‘Never thought we would practise in Barcelona’ was the recurring theme amid the chatter at the Football House on Wednesday as the Indian football team dropped in at the AIFF headquarters ahead of their scheduled month-and-a-half long training stint in the UAE and Spain. As most of the youngsters were trying to relive the moments framed on the walls depicting their Nehru Cup and AFC Challenge Cup titles, the seniors attributed those pictures to training abroad.

“I would credit our recent success to the camps we had in Portugal. We returned psychologically much stronger. In India we get very little time to play together and a five-week trip outside the country helps to keep your focus on football,” Indian vice-captain Sunil Chhetri said, adding: “The best examples for us are the junior teams. They remain together for six-seven months and they don’t have to think about their club commitments. At age-group levels a Bhaichung Bhutia.”

Skipper Bhutia concurred : “I think when the team are sent to other countries for training there’s an added sense of responsibility when you return and play.”

Meanwhile, the team’s departure for Dubai, scheduled for Thursday, will depend on if they obtain their visas in time.

Houghton wants focus on Europe

Bob Houghton wants players to focus on Europe instead of the Major League Soccer in the United States. Eddie Rock, a scout for MLS, was arranging trials for Subrata Pal, Gourmangi Singh, NP Pradeep and Steven Dias. However, Houghton feels Indian players can match European standards. “Bob had a chat with Rock on trying out Swedish clubs but nothing has come out of it as yet,” said Gourmangi.