According to triple Olympian and former India captain Maneyapanda Somaya, wining international matches and tournaments is not enough to carry the Indian team
to the top, rather it needs good governance.
Somaya talking to media on sidelines of Karnataka-1000 Rally, sponsored by Bharat petroleum on Sunday, said that it was not a big issue that the team was having
a foreign or local coach, but focus should be on providing world-class training to the juniors.
Somaya is of the view that country should go for the best man as a coach of Indian team irrespective of his nationality.
“See, it’s about capability and the kind of depth they bring to the team,” said Somaya,
"I do not think it really matters whether our National team has an Indian or a foreign coach, or for that matter, winning international matches.
"What is of more importance is that our juniors should get world-class coaching and for this, we need people who are in tune with the latest trends in international
hockey," said Somaya when asked about his choice between Spaniard Jose Brasa, whose contract is yet to be renewed, or his assistant Harendra Singh who is ready to withdraw his resignation.
"Basically, a coach should have two attributes. One, he should have good knowledge of the game as it is played internationally and second, man-management skills.
"But whether it is an Indian or a foreign coach, he should be given a four-year term. I would also say that winning matches is only one aspect, and what is required
is good administration," he said.
While giving his views on present condition of Indian hockey team Somaya said that no doubt during Brasa’s tenure the team’s performance had improved greatly.
"I would say that the team has certainly improved since Brasa took over. Using Saradra Singh (originally a forward) in the sweeper-back position, ball holding
and the transfer from defence to attack are the most striking features in my opinion.
"You may or may not agree, but for me, playing Sardara Singh in the deep defence has been a revelation. Give him time and he will surely improve further”.
When asked if he was willing to fill up this vacancy if offered, said, “If I get a chance to, I will. But the point is that, I will take time to get there. I’m
not willing to just take up a coaching job at the highest level without starting with the juniors.”
"However, we should persist with the present team and not resort to chopping and changing," he said.
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