Hectic schedule can be difficult: charlesworth
10 Jan 2013 2:35 AM GMT
Legendary Australian coach Ric Charlesworth today said that the teams in the Hockey India League may find the hectic schedule difficult to cope with, but his side will have an advantage with many youngsters. ‘When there were six franchises, there were only 10 games. It was better. It is more difficult now because we play and travel for the whole time. That is a difficult ask. Maybe it’s an advantage of having a young squad. We have a very young squad, hopefully that will work for us,’ said the Aussie who will coach the Mumbai Magicians in January 14-February 10 league.
Charlesworth said that franchise-based IPL-style event has the potential to do wonders for Indian hockey. ‘This tournament offers some of the young Indian players to rub shoulders with some of the best in the world. Getting the experience for them that will only benefit the game locally,’ he told reporters here. ‘This tournament will be interesting because you are tested by having to use your full squad and plus the quality of the reserve players that is critical,’ he added. Asked about the treatment he expected from Indian fans after resigning from the post of national coach in 2008, he said, ‘This is a different task entirely. I was with the government then and I had some issues with my contract and arrangement so hopefully it will be different this time. I am optimistic. This is an exciting opportunity for the game in India and in the world. We want it to work.’ On the first practice session and the squad he said, ‘It is very difficult to try and put together a team in seven days.’
Charlesworth said that franchise-based IPL-style event has the potential to do wonders for Indian hockey. ‘This tournament offers some of the young Indian players to rub shoulders with some of the best in the world. Getting the experience for them that will only benefit the game locally,’ he told reporters here. ‘This tournament will be interesting because you are tested by having to use your full squad and plus the quality of the reserve players that is critical,’ he added. Asked about the treatment he expected from Indian fans after resigning from the post of national coach in 2008, he said, ‘This is a different task entirely. I was with the government then and I had some issues with my contract and arrangement so hopefully it will be different this time. I am optimistic. This is an exciting opportunity for the game in India and in the world. We want it to work.’ On the first practice session and the squad he said, ‘It is very difficult to try and put together a team in seven days.’
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