| Stoikov's concern : There is no much time
06 November 2005
uploaded : 06.11.2005, 8:00pm
Stoikov with his 'trade mark Jersey' during the practice session held today
Male',
MALDIVES - Maldives national team coach Stoikov revealed that his biggest concern when preparing national team for the upcoming SAFF Championship is the lack of time for the preparation.
"To be honest, there isn't much time. We have to adjust to the time schedules. We have got no choice." He said.
When asked about his feeling after being the national team coach for the second time he said "I feel up!"
Eventhough the time is limited Stoikov is happy that majority of players are fit as the season ended lately.
"I am happy that the players are fit. New Radiant and Victory have just played the finals. Other teams have not played for maximum of only 2 weeks. So I think it would make my job easier"
The prospect of reducing the 40 huge squad was shown by the coach. "I would reduce the 40 player squad to 24 or 25 in one week time."
Stoikov also wants to give chance to the emerging players. As stoikov is the current under 23 coach, he wants to increase the youth potential in the team
"There are some famous names in the team like Assad, Sampath and Oppo. But I do also have to give chance to the emerging young players like Shinaz. So I would be checking their commitment for the national team in the coming week and we would reduce it."
He also noted the prospect of eliminating the injured players.
"There are some players who did not have match practice and is currently injured. They might go out. Anwar and Jazeel might go out as they are injured"
When asked by maldivesoccer whether he fears about Pakistan, as Pakistan has won 80% of all the games played against Maldives, coach stoikov described the tactics used by Pakistan .
"They are very tall, so they use high balls and try to pass it and attack. We have to use a counter to defeat it. We obviously can"
When asked about the team he most fears, the coach instantaneously mentioned Srilanka.
"Sri Lanka is very committed to win against Maldives. They would try to disturb the opponents and it would be a very tough challenge for the opponents"
In the media conference, FAM's general secretary Mr. Ibrahim Ismail and executive secretary Mr. Hussain Rasheed also participated.
Meanwhile, still FAM have not finalized the post of Goal keeper trainer and the manager.
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