The Under-19 football team head coach Lee Johnson feels India’s campaign at AFC U-19 Qualifiers will be challenging but said he wants his boys to play with freedom and creativity and show a good defensive discipline.
Indian U-19 team will take on Palestine in their opening match on Friday and Johnson said they cannot underestimate the quality of the teams in their Group, which also comprises UAE and Afghanistan.
“The games in the AFC U-19 Qualifiers will be challenging and it will also be a good exposure campaign for the boys. We have defeated Afghanistan without our strongest Team so physiologically that will be an advantage for us going into that game,” Johnson told AIFF.com.
“At the same time you cannot underestimate the quality of the Teams in our group as they possess the necessary weapons to cause problems.
“Heading into the Qualifiers I want my Players to enjoy their Football and play with freedom and creativity whilst maintaining a good defensive discipline,” added the former English footballer, who has been associated with the Chelsea Academy and Crystal Palace Academy in the past.
The 34-year-old Englishman, who has been training with the U-19 National Team since July 2015, is impressed with the boys but said they need to improve tactically.
“The Indian Players are some of the best Players I have worked with so far in terms of their discipline, work-rate and attitude — both on and off the pitch. However, we still need to improve on the tactical aspects,” he said.
“Our Players are technically good and can handle the ball well. So for us taking part in the SAFF and ACT has provided us with an experience which will help aid their development.”
Asked how did he zeroed in on the squad, Johnson said: “Although it has been a challenge, we have tried to make the best of our resources. We split the U-19 squad into two groups which included nine U-17 Players. One team went to participate in the SAFF U-19 Championship and the other started the Asian Champions Trophy 2015.
“The Team we took to the ACT (Asian Champions Trophy 2015) came up against some of the best Clubs sides in South-East Asia where the standard has been high and it is pleasing to see the lads rise to the occasion.
“We have performed well in recent weeks but must remain focused and concentrate on one game at a time leading to the AFC Qualifiers,” he added.
Asked about his assessment of the U-19 team that finished runners-up at SAFF Championship, Johnson said: “We were the best Team in the SAFF Championship and had we capitalized on our chances, the match would not have gone into penalties.
“The Players have to learn how to be more clinical and decisive in front of goal because these moments are the difference between winning and losing.
“Nevertheless, I was pleased with how the Players rose up to the challenge in an intimidating environment. This is a learning experience and it will help them in the future. High-quality matches such as the final (against Nepal) help them to develop and grow as a Player.”
