-Prathamesh Maulingkar, 14-Souvik Ghosh, 2-Pritam Kotal; 34-Pranay Halder (82' 15-Deepak Prakash), 17-Ongnam Milan Singh, 8-Lalrindika Ralte, 31-Romeo Fernandes (64' 10-Jeje Lalpekhlua), 12-Alwyn George, 35-Manandeep Singh

AFC Under-22 Qualifiers: India focuses only on Oman match

Suddenly it has become about a lot of calculations on how the India Under-22s could qualify for the final round, but the team stays focused on their fifth and final encounter against Oman tomorrow.

Here the link to the article: AFC Under-22 Qualifiers: How could India qualify for the final Round?

"Hey, it's complicated," Papas clarifies. "Let us try for a victory against Oman. We take the field to win every match, whoever the opposition may be. We have improved with every match so far," he adds.

"But Oman are very capable side. Not only are they ahead in the FIFA Rankings (97 in comparison to India's 164), but they also boast of some very talented individuals. We go into the match as underdogs," he maintains.

National Coach Wim Koevermans, who has watched the last couple of India U-22's and has made it a point to be there at every practice session along with Technical Director Rob Baan, says, "No match is ever easy. In football you have to fight on the field."

The boys stay ready for that. Half an hour after the match against Turkmenistan, bound by habits, the boys had taken right – the route from the Dressing Room to the Team Bus. The battle on the left (against Turkmenistan) had been won some minutes back; Oman stayed the next challenge. But Jeje Lalpekhlua looked right, left and centre. "Looking for someone, Jeje?" you ask.

"Where's the Coach?" Spotting Papas bringing out video camera, Jeje enquired: "Can we watch the next game, the first 45 minutes?" Oman were slated to play Iraq next. "Off-course you can!" Papas allowed. The boys changed direction – left became right, they proceeded towards the chairs and watched their next opponent in action.

Post dinner, the boys headed straight to the Meeting Room. No, Papas wasn't there; the support staff weren't there either and neither were they following any instructions. The boys just wanted to have a talk between themselves. There was Jeje, there was Lalrindika Ralte, there was Abhishek Das, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Prathamesh Maulingkar, Alwyn George – the entire bunch. The meeting went on for more 15 minutes.

On being asked, a reluctant Abhishek Das informed next morning, "We talked as to how were not in our usual self against Turkmenistan in the second half. Against Oman, we need to back each other more – both on and off the field." You gauge, it was an emotional meeting which set up a specific target.

"Meetings can lead you on the right track. They won't win you the match. Against Oman, we need to give our 200 percent on the ground. Try your Best and Leave the Rest," a philosophical Jeje Lalpekhlua, opines, even as Masseur Santosh Chacko's nimble fingers make him feel rejuvenated.

There's another room which stays the favourite hunting ground for all players – Room No. 220 to be precise, where Team Physio Kazi Juyef Islam stays. He stays busy 24x7 treating the small niggles. Sometimes he scolds the players for being even 30 seconds late, but they don't mind. Jeje's fellow striker Manandeep Singh, while getting his treatment done says, "This is our last shot. Oman are a hard side to beat; very speedy. But it's our best chance."

Alwyn George who has scored four goals in three matches so far feels, "The key stays in sticking to our plan. It's a game for 90 minutes. We can't hurry and neither can we wait for long. The Coach has specific instructions and we need to carry them out."

The players take a long breath as they walk almost every step. There can be no halt and they know they need to be energetic and greedy but at the same time, balanced. 90 minutes sometimes pass off too quick; the weight of International Football is immense.

Even as every other team hurried off for a practice session, Sunday stayed an off day in the Indian Camp. "The players need to recover," Papas defines. "Sometimes they too need a break."

The Championship has given the chance to measure us at the International Level. Prior to the kick-off, if you are honest, you'll have to admit none had thought India would be alive and ticking in the last match, especially in a group with Iraq, UAE, Oman, Lebanon and Turkmenistan. 'Results don't matter at this stage, the development does.'

The kick-off at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Tuesday, July 3 is at 20.00 local time (21.30 IST). The AFC agreed to a request from the AIFF to kick-off both matches Iraq vs UAE and Oman vs India at the same time to give all four teams the same chance to progress from the qualifiers.

AFC Under-22 Qualifiers: How could India qualify for the final Round?

The India Under-22s have played a great qualification campaign so far with seven points from four matches with a match against the hosts Oman on Tuesday, July 3 remaining. Our boys still have the chance to qualify for the final round of the inaugural AFC Under-22 Asian Championships, but certain things need to go our way for that to happen.

I'll try to go through the options how we could qualify for next years AFC Under-22 Asian Championships.

Whoever made the fixtures couldn't have worked out a more interesting last match day. Currently Iraq and the United Arab Emirates are top of the table with both teams on 10 points and they now face each other, while India and Oman are behind them on seven points and also face each other on match day 5.

As head-to-head statistics count in the AFC tournaments there is only one option through which India could directly qualify for the final rounds. That is if Iraq win against the UAE and India at the same time beat Oman. That would mean India and the UAE would then have 10 points, but India already have a better goal difference then the UAE and would go through on goal difference then the two sides played out a one-all draw. This would mean India would join Iraq in the final rounds.

But if the UAE win then India, if they beat Oman, only has a chance to progress as the best third placed side in the qualifiers. Why? Simply as India lost to Iraq 1-2 and have a negative head-to-head record against Iraq even if they have a better goal difference.

Now if Iraq and the United Arab Emirates play out a draw, then all these calculations are useless, then only the third place option remains, but that would only be decided once all qualification groups have been played.

A lot of maths, but as coach Arthur Papas has said let India first win against Oman, then all these calculations would come into play. Still we all hope for the best and a positive outcome for India...

Arthur Papas: Against Oman, we start as underdogs

Much of the credit for the transformation of the India Under-22s in the AFC U-22 Asian Championship qualifiers goes to new Head Coach Arthur Papas. With only 16 days of practice prior to landing in Muscat, Papas has been able to instill a sense of self-belief among the boys besides making them getting accustomed to his new style of play. Prior to India's do-or-die encounter against Oman on Tuesday where an Indian win may see India through to the final phase, Papas isn't willing to get affected by the permutations. The permutations tell you that an Indian victory and an Iraqi victory against UAE will see India through.

Papas now speaks about India's performance in the qualifiers, the match against Oman, his upcoming assignment with Pailan Arrows and a whole lot more...


What are your thoughts for the match against Oman?

Football wise Oman are a very capable side who have speed all over the field. They prefer to get many numbers behind the ball and rely on a couple of excellent individuals in the final third who can make the difference. Their central defenders seem to be a bit uncomfortable on the ball so instead of building from the back, they prefer to play direct football.

I must also add that Oman have enjoyed a logistical joyride in the tournament so far. They have been the only team in the Championship to have played all their matches at 8pm instead of 5pm when the heat is so much more punishing. They have also played all matches at one certain Stadium (Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex) unlike other teams who have had to rotate for matches and training venues. In a Championship as such where you play 5 matches in 11 days, it's a distinct advantage. This raises the question though of whether they are match hardened like our boys who have had to overcome every obstacle to reach this stage.


Going into the match against Oman, there's a lot of calculation on the table. Do you get affected by it?

Not one bit! There isn't any use to think elsewhere because irrespective we need to win our match. Therefore, we need to go into the Oman match with full concentration and focus on only what we can control. If at the end of 90 minutes we get a positive result, only then will we look at all the variables.


What do India need to do to get a positive result?

To get a positive result, we will have to ensure we are able to find a structure which allow us to win the second ball consistently and again we need to keep focusing on our positional understanding whenever we have the ball.

In every game, we have started as the lowest ranked nation and wear the tag of 'underdogs' to those outside. Internally though, we have developed an amazing team spirit, inner self-belief and have consistently grown in confidence day by day whilst playing a very positive brand of football.


Prior to the kick-off of the Championship, did you believe, we will be going this far?

I always felt there are some countries which have more potential that what the FIFA Rankings reflect, India being one of them. This is the reason I accepted the position or else I could comfortably have remained at Australia in the A-League. But I wanted a real challenge and it's in my nature to always want to keep being challenged. It's now my responsibility to improve the standards of football in the country in the areas that I am able to impact directly. We still have a long way to go but with people like Rob Baan and Wim Koevermans involved and with the Academies that are being established, we are only on the threshold of what is a huge potential.

In this group I have witnesses a talented generation of players who needed some guidance to believe they can do more and bring to the fore their footballing qualities which have always been there. Importantly, there is an eagerness to learn and a winning mentality and that's needed for future development.


How much of a credit do you take for the transformation in the team?

From a personal point of view, I always remain humble and level headed and having been given the job it's been about adding my own personal ideas as to how to steer the squad in a certain direction.

I am most critical of my own performance and am constantly criticising myself because I feel I can improve in the manner I work. I was fortunate to be mentored by a brilliant coach and person named Jan Versleijen (Dutch coach now working in the Chinese Super League) and although I am very much my own person with my own style having someone like Jan amongst others provided me with the education that has seen me now develop into the coach and person that I am now at the age of 32.

Overall, I feel it's the players who deserve the credit for what has transpired in this tournament. They are the ones who go out and execute what has been taught and they have been very courageous in their personalities and this is reflected in their football style. The players deserve all the praise.


From the time you took over, how have the boys responded?

There's no denying they were a bit cautious initially. After all, they have played in a different style till now and always I maintain this is no disrespect to the past. It was my job to convince them and build up a perception about our new style of play. Once convinced, I saw them enjoying the practice sessions. They are a more positive lot now.

It also reflects in the results so far. We have scored 11 goals in the five matches we have played and they have come against Nations who are ranked way higher than India. We are not finished yet though!


You have played different Playing XIs in different matches and there have even been as many as five changes in the Playing XI from the last match. Is this a conscious decision?

You need to approach every match with a different strategy as every team possess a different tactical approach. Therefore in every game, I need to look at the areas where we might need a different quality in the position both because there is either a weakness or strength from the opponent.

Also when you play five games in 11 days you need to utilise your whole squad. We have depth in the bench at the moment and the players are quite comfortable to change in situations because in the training preparation we consistently worked on all players understanding the whole system. It's flexible.


The bulk of this team come from Pailan Arrows. How much does it help considering you will shift base to Pailan for the I-League and other tournaments?

It's a huge positive. At the moment I have concentrated on the U-22 Championship but from the corner of my eye that fact that 17 players out of this bunch of 23 come of Pailan, obviously means a lot. For this tournament I haven't had the time to work on many of the individual characteristics of some of our players because team concepts outweigh the individual.

In Pailan we will have this opportunity and I expect to see much more development in the players over the course of the I-League season.

AFC U-22 Qualifiers: India trash Turkmenistan 4-1

The India Under-22s won 4-1 against Turkmenistan in their fourth match at the AFC Under-22 Asian Championship qualifiers at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, Oman to keep their chances to qualify for the finals alive with their final match against the hosts Oman on July 3.

Coach Arthur Papas made five changes to his starting eleven keeping with his style of using as many players as possible from his squad and it worked once more for him and his team in an emphatic victory.

India started on a cautious note. They stayed content in building from the back and switched flanks on a regular basis. There were passes being stitched, positions being interchanged. India had the regulator with them – they controlled the match and the goal stayed inevitable but they to wait a while. Sometimes one became impatient as opening the rival goalmouth at times, looked like improbable -- simply because Turkmenistan were not willing to push forward. By the 15th minute itself, they had 10 men defending.

The deadlock eventually broke in the 36th minute. Romeo Fernandes, India's super-sub against the United Arab Emirates made justice of Arthur Papas fielding him in the Starting XI. As he broke through inside the penalty box, rival defender Komekov Hemayat, beaten by Romeo’s sudden burst, found it best to bring him down. Midfielder Lalrindika Ralte slotted the penalty past Turkmen goalkeeper Garayev to put India in the lead.

Barely four minutes after Dika's penalty conversion, Alwyn George, still then, a bit suffocated in between a horde of Turkmenistan players, got past two but his prompt left-footer hit the post.

Changing over, Turkmenistan started-off with more purpose. The first five minutes had the Indians suddenly defending. The organisation stayed good but despite it, captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu had to stretch back to palm over a deflection. On the counter, a Romeo placement off a Vishak Kumar throw-in hit the upright in the 51st minute and then in the 55th minute, Manandeep Singh's long-ranger sailed over. And then Turkmenistan struck in the 59th minute – Farhad Italmazov's prompt right-footer beating a diving Gurpreet.

But the young Indians regrouped quickly – Alwyn George capitalising on a defensive lapse, chipped it over an onrushing Garayev in the 68th minute. Alwyn could have settled the issue in the 71st minute when he ran in between the entire defence and entered the rival box only for Garayev's legs to deprive him. But luckily it didn't matter as Romeo got his name on the scoring sheet for the second consecutive match in the 76th minute. This time, Alwyn provided the perfect supplier for him and Romeo made no mistake.

The second penalty for India on the day came in the 85th minute when substitute striker Jeje Lalpekhlua was pushed inside the box and Jeje gleefully converted from the spot.

For the rest of the match, the Indians maintained their shape. Turkmenistan did try to press hard but it came a bit too late and it ended 4-1 for India, who now have seven points from four matches and are in with a chance to qualify for the finals.


INDIA Under-22s

1-Gurpreet Singh Sandhu [Captain]; 26-Vishal Kumar, 4-Deepak Devrani, 14-Souvik Ghosh, 5-Narayan Das; 7-Ganeshan (63' 32-Tirthankar Sarkar), 17-Ongnam Milan Singh, 8-Lalrindika Ralte, 31-Romeo Fernandes (82' 3-Abhishek Das), 12-Alwyn George, 35-Manandeep Singh (69' 10-Jeje Lalpekhlua)

Arthur Papas: Much like the Aussies, Indians are fighters

"I had my doubts before coming here. But within three weeks I have been proved wrong. Much like the Australians, the Indians are a fighting lot," commented India U-22 coach Arthur Papas. "I'm happy to be proved wrong. India is a land of fighters. It's in the culture. I salute my boys the manner they keep fighting till the final whistle," Papas paid his tribute. This Papas said on Thursday evening after India's 1-1 draw against the United Arab Emirates.

Friday's morning sun shines bright in Muscat. The plan stays to look forward or rather, as Papas puts it, "to sustain the momentum." There's no messing around. The support staff takes care of the bruises and the players have already started to believe. The training sessions are no more dull, the team meetings, no more yawning. There's no waste of time – the Team Hotel looks a different Universe. Co-ordinated movement on and off the field has sunk early talks of a 'fluke' result. The thrill of a triumph in Footballing Philosophy – making stronger Nations cornered and getting them fearful, adds to the thrill of Papas' boys. But therein lies the danger.

"Turkmenistan stay a danger game for us," Papas tells you. "Basking in past results is what good teams can't afford. If we are starting to rebuild ourselves, we too need to walk the path."

National Coach Wim Koevermans and Technical Director Rob Baan come over and both encourage the boys for their fighting spirit. For a bunch where the average age stays around 20, earning a headline stays a dream for all. And for them, Wim stays the key to a headline – earning a spot in the National Team Camp by impressing him.

Alwyn George makes a comeback for the Turkmenistan match while Pranay Halder sits out, courtesy a double booking. "Alwyn's availability will give us more options. We need to plan carefully," Papas maintains, even as almost everyone in the Camp may have overheard him whispering notes about the Turkmenistan match to himself, almost immediately after the UAE match final whistle.

Papas is an honest guy. Not to deny there's certain bit of childishness about him. He jumps in joy when his team scores and when the dressing room is small, he prefers to climb a chair for everyone to see him clear. But he teaches well and makes his wards think big.

His philosophy has sort of re-invented Lalrindika Ralte. Papas insists, and Ralte goes beyond. Manandeep Singh stays a different flavour under Papas; Souvik Ghosh and Prathamaesh Maulingkar, a different mountain. Papas is not a stereotype; instead he stays someone who is willing to put all to test and fight against the pain to achieve.

With four points from three matches so far, most would be tempted to field Jeje Lalpekhlua upfront. But this is Papas. "I need to use him intelligently."

Jeje stays willing to wait. "I will do what my Coach tells me to do. He has a plan for everyone and I am also a part of it. He has explained what my role is and I know it," the Mizo striker proclaims, even as there are frantic calls from local Mizo fans to speak to Jeje and Dika.

Souvik and Prathamesh, the two central defenders who drew appreciation from all against Iraq and UAE, seem to watch, copy and learn from each other. The lanky Prathamesh has been invincible in the air and the nimble-footed Souvik, assured.

In between, General Secretary Kushal Das encourages all. "It's heartening to see the squad working as a cohesive unit. There's so much discipline all around," he said, prior to boarding his afternoon flight back home.

We prefer to roam around. In one of the rooms, you find Abhishek Das deep in meditation. You don't disturb him and move next. A rhythmic tone greets you in Shaiju Mon's room – he is sleeping. Jeje and Dika, the 'Tom and Jerry,' queue up for the ice-bath. A room ahead, Gurpreet is leading Manandeep in the Playstation.

"You have earned respect from all," Papas says in the meeting. "But respect for a footballer is fickle. We need to work harder to stay there," the boys listen. "Sip, sip and sip," Papas goes on. "Water intake has to be high." It's a must for everyone to carry a bottle with him whenever out.

In less than three weeks of training, this bunch has changed a lot. The style of play is interesting, discipline noteworthy and the fightback, in Papas' words, "much like the Aussies."

This team shows what potential Indian football has at international level, now it needs to nurtured further, also sustained and not lost.

The kick-off against Turkmenistan at Sultan Qaboos Stadium on Saturday, June 30 is at 17.00 local time (18.30 IST).

AFC U-22 Qualifiers: India hold mighty UAE to a draw

The India Under-22s drew one-all against the United Arab Emirates in their third match at the AFC Under-22 Asian Championship qualifiers at the Royal Oman Police Stadium in Muscat, Oman to keep their chances to qualify for the finals alive.

Indian coach Arthur Papas made three changes to his starting line-up as Vishal Kumar, Alwyn George and Jeje Lalpekhlua were benched, while they were replaced by Abhishek Das, Saiju Mon Muthappan and Tirthankar Sarkar in a more defensive starting line-up to counter the UAE.

The UAE's Jamal Ibrahim gave his side a 9th minute lead with India only getting the equaliser late in the game through substitute Romeo Fernandes just two minutes from time.

The early UAE goal was an initial setback but it didn't un-nerve India. Rather, they stayed content in building up from back. In the midfield, it was all about the workload. Be it a robust Manandeep Singh upfront, an intelligent Lalrindika Ralte, an irrepressible Milan Singh or a tireless Pranay Halder, the Indians pressed hard all throughout. The first half yielded seven corners and a handball shout was ruled out in the 40th minute inside the UAE penalty box.

Changing over, the UAE defended all throughout – not a strategy but were forced back. They tried to change the combination a number of times, but it failed. Romeo's fresh legs on the right stretched them and in the 51st minute, Tirthankar Sarkar missed heading into an empty second post, the ball agonisingly missing. Jeje replaced Tirthankar in the 69th minute and within two minutes, his free header off a Milan Singh corner just sailed over. UAE were just about surviving dangerously.

Eventually Romeo headed home in the 88th minute following a Vishal Kumar throw-in down the right. A minute later, Romeo had the best chance of the day when he sneaked in between the wall on the left, ran all the way into the 6-yard box but the rival goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Hosani's legs came in between.

National Coach Wim Koevermans and Technical Director Rob Baan congratulated the team on their splendid fightback. "I told you, you will find some good boys in this batch," India U-22 coach Arthur Papas told senior coach Wim Koevermans.

"The boys fought well. It was heartening to fight with such a spirit against such a quality side," AIFF general Secretary Kushal Das, who had dropped in to watch the match, commented. The match ended 1-1 and India could have easily gone back home with three points.

India next play Turkmenistan on June 30 and would need the three points to stay in contention for a place in the final round.


INDIA Under-22s

1-Gurpreet Singh Sandhu [Captain]; 3-Abhishek Das, 14-Souvik Ghosh, 6-Prathamesh Maulingkar, 5-Narayan Das; 34-Pronay Halder (76' 26-Vishal Kumar), 17-Ongnam Milan Singh, 28-Saiju Mon Muthappan (48' 31-Romeo Fernandes), 32-Tirthankar Sarkar (69' 10-Jeje Lalpekhlua), 8-Lalrindika Ralte, 35-Manandeep Singh

AFC Under-22 Qualifiers: India U-22s await confident UAE in decisive match

After their good performance against Iraq, but with no points to their name the India Under-22s know that against the United Arab Emirates only points will count or otherwise their AFC Under-22 Asian Championship qualifying campaign could be close to over.

Ranked 119 in the FIFA World rankings and more importantly, a team which has qualified for the forthcoming 2012 London Olympics, the United Arab Emirates are a tough challenge and with wins against Oman and Turkmenistan they look a tough hurdle to cross.

UAE Coach Baler Sadih says, "We have quite a few options up our sleeve. We look forward to the match." The UAE had been unstoppable so far. In the first match, they beat hosts Oman 2-0 while in the second they accounted for Turkmenistan 1-0.

Ask Arthur Papas and he admits, "This is a defining match in the tournament. We need to maintain our consistency. We have had two very good games so far. Though the results have been different, there are so many positives which have emerged."

"The boys have shown character and at this level you have to play with the same intensity every day," he adds. "UAE are a very tough opposition. I reiterate one shouldn't be expecting miracles. Everyone needs to be patient."

Early morning, the buzz is back. There's an intense Core Training Session in the gym. After breakfast, players line up for their treatment and massage. In between the Hotel staff, most of them Indians come over to inform the ice is waiting. The ice-bath will happen after the evening training session.

Someone who scored against the UAE Senior Team in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers - captain Jeje Lalpekhlua is ready to go. "I still remember Dika's (Lalrindika Ralte) cross which was inch perfect. I just had to nod it in," Jeje says. Dika, smiles. "The turf was slushy was maintaining balance was difficult. There's a sort of telepathy between Jeje and me," he quips.

You just can't keep Manandeep Singh quiet. Sitting next, he plays his one-two. "So on a lush field in Muscat, you will provide us five such centres!" a mischievous Manandeep presses. Jeje adds in a tone of surprise, "Five? We wait for 10 such crosses." The laughter goes all around. Dika stands up, walks to his boots, touches them, comes back and sits down.

"In International Matches, more often than not, the details decide the fate," Papas comments. "Minute details such as set pieces, corners, etc. We need to be perfect."

In the meantime, the phone just doesn't stop ringing. Indians, all based in Muscat, want to meet the team -- Diplomats, Bankers, Executives, Journalists. Requests for tickets flow in.

An UAE supporter, here in Muscat for official work, stayed confident, "Against India we will score minimum five goals," he says and laughs loud. None from the Indian Camp retaliates. They want to give a fitting reply on the field.

If Arthur Papas will send the same team as against Iraq onto the pitch is unknown. Changes look possible.

The kick-off at the Royal Oman Police Stadium is at 19.45 local time (21.15 IST) tomorrow - Thursday, June 28.

India U-22 coach Papas 'proud of his boys'

"Come here boys. I need to talk to you," 32 year old Australian Arthur Papas, coach of India's Under-22s, waved five minutes after the final whistle against Iraq.

Drenched, fatigued and obviously disappointed by then due to the 1-2 loss, the boys didn't want to move. After running all over for 90 minutes in over 40 degrees, lying on the soft lush green was pure bliss. But they had to.

"Listen! I am very proud to be your Coach. You make me proud. The manner you fought against a top quality side for 90 minutes, I'm pleased. I told you I'm not concerned about the result. You should have had a result but you were unlucky. I am proud that I am your Coach," Papas complimented.

The clapping from the boys, was impulsive. It had to be. The boys got up, re-energised.

Iraq's Coach Hakeem Shakir crossed over the centre-line and walked towards Papas. "I've seen many an Indian team in the past across all age-groups. But I admit this is the best Indian team I've ever played against. I mean it," he shook hands for one more time and walked off. What a compliment.

Papas stood still. That his confidence at just 32 is infectious, indications stay clear. In just 16 days of practice prior to coming to Muscat, he's instilled a sense of self belief in the team - a self belief which has been foreign for India. "We should have got a result in the match," he reiterates later.

You dig deep into his heart. In a sport whose roots in the history go deep, India are still chasing football in the modern age. And here is the man, entrusted to move the ball forward from knee-deep. With the towers at the picturesque Royal Oman Police Stadium surrounded by the brown mountains, which from a distance seem like chocolate energy bars being switched off one by one, you dig further back.

A Nation ranked 74th on the FIFA ladder, many a time in the last 20 minutes, took the ball to the corner flag to kill time. They were cornered. The final whistle brought them relief. Did ever India have such an authority over Iraq? The mind couldn't dig anymore.

"Australia couldn’t score against Iraq. We have," Papas stayed spot on. "But this is just the beginning. One bad day, you can have a bad result. It can happen to any team. So we all need to patient – the fans need to be patient, we need to be patient too," Papas comments.

UAE Coach Baler Sadih had come over more to watch Iraq; instead he jotted India more. "Your team can change the formation so fast. From 4-3-2-1 it becomes 4-3-1-2 and within ten minutes, you are 4-3-3. This is so flexible. Such teams are very dangerous," he appreciated.

Again, you need to go back to Papas. His team meetings are dissective enough to make you understand what needs to be done to get to the next level. Good Coaches always exhale positivity. Papas, possesses the quality – his intensity never fades.

The boys were rewarded for their effort. At the dining table, Papas declares, "Today you can have your dessert. I allow you." The grin just broadened. Desserts have been a strict no-no since Papas took over. The hard taskmaster that he is, sometimes you ought to wonder about the toughness about the man. But this man has a heart too, that too, a soft one.

Half an hour past midnight with most other rooms having the DND flashed on their doors, Papas walks the corridor and walks into a room to oversee. Stopper Prathamesh Maulinkar was having his ice-bath then; Milan Singh waited in queue. He taps both gently on their shoulders, enquires about the others, smiles, and walks off towards his room.

"It's 12.40am. But he hasn't gone to his bed as yet. And here he is enquiring whether we are fine," Milan looks into your eye. "I'm proud of my Coach. I'm proud to be playing under him," he became sentimental.

The next morning, the players who haven't played so far in the qualifiers, hit the gym early. At the breakfast table, Papas goes to each and talks. The boys listen.

You watch from a distance – a 'Proud' Coach with his 'Proud' boys. The next moment you overhear, "Today is a rest day. The bus will take you out. But you need to be in the Hotel by 5pm."

It seems Indian football has entered a new era.

AFC U-22 Qualifiers: Impressive India lose 1-2 against Iraq

The India Under-22s faced tougher opposition in the second match in Iraq at the AFC Under-22 Asian Championship qualifiers against whom the team lost 1-2 at the Royal Oman Police Stadium in Muscat, Oman.

It was an open game with chances on both sides with India impressing with their flexible play and formations, Arthur Papas has in weeks made a tough unit out of the boys. But Iraq used their chances better and their captain Ali Mohammed Alialah headed in a Jawad Kadhim cross in the 35th minute after Jawad got past Vishal Kumar and had sneaked into the box. Only a few minutes later captain Jeje Lalpekhlua limped off and substitute Holicharan Narzary almost scored off his first touch with the ball with his header just off the target. His partner Manandeep Singh in the 42nd minute almost scored but Alialah was able to deflect it the last moment for a corner.

After the break Iraq doubled the lead in the 49th minute through Ammar Abdul Hussein and it seemed all over. But despite down by two goals, India didn't panic. Rather, they regrouped. After a string of passes in the 69th minute, Lalrindika Ralte’s long-ranger almost beat the diving rival goalkeeper Yaseen Yas but he managed to palm it away for a corner. In the very next minute, Dika's free-kick hit the wall.

India were now putting Iraq under pressure with Dika and Allwyn's one-twos had the Iraqis guessing. In the 75th minute, Manandeep tried to tap in between the two stoppers but Yaseen Yas was quick to react.

The Iraqis tried to slow the game down in the last quarter but Alwyn was too good for them. He shrugged off three defenders and tap it over an onrushing Yaseen in the 82nd minute to reduce the deficit.

The rest of the match, India went all out but Iraq managed to hold on. A handball shout was even ruled out. The books may suggest the score for future but the spirit and camaraderie will never be reflected in that. This is a resurgent India who plays till the final whistle and this generation fights until the end.

India next play the United Arab Emirates on July 28 in a crucial tie which could decide, if India retain a chance to reach the final round or not.


INDIA Under-22s

1-Gurpreet Singh Sandhu; 26-Vishal Kumar, 14-Souvik Ghosh, 6-Prathamesh Maulingkar, 5-Narayan Das; 34-Pronay Halder (58' 7-Ganeshan), 17-Ongnam Milan Singh (83' 31-Romeo Fernandes), 8-Lalrindika Ralte; 12-Alwyn George, 35-Manandeep Singh, 10-Jeje Lalpekhlua [Captain] (38' 19-Holicharan Harzary)

Manandeep Singh: I'm more mentally strong now!

Young striker Manandeep Singh had a breakthrough season at Air India in the I-League, he will play for East Bengal Club next season. But currently his focus is on the India Under-22s with which he is playing in the AFC Under-22 Asian Championship qualifiers. But Manandeep Singh who lost his grandfather some days back still he preferred to stay back with the team and played a stellar role in India's victory against Lebanon. In the interview Manandeep spoke at length about his personal loss, his graduation into mainstream Indian football, Arthur Papas' new style of play and much more.


Do you feel you have graduated into the mainstream?

It's not for me to say. My Coaches will be able to tell you that. My job is to perform. A striker will be reaching goal-scoring situations in every match. The more the conversion rate, the better the striker. I am trying to improve upon that.


How much important is it for a striker to play regularly?

Leave aside a striker, any player sitting on the bench will start to lose his confidence. But at the same time, a team only comprises of 11 players. It's a healthy competition among all teammates to get into that (starting) XI. Once you are in, you need to improve to maintain your spot otherwise someone else will snatch it from you.


How much did your stint with Indian Arrows help you?

A lot! The Indian Arrows are a platform for youngsters to get a chance to play regularly. Looking back at the Arrows, almost 13 boys have already represented India at the Senior level. And most are around 22. Though injury intervened in between, Arrows helped me to establish myself in Indian football. And when next season I got a regular chance with Air India, I grabbed it.


You lost your grandfather some days back and were supposed to go back home for the rituals.

My dad called-up and passed on the news. I was devastated. I was very close to him. I had to take a call – continue playing for my country or go back. My grandfather always supported me as a footballer and wanted me to become a top-notch striker. My conscience told me to stay back and play for my team.


Is concentrating in such a situation tough?

You seem lost at that moment. I wanted to take solace in what I do best – play football. The ball and the game took away my pain. I told to myself, if I get to start in the first match, I will come across an opportunity to score. I am much more mentally strong now.


What did Arthur Papas tell you?

I was given a responsibility and I tried my best. He (Arthur Papas) had some specific instructions for me and my job was to stick to it and possibly do more value addition for the team.


What's your take on India's next match against Iraq?

It will be a difficult match for us. My job is to give my 100 percent on the field and never escape. In fact, it's the job of all the eleven players. Iraq are a very strong side. We need play together as a unit.


Tell us something about India's new style of play?

The style requires a lot of discipline. To be honest, when we were told about this new style of play, we had our doubts. It doesn't mean we have grasped all of it. We are still learning and will continue to learn. There are certain duties entrusted upon all of us. We need to perform individually and help each other as a team. The mind frame is much more positive now.

AFC U-22 Qualifiers: India face tough Iraq test

After their opening 5-2 win against Lebanon, the India Under-22s have come in for a lot of praise for the way they won the match under new coach Arthur Papas against the west Asian side. Now they face tougher opposition in Iraq, who won their opening match 4-0 against Turkmenistan.

Arthur Papas is just loved by his boy. Within a span of three weeks, Papas has been able to turn around a batch to try to play a different style; a style unheard and unseen of in India. Most had felt the style never suited India. And mind you, Papas knew none of the boys prior to taking up the assignment.

Midfielder Lalrindika Ralte certifies, "We stayed a bit skeptical about the style at the outset. But we are enjoying it at the moment." Captain Jeje Lalpekhlua adds, "We are a confident lot now but we need to be a more complete lot." And Deepak Devrani feels, "Earlier by instinct we were different. Now, the instinct stays different."

The Australian Coach, smiles. "We need to be cautious. Iraq are one of the strongest teams in Asia. It's true we will take a lot of confidence from our match against Lebanon. But against Iraq, it will be a different match altogether," he maintains. For the record, Iraq are currently 74th in the FIFA Rankings while India are 164th.

Iraq were very much clinical in their display when they brushed aside Turmkenistan 4-0 in their first match of the Championship. "We will fight and try for a positive result. So far, the boys have shown excellent character," Papas adds.

The beauty of this squad stays everyone stays willing to back each other. Against Lebanon, there were three who made their International Debut -- Shaiju Mon, Ganeshan and Alwyn George. Alwyn went on to score a brace while Shaiju and Ganeshan played with attitude in midfield.

There's someone else who just can't stop beaming – Jeje Lalpekhlua. It was his debut match after almost six months as an injury had kept him out. The last 30 minutes he was on the field and he seemed to be omnipresent. He stayed willing to come down to help his teammates, opened the space for Alwyn and Lalrindika in the midfield and significantly, converted the two chances he got.

"We are friends – all from the same age group. It helps. The Coach has had a specific plan for me and my responsibility is to execute it," Jeje opines.

The years of international experience of many of the boys for India junior teams does help now.

The morning after the win, the support staff run all around. Players leave their playstations as the intercom rings. The massage table waits, so does the ice bath. All take it one by one. Papas keeps track of every minute detail.

Even as the team bus pierces the blur of brown rocks which form the rocky desert in the City, dessert stays taboo for all. "Relish your dessert and you won’t be able to relish yourself on the field," has been Papas' instruction. At the Dining Hall, the players pass by ignoring the sumptuous spread of desserts.

The kick-off against Iraq is at 19.45 local time (21.15 IST).

AFC U-22 Qualifiers: India trash Lebanon 5-2!

The India Under-22s started their campaign in the AFC Under-22 Asian Championship qualifiers with a resounding 5-2 victory against Lebanon at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, Oman.

Striker Manandeep Singh paid the perfect tribute to his deceased grandfather heading in a scorching header off a Lalrindika cross in the 15th minute to put India in the lead while Alwyn George slotted in past an advancing rival goalkeeper Nazih Hassan in the 38th minute. He added one more in the 54th minute while Jeje Lalpekhlua scored his first goal in the 70th minute and completed the rout in injury time. Lebanon had pulled goals back through substitute Omar Kurdi in the 48th minute while Abdul Fattah scored his teams other goal in the 69th minute.

Under the new coach Arthur Papas the new style was about possession. The boys stayed as protective of the ball, they roamed around it all over, sometimes at a leisurely place, the next moment with a sudden run. Lebanon chased.

In the first half, India were more prepared; more organised. The practice sessions in Delhi and Dubai helped the team to acclimatise faster then the Lebanese. Muscat, despite being hotter, was more homely for them than Lebanon. It showed as Manandeep Singh gave India a 15th minute lead before Alwyn George doubled the lead in the 38th minute.

But just three minutes into the second session Lebanon reduced the margin through Omar Kurdi sneaking in between the two stoppers Souvik Ghosh and Deepak Devrani to slot it home. Suddenly it seemed, India were losing the plot and Arthur Papas, not much pleased in the momentum being lost, wanted to bring on captain Jeje Lalpekhlua, who is still not 100% fit. But before Jeje replaced Manandeep, Alwyn George made it 3-1. Receiving the ball midway into the rival half, Alwyn sneaked past three Lebanese players and placed it in the corner for his second goal of the match. Lebanon once more reduced the deficit through Abdul Fattah's tap in off a melee in the 69th minute but the very next minute Jeje announced his arrival scoring into the right corner of the inner box.

With no option left, Lebanon went all out. India stayed content in slowing down the pace for the rest of the match. Lebanon did try to press hard but it came too late. On the contrary, Dika hit the post which should have been India's fifth goal, but his room mate Jeje made it 5-2 off a counter in injury time.

The India Under-22s made a successful start under new 32-year Australian coach Arthur Papas with the team playing with more intent for a deserving victory.

In the dressing room, Manandeep couldn't hold himself back. His heart was too wet by then and tears overflowed into his eyes. His team mates consoled him. Tears of pain? Or Tears of Joy?

"I wanted to pay my respect to my Grandfather. He loved me like anything," Manandeep said. Alwyn came over put his arm around his shoulder and the duo walked towards the team bus. The rest followed.

It ended an emotional, but successful afternoon in Muscat. No tougher assignments will be waiting for the Indians in the coming days.



INDIA Under-22s

1-Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Captain); 3-Abhishek Das, 14-Souvik Ghosh, 4-Deepak Devrani, 5-Narayan Das; 7-Ganeshan (67' 34- Pronay Halder), 17-Ongnam Milan Singh, 28-Shaiju Mon Muthappan (86' 32-Tirthankar Sarkar), 8-Lalrindika Ralte; 12-Alwyn George, 35-Manandeep Singh (55' 10-Jeje Lalpekhlua)

India Under-22s start against Lebanon tomorrow

The India Under-22s tomorrow open their AFC Under-22 Asian Championship qualification campaign against Lebanon in Muscat, Oman in what is a tough group for the Indian boys. A good start could set to tone for the rest of the qualifiers, a loss might indirectly mean the end of the dream to qualify for the final round.

Head Coach Arthur Papas said, "It is our first match of the Championship and is a critical one. A good start can provide us the optimism to look a qualification."

You ought to like the man for sure. He has been successful enough to impart a strict sense of discipline within the team. There's a certain dress code for all to follow; if you are late for the meals, you are 'punished'. The punishment ranges from having intense extra sprints in practice to singing a song prior to lunch or dinner.

With things taking a bit more than usual to settle down after checking into the Muscat Hotel on yesterday, a few of his wards arrived a bit late for lunch. They had to sing. "Jana Gana Mana…" The start just couldn’t have been better. All appreciated.

"This is very necessary. There's unity in the team. We need to push ourselves to be on time and perfect for everything. Football is all about that," midfielder Lalrindika Ralte adds.

On the field, Papas has been stressing on a new style of play - a style which emphasises on keeping possession of the ball. Once you get it, you can't afford to let it go. And you have to admit, the boys have shown 'tremendous maturity'.

"The practice sessions are fun," proclaims Ralte. "We are enjoying it. Everyone is enjoying it."

You watch from a distance. It's all about touches – one, two, three, four… and at times, seems unending. Unaffected, relaxed, confident, one can rely on his skills. "We need to strike a balance," is all what Papas will tell you.

Off the field, almost every moment, he's on his toes. "Water intake should be high," he says. The boys nod. "No desserts please," he goes on. The boys agree. "No late nights. Take enough rest," the boys trust their new coach.

The conditions in Oman were supposed to be foreign. There's a heat wave which will prompt you to believe the indoors are the best place on Earth. But the Camp in New Delhi and Dubai has proved beneficial though Papas informs: "Dubai was less hot."

Lebanon challenge India in their first match tomorrow (5 pm local, 6.30 pm IST). Iraq, UAE, Turkmenistan and Oman would follow in the coming days.

"We stay on a threshold," Captain Jeje Lalpekhlua proclaims, "We have adjusted to a new style, it's a new bunch and we have a new Coach at the helm. There's a more definite approach at the moment," he adds. "I've recovered fully and am fit at the moment!"

Tomorrow the boys need to prove how quickly they have been to learn and if they can get a positive result at the start.

India U-22 coach Papas: We need to strike a balance & be patient!

A heat wave greeted the India Under-22 Team for the AFC Under-22 Asian Championship qualifiers as they landed in the Omani capital Muscat today. The boys who have been preparing for over a week at the Al Wasl Campus in Dubai settled down fast as Head Coach Arthur Papas made them sweat in an afternoon practice session at the Sultan Qaboos Complex. After the training Arthur Papas spoke at length about India's new style of play, India's Group, the squad, his philosophy on Jeje Lalpehklua and a lot more.


Since the time you took over the team, what are the changes which have taken place?

There have been subtle changes in the overall playing philosophy over the course of two weeks. It's mostly based on developing a style which emphasises on ideas when we stay in possession of the ball. The idea is to be patient and wait for the correct moment for the build up or for example aim to penetrate from deep.

There are so many variables in football and it's been about guiding the decision making process of the youth players by providing them a structure to work from within.

At the same time we have had to find a balance with this style because you cannot expect to perfect the system in just over two weeks. I have had to take into consideration the current conditioning of the players. I've understood the instincts of the boys from the practice sessions and the practice matches.


Are you impressed with the fitness level of the players as you head into the Championship?

The positive part stays that we have been able to keep majority of the players away from injuries. Apart from Bikramjit Singh who unfortunately picked up a minor ankle strain in our last practice match and unluckily had to miss out, the rest stay in good shape. Obviously we can't deny that we will also miss some other very influential players who were injured prior to the camp. But the fact that we have been able to re-introduce players like Jeje Lalpekhlua and Deepak Devrani, both of whom are returning from an injury lay-offs, I stay content.

Ideally we would like to have been much more match conditioned as we head to the Championship. Our friendly matches have served as a good opportunity to keep learning about our system of play and identify players.


You have insisted upon a new style of play since you joined as Head Coach. During this short span, how much have the boys been able to adapt to the new style?

I need to praise the players as they have shown tremendous maturity during the short period we have been together. They stay open to approaching the game with an open mind and understanding the various ways it can be played. There are still many areas which need to be improved and this can only be achieved by developing together our ideas with time.

As always I approach a tournament with the intention to win but at the same time I am looking at players who I believe have attributes can develop into Senior National Team Players for India. This means that maybe a slightly older player has missed out on selection in favour of a younger player who I think with exposure to these type of tournaments can further develop and in the longer term and become a better prospect for the Indian National team.


Understandably the draw couldn't have been tougher for India. What do you expect from the tournament?

We are competing against some very good countries who have really improved their footballing level over the course of 3-4 years. It's a position we intend to reach in the future. At this stage all our focus stays towards our first game against Lebanon on June 23. This is a critical game and a good start can provide us with optimism to look at qualification.


What's the status of Jeje Lalpekhlua? How much of a role does he play in your scheme of things?

Jeje is a player I have much respect for simple for the manner he conducts himself on and off the field. He is the type of character you enjoy working with as a Coach. So far he has been slowly re-introduced into full training only since the last four days. As I had mentioned earlier, I will not be risking the long term health of Jeje or any other player. They are still young and I maintain that although the short-term success of our team would be a great achievement, it should not come at the cost of any of our talented youth players for the long-term. He has a great future ahead of him and needs the correct guidance to manage his body.


Will this be your toughest assignment so far?

Football assignments are not tough on a grand scale. They are challenging, sometimes rewarding and sometimes soul-searching. There are so many emotions involved and it engulfs your thought process to a level which is hard to be comprehended. It's an unique 24x7 job.

However, I can't say this is tough when I compare my life to some of the hardships that are a part of everyday life, e.g. seeing people begging on the streets, homeless and with no money. All that, I consider is tougher. I try my best to keep perspective at all times. I can promise I will give my utmost to help Indian football develop to a level much higher than its current state.

Jeje Lalpekhlua to captain India Under-22s

Pune FC's Jeje Lalpekhlua will lead India in the AFC Under-22 Asian Championship qualifiers to be played in Muscat from June 23. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has been named his deputy. The Indian squad which has been preparing at the Al Wasl Training Ground in Dubai leaves for Muscat on Thursday, June 21 morning for the qualifiers.

The final 23 players were also named for the qualifiers with Ramandeep Singh (Air India), Chingkhei Meetei Yumnam (Tata Football Academy), David Lalbiakzara (Pune FC), Bikramjit Singh Sr. (Pailan Arrows) and Rajinder Kumar (Pailan Arrows) being left out of the final squad.

"It is a huge honour for me to lead my country," Jeje said on the appointment. "We have been training under Head Coach Arthur Papas since the first week of June and he has been a pillar of support to all of us," Jeje added.

India who have been clubbed with hosts Oman, Lebanon, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Turkmenistan in Group A of the qualifiers. India open their campaign against Lebanon on June 23.

Meanwhile, the India U-22s defeated DNATA Club 4-1 in their second friendly match yesterday. After a barren first half, Lalrindika Ralte scored a brace for India while Shyjumon and striker Manandeep Singh scored one apiece.


INDIA U-22 Team

Goalkeepers
Soram Poirei Angamba (Shillong Lajong FC), Ravi Kumar (Pailan Arrows), Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (East Bengal Club)

Defenders
Abhishek Das (East Bengal Club), Narayan Das (Tata Football Academy), Deepak Devrani (Pailan Arrows), Souvik Ghosh (Pailan Arrows), Pritam Kotal (Pailan Arrows), Vishal Kumar (Pailan Arrows), Prathmesh Maulingkar (Pailan Arrows)

Midfielders
Romeo Fernandes (Dempo SC), Ganeshan (Pune FC), Pronoy Haldar (Pailan Arrows), Shyjumon (Chirag United Kerala), Deepak Prakash (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited), Lalrindika Ralte (Churchill Brothers SC), Tirthankar Sarkar (Pailan Arrows), Ongnam Milan Singh (Pailan Arrows), Simranjit Singh (Tata Football Academy)

Forwards
Alwin George (Pailan Arrows), Jeje Lalpekhlua (Pune FC, Captain), Holicharan Narzary (Pailan Arrows), Manandeep Singh (Air India)

Officials
Arthur Papas (Head Coach)

India U-22 draw friendly against African XI

The Indian Under-22 squad presently camping in Dubai for the forthcoming AFC Under-22 Asian Championship qualifiers were held to a 2-2 draw in their first practice match against a combined African XI today. Midfielders Lalrindika Ralte and Tirthankar Sarkar scored the goals for the Indian squad.

Head Coach Arthur Papas used 18 players in the match which was played at Al Wasl's training ground. The rival opposition comprised of players from Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Cameroon, who have come to Dubai to appear in trials for various UAE clubs.

"It is a good result against a very tough opposition," Arthur Papas maintained. "The positive part stays the boys are improving," he added.

"We wanted to play at 5pm (local time) as that's the time when our first match against Lebanon kicks-off. The temperature was 39 degrees," he informed. India play their first qualifying match in Muscat on June 23 against Lebanon.

"We will play another practice match on Tuesday (June 19). The squad has so far stayed away from injuries and we need to take care of ourselves," Papas maintained.

Indian Under-22 squad leaves for Dubai camp

A 28-member Indian Under-22 squad for the forthcoming AFC U-22 Asian Championship qualifiers leaves for an eight-day training camp in Dubai tonight. The team being coached by Australian Arthur Papas would be training at the Al Wasl Training Ground in Dubai. In addition, the Indian squad would also be playing two practice matches during their stay in Dubai including one against DNATA Club.

The team leaves for the Omani capital Muscat on June 21. India have been clubbed with the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Iraq, Lebanon and Turkmenistan in Group A of the qualifiers.

Papas, who has been in charge of the squad since June 1, admitted it's a tough group. "They are quality teams. But since we have trained together since the first day of the month, there are signs of improvement," he maintained.

"But all of us, including me need to be patient," the Australian added.

During their training in Delhi, the Indian squad played two friendly matches against a select Delhi XI and won both of them with a 4-0 scoreline. In the AFC U-22 Asian Championship qualifiers, India play their first match against Lebanon on June 23 at the Al Seeb Sports Stadium in Muscat. The squad would be pruned down to 23 before the squad leaves Dubai for the Championship.

The following boys in Ricardo Cardozo (Tata Football Academy), Mohammed Irfan Khan (Tata Football Academy), Rowllin Borges (Sporting Clube de Goa), Malswamfela (Pailan Arrows) and Pankaj Sona (Tata Football Academy) have been left out of the 28 players squad.


INDIA U-22 Selection Trialists

Goalkeepers
Soram Poirei Angamba (Shillong Lajong FC), Ravi Kumar (Pailan Arrows), Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (East Bengal Club)

Defenders
Abhishek Das (East Bengal Club), Narayan Das (Tata Football Academy), Deepak Devrani (Pailan Arrows), Souvik Ghosh (Pailan Arrows), Pritam Kotal (Pailan Arrows), Vishal Kumar (Pailan Arrows), Prathmesh Maulingkar (Pailan Arrows), Ramandeep Singh (Air India), Chingkhei Meetei Yumnam (Tata Football Academy)

Midfielders
Romeo Fernandes (Dempo SC), Ganeshan (Pune FC), Pronoy Haldar (Pailan Arrows), David Lalbiakzara (Pune FC), Shyjumon (Chirag United Kerala), Deepak Prakash (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited), Lalrindika Ralte (Churchill Brothers SC), Tirthankar Sarkar (Pailan Arrows), Bikramjit Singh (Sr) (Pailan Arrows), Ongnam Milan Singh (Pailan Arrows), Simranjit Singh (Tata Football Academy)

Forwards
Alwin George (Pailan Arrows), Jeje Lalpekhlua (Pune FC), Rajinder Kumar (Pailan Arrows), Holicharan Narzary (Pailan Arrows), Manandeep Singh (Air India)

Officials
Arthur Papas (Head Coach)

India U-22 win 4-0 again vs Delhi XI!

The India Under-22 squad in their second practice match defeated a combined Delhi XI 4-0 played at the Ambedkar Stadium today. Striker Holicharan Narzary scored a brace which included a scorching left-footer from the top of the box with Pritam Kotal and Lalrindika Ralte scoring the other goals.

The match was played in three halves of thirty minutes each as Head Coach Arthur Papas stayed content in trying out different combinations. "The intention was to field as many players as possible," Papas said after the match. "The boys have improved a lot in the nine days we have been together. We kept possession of the ball a lot better and at the same time we were able to switch from one end to the other with ease," Papas added.

Striker Jeje Lalpekhlua, who has been injured for a while, came on in the last 30 minutes. "The idea was to keep Jeje on the field for at least 30 minutes. This was his first match in six months," Papas commented.

The Indian squad leaves for Dubai for a seven-day exposure camp in Dubai on Thursday, June 14 where they would be playing two more practice matches. India open their AFC Under-22 Asian Championship qualifying campaign against Lebanon on June 23 in Muscat, Oman.