India-Nepal a sentimental match for me: India football coach Stephen Constantine

Stephen Constantine is on his 2^nd stint as India national football team coach

Guwahati, March 11: India football coach Stephen Constantine said on Wednesday the desired results can be achieved if the players are willing to grind it out on the field.

Currently ranked 171 in the FIFA rankings, India have a uphill task ahead as they look to qualify for the first time for the World Cup.

"If the Players are willing to work hard, results can always be achieved," Constantine declared at the pre-match media interaction of India's home match on Thursday against Nepal in the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers Preliminary Joint Qualifcation Round 1 game.

"This may be a sentimental match for me as I had earlier coached Nepal. But on the pitch it would be pure business. Nepal are an organised side and would be ready to fight. It will be a big challenge," he said.

New captain chosen to develop new attitude: Constantine

The 52-year-old also declared goalkeeper Subrata Paul as the captain for the first two encounters, explaining he is trying to bring in a new beginning to Indian football.

"As I said before we need to have a new beginning and try to develop a new look and a new attitude and that's why we have a new Captain. Sunil (Chhetri) is a part of it but for the next two matches, Subrata Paul will be the captain."

"We have huge respect for Sunil and that's the reason we have him as the vice-captain," Constantine further said.

Referring to a question, Constantine replied that he wants to play in a "system which would suit the players".

"The 4-4-2 is the mother of all formations. So for me the system is not as important as the players in the system," he added.

India play Nepal on Thursday at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium.