Former Olympian M.M. Somaiya says the appointment of Australian Michael Nobbs as national hockey coach is a sensible decision and a step in the right direction.
“There is nothing wrong in getting an outsider as national coach,” he says. “In cricket we are the No.1 side in Tests, yet have engaged foreigners. Duncan Fletcher is in charge now, before him we had a South African, an Australian and a New Zealander. What matters is (having) confidence in the foreign coach and the structure we have in place.
“Nobbs is a trained coach. Most Indian coaches, including me, depend on playing experience, which is different from players learning under trained coaches.”
An important aspect
Somaiya, also a former India team manager, feels foreign coaches need to be able to strike a rapport with players and administrators.
“More than the ability to make presentations or having a great track record as player, a foreign coach can make a difference if he is able to carry people along with him.
“(Former coach, Spaniard) Jose Brasa got along with players well but had strong differences with the administrators.
“He fiercely supported the players when they went on strike and hence got support from players in return. In the short time he was here, Brasa had players on his side but could not get along with officials.
“It should not be forgotten that India under him performed better at the World Cup, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, compared to our performances in these events the previous year we took part.”
Somaiya, who represented India at the 1984 Los Angeles Games against an Australian side featuring Nobbs — the latter came on as a substitute — recalls his one-time Olympic rival as an amiable person, ready to share his views. “I haven't seen him coach a national team, but his ability to get people together was noticed even then,” he says.
“He came in at full-back or centre-half. There were no rolling substitutions then. Full backs were Jim Irwine and Craig Davies, centre-half was Trevor Smith, so, to replace them he had to be good.”
India finished fifth at 1984 Olympics, behind Australia in fourth place.
Styles of play
Somaiya points out that, as far as playing styles go, each nation has a style that comes naturally to it. “The style is based on the physique of the players and numerous other factors. Australians, for instance, were more aggressive, more attacking, in the 80s and early 90s than the Europeans whose focus is on tight defence and sudden breakaways.”
Over the years, a systematic assimilation of the best of European and Asian techniques has resulted in an Australian method which is both effective and entertaining, he says.
“Even the Aussies have changed in the 90s. Now, it is a blend of both — show flair and still attack. They manage to do it very well,” he says.
More than playing style
However, says Somaiya, playing style alone does not influence success or failure.
“Australia is on top of the game due to various aspects apart from style of play. We need to choose a style which suits us. The way the Australians play is the closest to how we play hockey,” he says.
It is in this context that Somaiya reckons Nobbs's appointment may make sense.
“Getting Nobbs does not mean we start playing like them (the Aussies). How well we execute plans or imbibe lessons will matter,” he concludes.
