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Ahead of India’s do-or-die game against Bahrain in the AFC Asian Cup 2019, WIFA CEO Henry Menezes gave an exclusive interview to Gulf News, where he spoke about India’s Head Coach Stephan Constantine, Players’ fitness, and the upcoming game against Bahrain.
“There is a lot of bickering happening about Constantine but when the results are good enough and the results are of topmost level, there is nothing to criticise about the coach. I think we should set that aside and just back the team to go to the next round because that is what can take Indian football forward,” said Henry Menezes when asked about Stephan Constantine whose contract as the Head Coach of the Indian team is set to expire after the AFC Asian Cup.
As per WIFA’s CEO Henry Menezes, the supreme fitness levels of the Indian players has impressed him the most and that’s one of the major reason behind India’s positive performance. “There has been so much emphasis on fitness and the players have clearly excelled in that department. We didn’t see any dip in the performance or a dropping of the shoulder even when we conceded goal against the UAE. Such things are heartening to see and speaks volumes of the strength and determination of a team,” said Menezes.
A draw against Bahrain might be enough to send India into the Round of 16 but Henry Menezes cites that only aiming for a victory will help India to go through. “The momentum is there and we need to be a little bit more solid in defense as chances will come in for the opposition as well. Bahrain also will be desperate to win this tie. And I would say the team should only aim for victory and not think of a draw at all,” he concluded.
