Derrick Pereira feels it’s a “great honour” for him to get the opportunity of coaching the India U-23 National Team prior to the AFC U-23 Championship 2020 qualifiers.
“Since starting my coaching career with Vasco in the second division, I have always grabbed the opportunities that have come my way. I feel that is God’s plan for me.”
Pereira, who was at the helm of Vasco Sports Club during 2000-05 before switching to Mahindra United Club, has taken up the charge of India U-23 National Team before the U-23 continental championship qualifiers which will be held in Tashkent in Uzbekistan.
Meanwhile, Pereira lauded the former coach Stephen Constantine’s philosophy of “building the team for future” too, “That’s the way we should follow to go one step up. Our youngsters are enough talented but they need proper exposure against tougher teams. There must be a long-term plan for the future.”
Apart from Anirudh Thapa, who scored a sublime goal against Thailand, Vinit Rai and Sarthak Golui were also part of the 23-member squad that represented the country in AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
He, along with assistant coach Venkatesh Shanmugham are now focused to find the right combination as soon as possible so that they can start planning around the players before the qualifiers.
“We have to finalise the final squad out of the players available. Then, we would need to frame the starting XI as well as the replacements. We have to improve tactically as well as technically. Simultaneously, we would look to adapt to the style of football which will help us develop as a team as well as get the best possible result.”
India will travel to Tashkent to lock horns with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in the Group F of the AFC U23 Championship qualifiers scheduled between March 22 and 24, 2019.
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