THE BLOG BY CPD FOOTBALL | The World of Indian football and beyond by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

Wim Koevermans: I know it’s a challenging job

Wim Koevermans

India’s new head coach Wim Koevermans is ready to take the Indian national football team to the next level. The Dutchmen took over the reins at the helm of the Indian national team earlier this month and he is looking forward to his first official assignment at the Nehru Cup 2012 in August.

The former Dutch international is keen to implement is ideas of playing a system comparable to the one of World and European champions Spain. Koevermans feels that a game with the ball on the ground would suit best to the Indian team, which is made out of generally small players.

“The style of play is very direct. The ball is on the ground for a few passes and then suddenly someone kicks it up in the air and loses possession. If we keep the ball on the ground then we have a chance,” the new India coach told during the AIFF Coaching Seminar in Navi Mumbai.

“I haven’t yet got the opportunity to meet the senior players,” Koevermans continued. “I only watched the juniors during their AFC U22 Championship qualifying campaign in Muscat and I felt happy with what I saw.”

“I know it’s a challenging job. My only aim is to see India winning on a consistent basis,” the Dutchman stated to the ‘Times of India’. “The Nehru Cup, therefore, is very important for me as it will help me gauge the team’s strengths and weaknesses. I want them to win the event. That’s my first goal!”

Koevermans will welcome 37 probables to the first Team India camp under his supervision. The camp is likely to take place in Delhi, but could be shifted to another venue as reported earlier [+ read more]. The Indian team is looking forward to a three-week long camp ahead of the Nehru Cup 2012 which is scheduled to be played from August 23 to September 2 in Delhi.