Some elements have been promising: Koevermans

Muscat (Oman), June 29 (IANS) Newly appointed Indian football coach Wim Koevermans said Friday that he had seen some promising points in the under-22 national team but said that everyone needed to be patient if they wanted a change to take place in Indian football.

Koevermans met India's U-22 boys for the first time at a practice session here. A day later, Koevermans and Technical Director Rob Baan spoke at length to www.the-aiff.com about India's performance against United Arab Emirates, a 1-1 draw, the coaching philosophy, discipline and a lot more.

"I am quite pleased with the manner things were conducted on the pitch. Obviously, there are areas of improvement. But one needs to remember that the performance came against a strong Nation as United Arab Emirates.

We had our moments on the field and could have won it. There were some elements which are very promising indeed," said the new coach.

"It was heartening to see that boys were focused all throughout. They were passionate to play for their country, though I must admit that the passion at times, was disturbing the tactics a bit," Baan added.

The former Dutch defender said that it would take time to establish a new style of play and discipline.

"The new style and discipline will take time. There will have to be changes and it always takes time. So we just can't afford to hurry at the moment. Let's be patient and the difference will be evident."