Rajpal is clearly excited. “We go through countless passing drills these days. The idea is to develop an understanding among the players. The timing of the pass and reading the body language of the receiver are vital points. We have been told to have a neutral passing action to avoid interception,” he adds.

Another regular in the midfield, Arjun Halappa, says the team are getting used to the new system. “I’ve always thought we needed to play better as a team and this method will help us do so,” says Halappa, who made his India debut in 2001.

Doubts have been expressed on whether players on the wrong side of 30 will be able to adjust to Brasa’s ‘10 midfielders’ format since it requires constant sprints up and down the field. But the most capped active player in the world and former India skipper, Dilip Tirkey, dispels the doubts. Tirkey says that though the new style will be exhausting, it will be worth putting in the extra effort. “It will surprise our opponents as even the defenders will be able to get into attacking positions,” says the 31-year-old.

It isn’t just the players who are welcoming the Spain-imported strategy. Assistant coach Harinder Singh, who has been with the Indian team for over a decade now at various levels, is also bullish about the change. “The players are very happy with the coaching regime and I am learning a lot of things as well,” he says.

New fitness regime

... contd.