The absence of a back-up goalkeeper is a cause for concern: PR Sreejesh

PR Sreejesh concerned about India not having a solid backup for him

A day after playing a key role in his side winning the bronze medal at the Sultan Azlan Shah trophy, India’s goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has said that reserve keepers like Harjot Singh and Sushant Tirkey need to be given sufficient exposure on the international stage if they are to improve as goalkeepers. He also expressed concern over India not being able to produce a solid back-up keeper for him.

"The absence of a backup goalkeeper is always a worry for us. Harjot only got some time to play against Canada. So they need to be given more chances in future when we play Test matches because a goalkeeper can only become better with experience,” Sreejesh told PTI in an interview.

“Harjot and Sushant are there and they are doing their best but they are not getting many opportunities to gain experience. They are not getting enough time on the turf because if you see all the matches here were important for us,” he added.

Speaking about India’s wins against Australia and Korea, Sreejesh said that the team made a fine comeback in its last few matches and revealed what coach Paul van Ass told the boys, prior to the games.

“We really played well in the last two matches. It was a do or die situation against Australia and we played fantastic hockey. In the third-fourth match against Korea too we had a nice game.

“Paul just told us one thing and that is to stick to our basics. All the players have been assigned a task. He told us to receive the ball and pass the ball. It is our first tournament with him. We hardly trained two weeks with him before this tournament. So we didn't have high expectations from this tournament," he said.

"Our aim was just to follow the structure which he told us. The match against Australia I think was the best match of the tournament," he added.

The 26-year-old further said he wishes to work with the likes Dave Staniforth and Martin Drijver once his playing career is over and after the stint, return back to India and open an academy of his own for upcoming youngsters.

"What I want to do is that after taking retirement I want to go to Holland or South Africa to work under either Dave (Staniforth) or Martin Drijver for six months to one year, and then come back and start a goalkeeping academy,” he said.

Right training key to becoming a good goalkeeper: Sreejesh

When enquired about what it takes to become a quality goalkeeper, he said, "Right training. There is no alternative to right training. My training stints with Dave Staniforth and Martin made me a totally different goalkeeper. They always told me to do simple things and that takes pressure off a goalkeeper. It also works as a motivation. It brings in a lot of confidence.

"The second thing is responsibility. Being a senior player there is responsibility on me. I have the responsibility of saving the team in crucial situations and responsibility comes only with experience,” the Keralite said

Sreejesh is among the best goalkeepers in the world presently and talking about that tag, he said that he concentrates fiercely on the pitch, but at the same time also looks to enjoy the game.

"It's all about loving the game and having fun inside the ground. It is about enjoying your game and if you do so performance will follow.

“I always try to control my emotions, feelings inside the ground. I try to keep myself cool and concentrate on the match. I feel a goalkeeper is a perfect man whose mistakes are always visible,” he said.