Constantine says the exposure tour might even see the first Indian player to play in the USA

THE HEAD COACH of the national team, Stephen Constantine is also the coach of the Under 23 team. He says the training sessions of both teams are no different and he expects to pick some player for the national team from this bunch.

Speaking to the AIFF, Constantine said about the aim of the preparatory camp,

"Obviously our primary target is to qualify for the AFC U-23 Championship. There's absolutely no second thought on that"

He continued,

"I have always believed in building a 'team for the future'. Eventually, in a few years, these guys will represent India National Team. My eventual goal is to unearth some talents who'll be ready for the Senior National Team" 

On the upcoming exposure tour of the U.S.A. he shared, 

"Our aim is to get accustomed to the conditions of Qatar as much as possible. New Delhi is hot, California will be hot too which will be helpful for the boys during the Qualifiers. Playing against those sides will get us closer to our target."

He added more,

"We'll play three or four matches against some quality club team, even a few senior teams. Who knows, they might pick someone (referring to the current U-22 boys who are in the camp now) and we might end up with the first Indian player to play in the USA."

 Being put up against some well known strong teams in the group for the AFC U-23 Championship, the gaffer commented,

"We're clubbed with very strong teams in the Qualifier and every match will be tough. Qatar will be the team to beat in their backyard. Syria and Turkmenistan will be testing us too." 

"They are facing it the first time and believe me, it's not easy to get accustomed to the setup on and off the field. They've got two options left with them, either get used to it or to let it go.", the coach stated further 

Speaking about taking charge of the youth team after concluding with the senior team game win against Kyrgyz Republic, Constantine said, 

"It's pretty same actually. The philosophy is same, the drills, system, the ultimate lookout-everything is same. For me, there's absolutely no difference between the Senior National Team and these bunch of youngsters."

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