With maiden title under the belt, coach Sreejesh takes baby steps

P.R. Sreejesh reflects on coaching journey, emphasizing importance of Junior Asia Cup win for future success.

Having earned his maiden call-up to the national camp in 2004 for the Junior Asia Cup, India’s recent triumph at the tournament with him as coach holds special value for P.R. Sreejesh. That it is his maiden title in his new role made it even more special.

“It was a big milestone for the team, the start of bigger dreams – Asian Games, Asia Cup, World Cup, Olympics – and the confidence that they can do well on bigger stages. But it was also a platform for them to realise that the Junior World Cup next year won’t be easy. This was not an easy tournament. Games against Japan, Malaysia and Pakistan made it clear,” Sreejesh told The Hindu a day after the team returned from Oman.

Having finished third at the Sultan of Johor Cup, the two outings have given Sreejesh enough insights into a coach’s job. They have also given him an opportunity to explain the difference in importance of various competitions.

“Johor, for me, was a chance to understand my players and where they stand under pressure. We finished third but being in the top-four was good enough for me at that time. But JAC is very different – it comes with pressure and a JWC quota. It will be the same situation in a couple of years for the boys when they play the Asia Cup or Asian Games with direct qualification at stake.

“It was also important for us because we didn’t want to go into JWC as a quota team (as host) but claim our place on merit as a matter of right. The boys now know that we have to get better in every department — fitness, basics, PC variations — and that will be the focus for the next one year. They know that if they play at the same level in JWC, it will be difficult to finish among medals,” Sreejesh admitted.

He is learning his own lessons as well, the most important being to stop thinking like a player. “I have always been aggressive while playing. Now I write down to remind myself that I am not a player any more and need to control my aggression. Secondly, the importance of planning. Third, focus more on the basics rather than system, strategy.

“Four, I need to learn what, mentally, works and what doesn’t with the boys. Lastly, I need to know more about strength and conditioning – as a goalkeeper, my training was very different from others. Now I need to read up, talk to others and stay updated on the latest. It’s baby steps for me and I am learning my way around and intend to keep doing it to build a good team for JWC,” he signed off.