Chettri Backs Young Blue Tigresses After Russia Defeat
Despite a 0-4 defeat to Russia, Blue Tigresses coach Crispin Chettri praises the character and grit shown by his young squad in Kolkata.
India Head Coach Crispin Chettri has thrown his full support behind his developing squad following the Blue Tigresses' 0-4 loss to Russia in the first of two international friendly matches held at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Thursday.
While the scoreboard reflected a heavy defeat, the coach remained focused on the psychological resilience displayed by his young players during the encounter in Kolkata.
Character Over Scoreline
Speaking during the post-match press conference, Chettri highlighted that the spirit shown by the team was a significant silver lining. He noted that despite the gap in experience, the players did not shy away from the intensity of the Russian side.
"I think the positive of this match is, although being a young side, we showed character. We are not scared to press; we are not scared to run. We try to do things which are in our control," Chettri remarked.
The head coach emphasized that the commitment shown during the team's intensive 25-day training camp was evident on the pitch. He specifically pointed to the players' efforts in managing Russia's physical dominance and their effectiveness during set-piece situations.
"The most important thing is we showed character, we didn’t give up. So that’s the best thing for me," he added.
Challenges of Competitive Rhythm
Chettri acknowledged the difficult circumstances facing the Indian side. The Blue Tigresses have faced a lack of competitive football since June, which placed them at a disadvantage against a Russian team currently in the midst of its active league season.
However, he viewed this high-level exposure as a vital stepping stone for the emerging group to adapt to the demands of international football.
Looking Ahead to the Second Friendly
With the second friendly match scheduled for October 11, the coaching staff has identified clear areas for improvement. Chettri revealed that the primary focus will be on:
- Sustaining Intensity: Improving the team's ability to maintain high energy levels for longer durations.
- Youth Integration: Providing more minutes to the youngsters who were introduced in the closing stages of the first match.
- Expanding the Talent Pool: Building a deeper roster of players to ensure long-term stability.
With the 2029 AFC Women’s Asian Cup on the horizon, the coach stressed that these friendly matches are essential for the long-term growth and preparation of the national team.