By Joseph Solomon,

AIFF Media Team

 
NEW DELHI: Challenges for most Teams, be it a new inductee or an old battle hardened crusader, stays responsible for the Squad's chemistry, balance and technicalities. It ranges from tactics to back-room staff which make or break a Team’s season. Nevertheless what matters the most and makes the Game of Football interesting, is heart. And new boys in the Hero I-League this season, Kalyani Bharat FC, have certainly showcased this in their first year itself.  

Head Coach, Stuart Watkiss, in an exclusive interview with www.the-aiff.com talks abreast about the challenges faced thus far, the chemistry within, Team balance and much more. EXCERPTS:

How have the players responded to your coaching methods?

I think the players have responded well to the sessions that we have put on. Everyone seems to be enjoying the training. There is a lot of intensity in training which is very good to see. As a coach it is very important that your training sessions are intensive, engaging and stimulate the players. We try to incorporate new things in every training session and also have a constant dialogue with the players.

How difficult was it to accommodate talents while maintaining balance within the squad?

We tried our best to strike a good balance between youngsters and experienced players while building the squad. We have a number of players who have plied their trade at the highest level in India and their presence is hugely beneficial to the youngsters in the team. You want players who will put their bodies on the line, give a hundred percent in training and on the pitch during a game. It is important that there is a youthful exuberance around the squad. At the same time it is necessary to temper it with experience and a calm head. We have tried to put all this into practice here while building a squad.

How is the cohesion between the players?

Team cohesion is one thing that has been steadily growing right from our first match. We did not really have a pre-season. The Super League players joined in late and we just had a couple of weeks before we faced Dempo SC in our very first I-League encounter. Since that Dempo game the team has really gelled well. A lot of credit must go to the players themselves who have been very open and proactive. The coaching staff has also made a big effort to ensure that everyone is on the same wavelength. We can do better but from the start that we have had, I think we are doing a very decent job as far as team cohesion is concerned. The morale is excellent and that is always helpful in a football club.

What are the challenges that you have faced so far?

The players always take some time to adjust to a new coach. However, as  I said earlier, they have been very open and ready to absorb things. Fitness is one thing that we have spent a lot of time on. Getting the players fit to a level that we expect of them has been challenging. We have been working hard on that ever since the first day and the results are beginning to show. Tactically, I wouldn’t call it challenging but getting the players to adapt to a different system, play the game at high-tempo, taking care of the ball are some of the things we are continuing to work on.

Albeit their first season and yours too as a Head Coach in India, what are your expectations and where do you think the Team will finish in the Hero I-League table?

The standard (of football) has been excellent so far. Much better than what I was told it would be. I don’t really have any expectations. The youth academy is being set up. We did not have a proper pre-season, we are taking one game at a time in the Hero I-League. I haven’t set a target as to where I want to finish. We have a much bigger responsibility here. I think the team is doing well and responding to every game to the best of our abilities is our current goal.

Kris Bright has been sensational in the goal scoring department. Your thoughts on his inspired performances?

Kris has been quite good for us. It has not always been easy for him playing as a lone striker but he has done the job well so far. He is the top-scorer and he has got some important goals for us. We want him to continue doing that. We have tried a couple of different formations and Kris performs much better when he has a little bit of support. Having said that, he has put in good shifts as a lone striker. He is strong in the air, uses his body well.

What are your thoughts on the iteration of Indian players present in the squad?

The Indian lads have been brilliant so far. The attitude of each and everyone has been absolutely amazing. Everyone is committed, they are not scared of working hard. They listen to what the coaching staff have to say.  They seem to have responded very well to our focus on fitness and preparing the right way. I cannot fault their footballing ability. Everyone has put in their hundred percent. We are just working towards refining that ability and ensuring that their talent and potential is used to further the team’s goals.