Desmond Bulpin is a passionate man. Presently in charge of India’s Pre-Olympic Qualifier against Qatar, the hard taskmaster is impressed with the discipline of his boys. In a freewheeling interview to http://www.the-aiff.com/, Bulpin stresses India will have their chances in the two matches and need to cash in on them.
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How has Team India’s preparation been?
The incessant rain has been a bane. But on days we haven’t been able to train on the field, we have compensated with indoor sessions. The attitude of the boys have been excellent.
Do you have any idea as to how Qatar have prepared for the match?
They have been long preparing for this match. They have had a long camp in Spain. Add to add the wonderful facilities they boast of, I’d say they’ve prepared a bit more than us. Let’s not forget they stay way above us in the FIFA rankings.
Does India stand a chance of beating Qatar?
Why not? It’s a football match after all. There’s no doubting they are more technically equipped and an advanced footballing nation than us. So they will try to dominate. But I’m sure we will have our chances too. We are working on our set-pieces and have specific plans which I can’t divulge at the moment.
How much of a help is the fact that Indian Arrows form the nucleus of the Indian side?
Obviously it helps when the boys have stayed and played together for such a long time. They gel well both on and off the field. In that sense, we stay ahead of Qatar. But the National Team is not just about the Arrows. The other boys who have come in have impressed me with their attitude, discipline and professionalism.
What would be your strategy in Qatar?
We need to defend well. There isn’t any room for silly mistakes. Given the fact there are many Indians based in Doha, I expect good support for our boys. That would pump up the boys for sure.
If it rains during India’s home-match in Pune on June 23, will it help India?
Let’s take one match at a time. I’m concentrating on the away-match at the moment. But yeah, if it rains during our home-match, I won’t complain.
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How has Team India’s preparation been?
The incessant rain has been a bane. But on days we haven’t been able to train on the field, we have compensated with indoor sessions. The attitude of the boys have been excellent.
Do you have any idea as to how Qatar have prepared for the match?
They have been long preparing for this match. They have had a long camp in Spain. Add to add the wonderful facilities they boast of, I’d say they’ve prepared a bit more than us. Let’s not forget they stay way above us in the FIFA rankings.
Does India stand a chance of beating Qatar?
Why not? It’s a football match after all. There’s no doubting they are more technically equipped and an advanced footballing nation than us. So they will try to dominate. But I’m sure we will have our chances too. We are working on our set-pieces and have specific plans which I can’t divulge at the moment.
How much of a help is the fact that Indian Arrows form the nucleus of the Indian side?
Obviously it helps when the boys have stayed and played together for such a long time. They gel well both on and off the field. In that sense, we stay ahead of Qatar. But the National Team is not just about the Arrows. The other boys who have come in have impressed me with their attitude, discipline and professionalism.
What would be your strategy in Qatar?
We need to defend well. There isn’t any room for silly mistakes. Given the fact there are many Indians based in Doha, I expect good support for our boys. That would pump up the boys for sure.
If it rains during India’s home-match in Pune on June 23, will it help India?
Let’s take one match at a time. I’m concentrating on the away-match at the moment. But yeah, if it rains during our home-match, I won’t complain.
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