Prathamesh Maulingkar: We owe everything to Arrows!

Pailan Arrows and Under-22 India centre-back Prathamesh Maulingkar aims to make the most out of his stint with Pailan Arrows as he moves to Dempo SC on a loan. In an interview with AIFF Media, Prathamesh speaks his heart out about his sting with Arrows, its impact, contribution of Arrows to Indian football, Coach Arthur Papas, his Dempo SC's childhood heroes and much more.


How do you reflect back on your journey with the Arrows?

It's about an initiative by All India Football Federation which invested in a rookie, trained, taught and guided him mature and made them footballers. It is because of Arrows, I am what I am today. There's no other way other than thanking them from the bottom of my heart. Thank you so much!


What was most memorable?

It's impossible to pin point one single incident. Everything has been so memorable, every moment. Like as it happens with all, I faced ups and lows in my career. But I was never dropped. Whenever I hit a low, I was taken special care of. In fact, not only me, but all of us!

The management could have easily dropped me from their plans but didn't. Rather, they invested and backed me to the hilt. That sort of confidence was so much essential for a young player like me. Or should I reiterate, for all of us. It helped us to showcase our talent.


Which aspect of Arrows will you carry with you?

The discipline! Indian Arrows and Pailan Arrows have been like an Academy. It stays the perfect stage to groom a player. We have developed our habits from it and learnt everything from there. It helped us to mature fast.


There are a lot of ex-Arrows boys who are big names in Indian football. How do you describe that?

That was bound to happen. The Arrows were formed at a stage when we had nowhere to go. It was the transition phase, a phase which has killed the motivation of so many youngsters just for the lack of an opportunity to play.

In 2010 when Arrows were formed, some of us may have been roped in by clubs but it was on open secret they won't ever get a chance to play. Ever! In such a situation, Arrows gave us the perfect platform to play in the I-League. What more can you ask for? We were all U-19 boys at that time but we got to play regularly. And we played well, that too being a team without any foreign recruits.

Jeje Lalpekhlua, Lalrindika Ralte, Raju Gaikwad, Jewel Raja Shaikh, Manandeep Singh, Bikramjit Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and we all, owe it to the Arrows. It shaped our careers.


What stayed your turning point?

I was a junior player when I first joined Arrows and obviously, I was not the first choice. But I waited for my chance. The U-22 AFC Qualifiers gave me a lot of confidence. It was my first International Tournament and when Coach Arthur Papas put his faith in me, I had to pay him back.

Playing against Iraq, UAE, Oman, Lebanon and other teams gave me a lot of confidence. It changed me as a player.


There has been a shift in the Coaching philosophy in Arrows. How do you describe that?

It wasn't easy. In fact, when (Arthur) Papas took over and showed to us what he wanted, we found it hard to believe we could play that way. If you look at the earlier years, though we performed well, we were groomed in a different fashion. Hence, we had our apprehensions.

But we realised fast Papas was stressing on the basics and henceforth, adapting was no more a problem. He stresses on modern-day football and we are enjoying it. I can tell you, we are getting better day by day. The football which we play is a breath of fresh air.


What do you except from defending champions Dempo SC?

The gesture from Arrows floored me. The moment I received an offer from Dempo SC, they realised it will benefit me in the long run (at this stage) and responded fast and released me. I need to thank them for that too.

From my side, all I can say is that I'm ready for the next step. I will carry my experience and work culture and blend them with the Dempo philosophy.

I know, I may not get a start immediately but I will wait for my chance and prove myself whenever I get it. It’s a dream come true to be playing alongside Mahesh Gawli, Sameer Naik and Climax Lawrence, all of whom have been my childhood heroes.

(Interview & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

Alwyn George regarded as 'Special Talent', wants to last the distance

20 year old Alwyn George had had an incredible rise over the last few months switching over from the Tata Football Academy to the Pailan Arrows, getting a call-up for the India Under-22 and being a key played in their AFC Under-22 Championship qualifiers campaign and now he has been selected amongst the 20 players to represented India at the 2010 Nehru Cup from next week.

Humble yet confiden, but also down to earth that's Alwyn George for you. And testimony to his reassuring self-belief were the AFC Under-22 Championship qualifiers in Muscat where the Indian colts were a positive surprise though not qualifying for the final round.

Alwyn impressed in all the three matches he played. If a brace in the opening encounter against Lebanon was a sign of things to come, this young attacking midfielder found the back of the net every time he donned the Blue jersey.

But all that is past now. His good show has earned him a place in the senior team – in the final list of 20 for the Nehru Cup.

"I play just behind the striker and my job is to distribute the ball and set it up for the striker. The 4-4-1-1 suits me as I can fit in that hole behind the striker. Wim (Koevermans) has always been guiding me and giving me instructions," said Alwyn George.

"Let this be the start. I have worked hard and it is my dream to play for the Indian Senior Team. My performance in the AFC U-22 Championship (qualifiers) has helped me become more confident," added George.

Having played under Arthur Papas, who was the coach of the India Under-22s in Muscat, George feels that Koevermans and Papas are quite similar in their tactics. "Both of them have similar styles and their way of approaching the game suits me."

In fact, his graph has been on a high ever since he graduated from the Tata Football Academy. He was roped in by the Pailan Arrows and immediately drafted into the I-League starting XI. His main strength stays have been his runs which invariably catches the rival defence on the wrong foot.

A man of few words, George though was keen to share his Muscat adventures. "We performed really well under testing circumstances in Muscat. We were lower ranked and played against some good quality opposition. I am really happy we performed so well. It was a great learning curve."

He has already made an impression among his Seniors. "Mark my words, this is a very big star in the making," said seasoned Syed Rahim Nabi referring to Alwyn the other day. "I only pray he stays away from injuries. He is a special talent."

Alwyn smiled. He knows, his journey has just begun. "I have to last the distance. I need to be consistent and improve at every step."

The first few steps have been encouraging, now he has to stay focused and keep going.

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.

Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu heads to EPL's Wigan Athletic for trial!

Further positive trial news for Indian football! India Under-22 and East Bengal Club goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is heading for England on Wednesday for a trial-cum-training stint with Premiership side Wigan Athletic. Gurpreet will not qualify for a work permit as per UK work permit rules, then a player needs to have played 75% of international matches for his country in the 12 previous months and the country needs to be Top 75 in the FIFA world rankings. But if Gurpreet can prove himself to the Wigan coaching staff then they could sign him and loan him to a feeder club in Europe on the continent.

The trial has been made possible by former English goalkeeper and Ten Sports pundit John 'Budgie' Burridge, who saw Gurpreet at a Team India training camp in Dubai, saw the talent besides having the physic and build which he thinks can make him a Premeirship goalkeeper and since then has remained in touch with the boy from Mohali in Punjab.

Budgie was the man who 'discovered' Oman international goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi, made him a complete Premiership goalkeeper, who has played for Bolton Wanderers and is now with Wigan Athletic.

Since the first contact Budgie has maintained communication with Gurpreet and has given the young keeper advice whenever possible. With TenAction+ showing the I-League matches last season it also enabled Budgie to watch his ward in action and he also travelled to Oman to watch the AFC Under-22 Championship qualifiers in which Gurpreet played a stellar role not only as goalkeeper but also as stand-in captain for Jeje Lalpekhlua.

The 6ft5in (1,95 m) tall goalkeeper started his football with the St. Stephen's Academy in Chandigarh and went through all the India Junior national teams before East Bengal picked him up in 2009. After season with the juniors of the red-and-gold he joined their senior team, but then after a year left for the Indian Arrows. There he established himself as an I-League player and then returned to East Bengal to share the no.1 spot with seasoned Sandip Nandy.

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

Lalrindika Ralte: In such a match, you need to pump in a bit extra

Lalrindika Ralte, known as Dika to friends, at barely 21 his talent has never been in doubt but already an established member of the Senior Indian squad for over a year, the 'Senior' in India's Under-22 squad feels team spirit makes this bunch a whole lot different from other squads. Here Dika speaks about India's chances against Oman, the minute details off the field, Head Coach Arthur Papas and a lot more.


You have played for India since the Under-16 level to the Senior Team. Can you spot anything special in this team?

This team is a united lot and that makes it special. Everyone is ready to support each other. Players who are not playing on a day are involved in the match as much as those who are sitting on the bench. The team spirit makes this an unique bunch.

I need to mention Arthur (Papas) has played a major hand in this. He has made all of us aware of our responsibilities both on and off the field.


India face a must-win situation against Oman. What are the feelings?

In such a match, your hundred percent may not yield a favourable result and you always need to pump into something extra. You have a look at our families and you'll see we don't get to be with them more than 10-15 days in a year. So we ought to make this sacrifice count.


You and Alwyn George complement each other in the midfield. How do you describe him?

He is a new player but possesses such a mature head. He is always able to break free and that makes him special. I see him as an exceptionally gifted individual.


Arthur Papas stresses on the minute details off the field. What are they?

There are some basic things which sometimes we prefer to overlook. Water intake has to be high, especially as you are playing in the heat; you need to have proper rest and sleep well. You also need to stick to a diet. Desserts stay a taboo for us. You ought to stay and move as a team – it's all about discipline.


How do you define India's performance in the AFC Under-22 Championship so far?

Prior to coming here, this was the 'Group of Death'. But we still have a chance and are alive and ticking. That explains it all. We have been taught to be compact on the field and we stick to the instructions. Most importantly, your style of play has to be adjusted to what your team needs from you and not what you want to play as an individual. That stays the key.

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)

Wim Koevermans: Some elements have been promising indeed

The new India senior national team coach Wim Koevermans, Technical Director Rob Baan and AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das were all at yesterday's India U-22 vs UAE U-22 match in the AFC Under-22 Asian Championship qualifiers. At a training session in Muscat there was a chance for Koevermans to met India's U-22 boys for the first time and it was a special moment for them. A day later, Koevermans and Baan spoke at length about India's performance against United Arab Emirates, the coaching philosophy, discipline and a lot more.


You watched India take on United Arab Emirates in the AFC U-22 Championship qualifiers. What was been your impression?

Koevermans: I am quite pleased with the manner things were conducted on the pitch. Obviously, there are areas of improvement. But one needs to remember that the performance came against a strong side as United Arab Emirates. We had our moments on the field and could have won it. There were some elements which are very promising indeed.

Rob Baan, sitting next, nodded & added: It was heartening to see that boys were focused all throughout. They were passionate to play for their country, though I must admit that the passion at times, was disturbing the tactics a bit. Baan smiled, so did Wim.


What was your perception of Indian football prior to taking over?

There were some similarities in the style of play with Ireland, the last Nation I worked in. But at the International level, the game has changed vastly and we need to implement the same to keep ourselves updated. We need to get accustomed fast and try to develop with a young set of boys.


It was only 16 days of practice that the Under-22 squad had under Arthur Papas prior to coming over to Oman. Are you impressed the manner the boys have settled down to the new style of play?

The new style and discipline will take time. There will have to be changes and it always takes time. So we just can't afford to hurry at the moment. Let's be patient and the difference will be evident.


You will be officially taking charge from July 1 and the 2012 Nehru Cup will be your first assignment. What will your plans stay for the Nehru Cup?

It's too early to comment on that at the moment. I have some meeting lined up in the first week of July and only after that will I be in a position to dish it out.


With Rob Baan having seen earlier Indian teams from close, it stayed imperative we got his view on the discipline within the squad. Hence he was asked

In such a Championship, how much of a role does discipline play off the field?

It's an unbreakable part. There can be no success without discipline. Look at the Dutch squad as an example. The players need to listen, take proper rest, sleep and at the right time and have common goal. Only then can you think of success. If you don’t have the discipline, the results will be damaging.

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)

Jeje Lalpekhlua: I'm still a learner

Striker Jeje Lalpekhlua has come a long way since first bursting onto the Indian football scene. The young Mizo is set to captain the India Under-22s in the AFC Under-22 Asian Championship qualifiers in Oman. A new responsibility for Jeje, who talks about a number of things before the qualifiers kick-off tomorrow with long-time friend and team mate Lalrindika Ralte adding his bit here and there.


How has life changed after being named India's captain for AFC U-22 Championship qualifiers?

Change -- what is that? (Jeje bursts into laughter). I had earlier led India in the AFC U-19 Championship. A footballer's life doesn't begin and end with captaincy. My life hasn't changed either. I have always stayed committed to my country's cause and this time too, it's no different.

The moment he finishes, Jeje’s room partner Lalrindika Ralte with a mischievous grin, adds: "He is the Big Boss now." And both burst into laughter.


Is Captaincy an added responsibility or a burden?

It depends on how one looks at it. To me a true captain is someone who leads off the field. As a Captain, you need to set an example and when Head Coach Arthur Papas announced it in the team meeting, I felt very excited. I have been lucky enough that I already enjoyed a great rapport with each of my team members.


You are a regular member of the Senior India side. Do you look upon yourself as a Senior in this Under-22 squad?

You must be kidding. Despite my brush with the Senior India side, I'm still a learner. I'm very comfortable in this U-22 squad as there are so many old batch mates who are playing alongside me. There's Gurpreet (Sandhu), Abhishek (Das), Dika (Lalrindika Ralte), Manandeep (Singh), Deepak (Devrani), Ravi (Kumar), Vishal (Kumar), Prathamesh (Maulingkar) with whom I've played since the U-19 level and with the Indian Arrows.

Dika, sitting next joins in. “If there's anyone who deserves to lead India, it's Jeje. He's a disciplined guy and can set an example for us all,” he quips.


What do you bring from the Senior India team to this squad?

The discipline and the experience! At the senior level, there are so many stars but they never threw their weight on me. That was a huge learning experience for me. I want to walk the same path. I'm a Senior and a Junior at the same time.


Arthur Papas has been stressing on a new style of play since he took over. What's your take on that?

The benefits of the new style of play will reap fruits in the future. He has been stressing on possessional play and the build-up often starts from defence. It's not that we adjusted to the style on the first day itself but we have been flexible and have settled down fast.

Dika added: "During the initial phase, instinct prompted us to play the manner we have been sticking to for the last few years. But Arthur has been patient and supportive."


How do you rate Arthur Papas as a Coach?

He’s sharp, energetic, caring and an intelligent person. He explains with passion and instills a sense of self belief among the players. He's very clear in what his priorities are.

Dika nodded. "He's a no-nonsense man. He has implemented some rules within the Camp and he leads from the front. His sessions are fun and enjoyable."