Stephen Constantine says he respects Iran but does not fear them

Constantine is hoping for a positive result against Iran

Stephen Constantine is confident that if the team follows the plan and works hard, India would be able to get a positive result from the World Cup Qualifier against Iran. Speaking to the press ahead of the match, Constantine also addressed questions about striker Robin Singh, who has been struggling to find goals for the National team despite playing as the main striker.

Talking about Iran the Englishman said, “ They are obviously one of the best sides in Asia. They have an excellent coach and they are where they are because of the things that they have done in the past and present. You don't go to as many World Cups as they have been to because of just luck.”

“There is a great deal of respect from my side to their players and their coach but don't mistake that as fear and if we do what we have been doing in practice and if we work hard we have to believe that we have a chance to take something from this game and I believe we will.”

Robin Singh is one of the most hard-working players in the team

When asked about out-of-form striker Robin Singh he explained, “It is very easy for people to judge a player especially when he is wearing the number 9 shirt. Everybody expects you to score 20- 25 goals in a season but I think as a striker you not only have to score goals but also do a great many other things for the team. His work rate is one of the best he is a nuisance for the defenders because of his height and work rate. Yes, he hast scored as many goals as he would have liked but as long as he is causing trouble he is giving us a chance.”

Constantine has been adamant that he advises his team to play shorter passes but in the last few games under the new manager India have played a lot of long balls towards the Bengaluru FC forward. “When you have a big striker you are tempted to smash it up long. He wins the header you get the flick on. It is a temptation, but it is not something that we advocate,” Constantine replied.

Haokip will get his chance: Constantine

“We want to keep the ball down and play, but at times it is difficult when you are being pressed. Also, a lot of the players we have are not used to this level, it’s faster than the I-League. We don't want the ball to be smashed up but sometimes when you are under pressure it's your last resort and so it happens sometimes.”

Staying on the topic of strikers the manager was asked as to why he had continuously ignored Pune FC striker Thongkhosiem Haokip for the National team. The 52-year-old answered the question by saying, “Everyone has their opinion as to who should be in and who should be out. I have picked a team according to the needs that we have. I think Haokip has done ok and I hope he will continue to play well in the ISL and if he does he will get his chance.”

“I have to take a lot of things into consideration. Does he fit in our system? Does he have the work rate? Because we spend long periods of the game without the ball.”

Finally when asked about what a good result against Iran would be Constantine replied, “A win.”