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NEW DELHI: The Preparatory Camp of Indian U-22 squad for the U-22 Asian Cup Qualifiers is in full swing at the Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi. Head Coach Arthur Papas is stressing on the new formation – the 4-3-3, and the boys are getting accustomed to it fast.
National Team striker Jeje Lalpekhlua stressed, the practice sessions are fun. “We have been explained and demonstrated the new formation and the players are getting used to it. The sessions are fun for sure,” he said. Jeje, who is still nursing his ankle injury haven’t had a full session so far and has been working with team physio Kaji Juyef Islam on the sidelines. “I hope to be training at full steam soon.”
Papas, however, isn’t in any hurry to rush Jeje. “I’m not desperate to play him unless he is 100 percent fit. He is a Senior Team player and when he plays in the U-22 team, it’s obvious all will expect more responsibility from him. So till the time he’s fully recovered, I won’t rush him,” he commented.
For the first time in the history of Indian football the practice sessions are being shot on camera which are later being analysed during team meetings.
Tata Football Academy graduate Simranjit Singh, who signed to play for Pailan Arrows next season, lavished huge praise on Papas. “He’s someone who guides you and stays patient. It’s nice to have someone like him,” Simranjit, who hails from Chandigarh, commented.
On Thursday morning, the boys were divided into four teams and played between themselves. The squad will play a practice match against a Delhi XI on Saturday (June 9) at the Ambedkar Stadium.
