AIFF Media Team

BISHKEK: Although the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 qualification round didn't end on a happier note for Stephen Constantine's boys, the British coach feels the team "has a great future" ahead. But at the same time he stressed that "they need to improve in certain areas."

"I think as a team we need to improve in certain areas. I don't think we are in a bad shape at the moment. We have a very good future ahead,” Constantine stated.

He further added the team is bolstered by the inclusion of young talents of late and the youngsters will surely go on to add more firepower to the team in the coming days.

The coach didn't hide his disappointments after his team had to swallow a defeat after 12 official matches.

"We made two silly mistakes that cost us. Had we scored 10 minutes earlier, the result could have been different. Players gave everything they had. I'm extremely proud of them."

India will go through a rigorous preparation process before they land in the UAE for the AFC Asian Cup next year and the coach hinted that some "new faces" might get the nod for the biggest continental tournament in Asia.

"There's a lot of football to be played in the next few months. I have always stressed that no one has his name written on the stone. It's an ongoing process for the National Team. There could be 1-2 new faces when we land up in the UAE."