By Joseph Solomon,
AIFF Media Team

BENGALURU: “I am proud of the boys and the way they played and fought to the very end. The players did not give up at any stage. That is perhaps new for an Indian Football Team, but we did it. Today I saw a never-say-die attitude from the lads,” National Coach Stephen Constantine maintained at the Official Post-match Media Interaction in Bengaluru on Thursday (June 11).

“One can say that the Army training which we did helped the boys develop cohesion and instilled the idea of togetherness in them. At the same time, I am disappointed at the result as I think we played well enough to sneak a draw,” he added.

“It’s not a settled Team as yet and this is only my third game and a lot of first for the new lads. We have new Players and you have to give them time to settle. There will obviously be mistakes, but Oman are a very good Team, who went to the Asian Cup and lost to the two finalists.”

The Englishman further appreciated the charismatic attitude of the Indian Team which gave Oman a ‘run for their money’ and expressed that the Indian Team will evolve with time. “We are going to be a very good Team in some time. At the moment we are trying to regain out respect in Asia. Today we showed that we are going to get better.”

“This was a far better performance than the game against Nepal, which we had won,” he stated.

The Coach also applauded the fans for their tremendous support and thanked the Media for their exposure of the Team. “The fans have been phenomenal. I thank them all for coming and supporting us. At the same time I appreciate the support of each media person and every one and hope that you stick with us through thick and thin.”

Meanwhile, Oman’s Coach Paul Le Guen applauded India’s dynamic style of play. “India could become one of the most dangerous Teams in given time. They were good in the second half and played with a burst of energy. The Indian contingent will get better with each passing moment,” Le Guen pronounced.