By IANS
New Delhi : National football coach Bob Houghton is upset that his repeated requests for permanent support staff have not been granted by the All India Football Federation.
"Last year we had our training camp in the Sports Authority of India (SAI) eastern centre in Kolkata with a group of their support staff. When we moved to Bangalore for another camp, it was the local support staff that chipped in. Players need a stabile bunch of support staff," Houghton told IANS Friday. He was speaking during the third day of the national team's 15-day camp ahead of the five-nation ONGC Cup that begins at the Ambedkar Stadium here from Aug 16.
According to Houghton the team needs two assistant coaches, a goalkeeping coach, a technical director and a fitness expert.
"The two most important aspects of a good team are – facilities and coaches. During off-season, the support staff can offer tips to the clubs.
"For example, if we have a fitness expert he can advise clubs about nutrition and weight training programmes. Indians lose out on physique so we should try to do more strength training," he said.
The camp at the Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex in nearby Gurgaon began with medical tests Wednesday under the supervision of Vece Paes, a medical practitioner and hockey Olympian. Of the 27 probables, only defender Sanjeev Maria was found with a knee injury.
The Indian team leaves July 12 for a two-week tour of Portugal for the final tune-up before the August tournament.
Houghton, an Englishman, said he was on the lookout for players with a strong build as he feels that a combination of skill and aggression in the squad would be ideal.
"The best team is always a balanced one. If I have a timid and skilled forward, I can balance him with a burly and aggressive striker in the attack," said Houghton.