Game is all about enjoying on the field, says Colaco

EVER since Armando Colaco took over the reins of India on a temporary basis in May to guide the team in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, he has been trying something new with his multiple captaincy theory being one of the most-talked subjects.

Colaco opted for two different captains — Sunil Chhetri and Subrata Paul — in the friendlies against Maldives and Qatar respectively.

Though the captain’s armband does not have much of an influence in football, compared to other games, Colaco believes the players will become more accountable.

In the match against Qatar, Paul created a slice of history when he became the first Indian goalkeeper, since Atanu Bhattacharya in 1986, to lead the side.

“Football is all about enjoying on the field. I would like to mould different characters on the field into one unit,” said Colaco.

The 58-year-old, who is the coach as well as the secretary of the I-League club Dempo SC, has been in charge of the national team for barely two months, but he has already proved that his four-month interim appointment is no deterrent when it comes to bringing the best out of his wards.

After starting off with a 1-1 stalemate against Maldives, India pulled off a surprise win over Qatar and Colaco believes a ‘right beginning’ has been made.

“We’re improving day by day. The boys showed they’re adopting fast to the new style. The game is all about ball possession. Our aim is not to give away the ball easily and hold on to it,” said Colaco.

But Colaco does not want to rest on past laurels and feels the first real test is coming up on Saturday in the away leg against the UAE.

Republished with permission from www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com