Coach full of fighting spirit
Indian boss Wim Koevermans has insisted the Blue Tigers are out to retain their title.
If they succeed they will become the first side ever to win the SAFF Championship three times in a row.
India kick of the defence of their title against Pakistan on Sunday followed by games against Bangladesh on September 3rd and hosts Nepal two days later.
Speaking to Goal India, Koevermans warned against underestimating some of the less fancied teams: “Yes, the pressure is always on team that owns the cup and we are here to defend the title and we want to win it, and that’s our aim.
“Every game is a final, all 5 are important to us, and we have to do our bit to win all the matches.
While the opener against Pakistan is getting all the coverage, India’s second game against Bangladesh also has some added spice.
Bangladesh Coach Lodewijk De Kruif knows Koevermans particularly well and will be looking to get one over on his old friend.
Koevermans was quick to downplay the rivalry between the two coaches, instead focussing on the game.
“We have spoken to each other and it’s nice (to have him here) but it’s not about him and me, it’s about India and Bangladesh. We see every team as a strong opposition and we don’t underestimate any team.”
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