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

Koevermans: 2015 AFC Asian Cup is the main aim

Wim Koevermans

India coach Wim Koevermans stays focused on the long term goals for the Indian national team as his wards get ready for the international match against Singapore on Tuesday.

Koevermans met the media during the official pre-match press conference along skipper Sunil Chhetri, Singapore coach Radojko Avramovic and skipper Baihakki Khaizan on Monday [+read more].

“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,” the 1988 UEFA European Championship winner told the media gathering.

“We have had a look at Singapore in a video session. They have the home advantage,” the Dutchman continued. “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.”

But the coach has made clear that the match is just one of many more vital steps left to take to reach a bigger goal – the qualification for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia.

“Our main aim stays to qualify for the 2015 Asian Cup. We need to move ahead,” Koevermans made stated.

India skipper Sunil Chhetri supported his coach and said: “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 great coach in Wim. Obviously, being the top 10 in Asia is not easy but it’s achievable and I’m optimistic,” the Sporting Clube de Portugal striker told.

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