Kathmandu: Indian football coach Wim Koevermans on Tuesday made his displeasure obvious as he shot back at his team's critics in the ongoing SAFF Championship here, saying it's not lip-service but "performance on the ground" that matters. From Maldives to Afghanistan, the defending champions' opponents in Wednesday's final, Koevermans' boys have been criticised and dubbed "inferior" by the opposing teams.
"It's up to them to think about us like this. But the only place where the judgement is made is on the ground. That's where the real fight is," Koevermans said.
The Dutchman's comment was in reply to Afghanistan's assistant coach Ali Jawad Attaii's assessment that they are "technically and physically" far more superior than the Indians.
"Obviously, these comments (from opposition) will help me motivate the boys and they can produce some extra energy on the field. Hopefully, we will be able to show them that India is a strong side," the former teammate of the legendary Ruud Gullit said.
On the tactics he wished to employ against Afghanistan, the coach said, "It's a different team and a different game. It will be a physical game as they are a tough side but our boys are not weak either. Expect a final of high-intensity."
Koevermans' no-nonsense approach was evident when a Bangladeshi journalist asked about the delay on part of the coach and skipper Sunil Chhetri to arrive for the scheduled press conference.
"I was involved in a training session before the final which is much more important than attending a press conference. I hope you have more meaningful questions to ask about tomorrow's match," he said.
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