The Blue Tigers got their Hero intercontinental Cup campaign off to a brilliant start with a 5-0 victory over Chinese Taipei at the Mumbai Football Arena on Friday. Gary White’s men were completely outclassed by India national team head coach Stephen Constantine’s tactics and formations. Even the hard work put in by the entire squad in the training camp earlier this month was evident on the field, as India dominated every aspect of the game.

Before the tournament begun, Constantine spoke at length about the team’s preparations and the importance of finding the right balance ahead of the AFC Asian Cup 2019, exclusively to indiansuperleague.com. “I think it’s (the tournament) a great idea because we get to experience new and good teams – New Zealand, Kenya and obviously Chinese Taipei, from three different continents. This is a great experience for the players. We have quite a young squad. Half of the boys are U-23 in this squad and we’re trying to develop them and get them ready so that they’re not overawed when we go to the Asian Cup in six or seven months.”

While India looked in far better shape against Chinese Taipei, the games against Kenya and New Zealand will no doubt test their physical resolve. However, Constantine remained confident that his side had what it takes to challenge them on all aspects of the game. “We’re a physical side as well. We can run with the best of them. We have good fitness levels. We have had that for the last three and a half years and that I think, is one of our major points. We never give in, we never say die, we keep fighting and we continue to try and get better as each game passes. All of these three games will be a good learning experience for us.”

The Englishman also emphasised that he always welcomes younger players who have the desire to succeed on the big stage. “I’m always giving young Indian players the opportunity to play. I think that we have 37 or 38 new players that have come into the national team in my three and a half years here. If I see a player that I like and I think that he can help us, then I don’t have a problem to do it. I want the best for Indian football. Obviously, that reflects on me.

He further continued, “At the end of the day, whatever happens, it’s my responsibility - good or bad. I’ll take the good and the bad and at the moment I think that we’re in the best position that we’ve ever been in our history. So, let’s get behind the team and enjoy what we have at the moment. We’ve got a major tournament to look forward to for the first time in a long time and we will try to get ready and be prepared as much as we can. “

The 55-year-old closed by attributing the side’s never-say-die attitude to the team-spirit and togetherness displayed by all the players in the dressing room. “I think we have a great togetherness, that has shown through the bad results that we had in the beginning. You don’t build the team in one month or two months. This team has evolved over three and a half years. Will there be some changes between now and the end of the season? I’m sure there will be. We’ve got a lot of football to be played. We’ve got the Hero ISL, the Asian Games, a few other tournaments and we will hopefully not lose too many players. We might gain one or two from the leagues but to answer your question, there is a great atmosphere in the camp.”