SAFF Championship 2013: Five things we learned about India from the group stage

4-4-1-1 is not working

The appointment of Koevermans last year was expected to mark the start of a new playing style for the Indian team but the transition from the Bob Houghton-inspired direct football hasn’t been successful. Koevermans has consistently used a 4-4-1-1 system in order to have more possession in midfield but that has not only increased the burden on skipper Sunil but has also seen India lack imagination going forward.

Against Pakistan, India only started to create chances when their opponents tired in the second half while in the Bangladesh game, Koevermans’ side threatened to score on very few occasions. Yesterday against Nepal, India tried playing more of a 4-1-4-1 formation but it looked like the players were not comfortable with the system as midfielders Mehtab Hossain, Arata Izumi and Jewel Raja, on many instances, looked confused and kept looking towards the dugout to clarify where exactly they have been asked to play.

The former Dutch international should revert to the 4-4-2, a system which Indian players are the most familiar with. Ironically, India conceded against Nepal at a time when they started to threaten in attack with Robin Singh and Sunil Chhetri upfront. Even in the 2012 Nehru Cup and AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers earlier this year, India looked dangerous when they played two forwards in attack. Koevermans has been reluctant to use two upfront in his tenure but following the difficulties in the group stage, the 53-year-old should consider changing his mind.