The pre-match press conference was held today for tomorrow’s Singapore vs India international friendly at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium in the city state. The match kick-off is slated for 19.45 local (17.15 IST). The press conference was attended by Singapore’s Serbian coach Radojko Avramovic and their captain Baihakki Khaizan, while India was represented by its Dutch coach Wim Koevermans and its captain Sunil Chhetri.
Singapore coach Avramovic started off by saying, “It’s obvious Indian Football is marching ahead and I feel at a rapid pace!”
“India played in the Asian Cup in Doha and had some good matches. There are six players of that team who are in Singapore for the International Friendly. We need to stop them,” he added.
“Most importantly, we need to stop that guy,” Avramovic pointed to Chhetri. “We can’t afford to give him space.”
Trending
“This match stays important for us as we will be using this as a platform to prepare for the Suzuki Cup,” he added.
But went on to say, “We started our preparations without the LionsXII players, because they still had their competition. The rest of the players have been practicing and doing well.”
“A few players won’t be playing tomorrow, but it will be an opportunity for others. Lots of them have been slowly coming into the national team, and it will be good opportunity for them to establish themselves,” added Avramovic.
Meanwhile India coach Wim Koevermans said, “It’s nice to get to play a match on a FIFA date. We look to improve ourselves and are looking forward to a good match. It will be a difficult one.”
“We have had a look at Singapore in a video session. They have the home advantage. But we play every game intending to win it and we will want to win this too. But as I said, it’s not easy,” Koevermans maintained.
“We are excited to come here and play. Our last Tournament (Nehru Cup) was a memorable one. But that’s past. Now it’s up to us to take up the challenge,” Captain Sunil Chhetri quipped.
Singapore captain Baihakki Khaizan, who plays for Singapore LionsXII in the Malaysia Super League, opined, “We are looking forward to the game. We are ready for it!”
Koevermans lauded the spirit in his team. “Our main aim stays to qualify for the 2015 Asian Cup. We need to move ahead,” he commented.
“We are moving in the right direction. We should take it step by step and aim to reach among the top 10 in Asia and move on from there. There’s a certain plan laid down by All India Football Federation and we have a great Coach in Wim. Obviously, being the top 10 in Asia is not easy but it’s achievable and I’m optimistic,” said Chhetri, who now plays for Sporting Clube de Portugal’s ‘B’ side.
“There are people from all Nationalities staying in Singapore. They are locals who are citizens of Singapore,” Avramovic informed. An Australian, two Chinese, two Serbians and a player of African origin are up for selection for Tuesday nights international friendly, which shows the diversity of tiny Singapore.
“We need to create chances and we will,” Avramovic went on. “We will speak about that after tomorrow’s match,” the experienced Serbian signed-off.
