Intercontinental Cup 2019 | Coach is working with the players on individual basis, says Anas Edathodika

SportsCafe Desk

BySportsCafe Desk, SportsCafe Editor

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Ahead of India’s third game of the Intercontinental Cup against Syria, Anas Edathodika has said that coach Igor Stimac is individually working with the players for their improvement. The Indian defender also stated that the team wants to win the last league game and the players will give their best.

The Indian team will want to go ahead and win the last game of the league stage in the ongoing four-nation tournament in Ahmedabad. After losing to Tajikistan and DPR Korea, Syria is their next opponent with a minimal chance of making it to the final of the tournament. Anas Edathodika, who came out of the retirement ahead of the tournament, has mentioned that the team is eager to do well and win the last game of the league phase. 

“We really want to win the match against Syria. The coach is working with the players on an individual basis. He is talking to them one-by-one as we are gearing up for the game. The focus is on identifying the mistakes, working on them, and rectifying them. I'm sure the players will give their best," Edathodika was quoted as saying by the AIFF media team.

"It's a huge motivation for us, and a great sight to see a packed stadium. We are thankful for their support and hope to grab a victory."

The defender was a part of the Indian side that won the Intercontinental Cup last year. He is of the opinion that the Indian side has conceded some soft goals in the ongoing season and the defence need to step up to avoid that.

"We have conceded some avoidable goals in the last two matches. It is a cause of concern for the players," the ace defender added.

“Football is a team game. When we concede, it falls on the entire team, and when we score the credit goes to everyone. We have a different system under the new coach and it will take time to grow in to it.”

Talking about the four-nation tournament, he said that all the teams this year were very “tough”. Anas also opined that it is only good for the Indians to prepare against some quality opposition in the tournament and that will be beneficial for the Blue Tigers.

"All three oppositions are very tough. It's great that we have got the chance to prepare against such quality sides. The time we have to prepare is precious. We are looking to make the most of it. When the coach called me back, it felt like going back home and playing again for my motherland. After the AFC Asian Cup exit, it was an emotional time for me. I had my personal reasons to leave. However, he told me about his plans and after speaking to him, I thought I am ready to take on this challenge again,” he signed off.

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