The Indian U22 national team is enjoying its preparation camp for the AFC U22 Asian Cup Qualifiers. India U22 coach Arthur Papas is stressing on a new 4-3-3 formation and it seems like the boys are getting accustomed to it fast.
“We have been explained and demonstrated the new formation and the players are getting used to it. The sessions are fun for sure,” star striker Jeje Lalpekhlua explained. Jeje is still nursing his ankle injury and the Pune FC star is working on his fitness with team physio Kaji Juyef Islam. “I hope to be training at full steam soon,” said Jeje.
Arthur Papas is not putting any pressure on Jeje and he has no hurry to rush the youngster. “I’m not desperate to play him unless he is 100 percent fit. He is a senior team player and when he plays in the U22 team, it’s obvious all will expect more responsibility from him. So till the time he’s fully recovered, I won’t rush him,” Papas told.
The Indian players are impressed by the way Papas work with them and TFA graduate Simranjit Singh lavished huge praise on the Australian coach. “He’s someone who guides you and stays patient. It’s nice to have someone like him,” Simranjit stated.
Meanwhile, all the practice sessions are professionally recorded with a video camera and used for an analysis during the team meetings.
The India U22 national team is scheduled to face a Delhi XI in a practise match at the Ambedkar Stadium on Saturday.