Squad depth allows us to keep fighting despite injuries, says India coach Constantine

STEPHEN CONSTANTINE, the head coach of the Indian national team, has said that there was increased competiton in the squad for every position, and that's what has allowed the Blue Tigers carry on despite so many injuries in the squad.

Speaking to journalists before the match, Constantine said,

“We are missing key Players such Robin Singh, Dhanpal Ganesh, Rowlin Borges, Bikash Jairu, Cavin Lobo, Pronay Halder – all of whom may have started tomorrow."

Ever since Constantine took over in last year, he has spoken out multiple times about the physical strain India's split domestic season puts on the players. And to make up for potential injuries, he has handed national team debuts to a record 25 young players over the last year,

“One of my main objectives was to build a team for the future. Had I not backed the 25 Players to make debut for India, we may not have been able to put in a squad against Laos tomorrow. But we are not complaining."

Constantine said that playing for the national team was a huge honour for a young player and provided a huge confidence boost that helps him mature further as a player, especially when it came to fighting spirit and handling the pressure of big games,

"When you wear the Indian jersey there is always pressure. In Football, everybody wants to win and even when there is no pressure, there is pressure... there’s competition for almost every position now. That’s such a healthy sign.”

Constantine had previously said that progressing to the final stages of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 Qualifiers was of paramount importance to the team, as it would give the Blue Tigers a clear path to follow for the next three years, as well as allow them to climb up the FIFA rankings ladder.