Indian National Team: We Can Never Play Like Barcelona - Team India Coach Armando Colaco

Just hours before the start of the national camp in New Delhi, newly appointed Team India coach Armando Colaco addressed the media in his first official press conference.

 Just hours before the start of Team India’s preparatory camp for the World Cup qualifying tie against UAE, newly appointed national team coach Armando Colaco addressed the media in his first official press conference at the AIFF House in New Delhi

The Dempo coach admitted that he would look to bring the possession style of football in the Indian national team but made it clear that they won’t be looking to emulate the style of European champions Barcelona.

“Every coach has a specific style of play. I would insist on playing possession football. After all, it’s all about the ball.

“The Indian national team won’t ever try to play like Barcelona. It’s impossible to play like them. No team can ever emulate that style and it’s futile to think we will be playing like them.

“I have been successful with Dempo. I’d rather like to infuse the Dempo style of play into the national squad.”

Armando also stated the current Indian Arrows team will form the nucleus of the future senior national team.

“The boys from the Indian Arrows will form the nucleus of the future national squad. I have analyzed each and every player and decided on my squad.”

He defended his decision to include several youngsters in the squad and said that the decision was taken with an eye to the future.

“I have never axed any player. I just want to build a squad for the future.”

The Goan had special praise for striker Jeje Lalpekhlua, who finished as the highest Indian scorer in the I-League with 12 goals to his name.

“Jeje is a strong boy. He has been the highest Indian scorer in the I-League. I expect a lot from him.”

Armando also called for patience and said that he won’t be able to change anything immediately.

“I am not a magician and like everybody will need time to adjust. Just be a bit patient. This is a new beginning for Indian football.”

Team India is scheduled to play two away international friendlies against Maldives (July 10) and Qatar (July 17) as a part of their preparations for the World Cup qualifier against UAE.

However the General Secretary of the AIFF Mr. Kushal Das, who was also present in the press conference, announced that efforts are being made to arrange two more friendly matches.

“Besides the match against Maldives (July 10) and Qatar (July 17), we are in talks to squeeze in two more international friendlies during that period.”