Patrick Guggenmos: There was great persistence, India U-17s' first touches were brilliant

The Augsburg U-17 head coach spoke to Khel Now TV after India's 3-1 victory over the German team in a training game.

The India U-17 football team continued their preparation for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup with their tour of Germany. The Blue Colts faced Bundesliga side FC Augsburg's U-17 team in a training match, which they won 3-1, courtesy of three brilliant goals.

India opened the scoring through Laishram Danny Meitei, who pounced on a loose clearance to slot in the first goal in the 13th minute. Fynn Heinze equalized for Augsburg from the spot just after the half-hour mark. Bibiano Fernandes' boys took the lead once again in the 53rd minute with a flowing move down the right, this time Vanlalpeka Guite finding the bottom right corner with a well-taken finish.

India scored another two minutes later, as they found space with a quickly-taken free-kick and Korou Singh tapped in a cut-back. The Blue Colts continued their outstanding displays since the Spain tour, in which they put up impressive results against Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid academy sides. Augsburg U-17 head coach Patrick Guggenmos spoke to Khel Now TV post the match on India's performance and level of preparedness. Here is what he had to say.

Experience of playing against India U-17

The Augsburg U-17 head coach, who got his first taste of India U-17s' capabilities said, "It was very high speed. The front line showed very good quality. I didn't know anything about the team, so did my players, and it was a great experience. Compared to the other games against Bayern and other German clubs, we know what to expect. But this was quite a test."

A different challenge

Playing against India U-17 would have given Patrick Guggenmos and his Augsburg players valuable exposure to different techniques, levels of physicality and a fresh footballing culture and philosophy.

The coach answered on the challenges and opportunities, "I thought it was very aggressive, but very fair. That is something in Europe you see that the emotions take over once the hard tackles come in. I liked it, it is a different style and technique. There was great persistence when the ball comes in, first touches were brilliant.

Areas of improvement for India U-17

Ahead of the biggest test for the Indian U-17 football team in the form of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup next month, coach Guggenmos outlined the areas where Bibiano's side could improve, "I think against the ball, in the details against the ball. There are some things to improve, especially when we played the ball on one side, we could always come out through the other side. The switch of play was easy for us. In the final third, they have very good closing but the preparation could be a little bit better. The central midfielders covering each other. It was obvious that they were experimenting and did not feel in their natural positions."

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Bibiano Fernandes: I want to keep them hungry

A different approach

Bibiano Fernandes fielded a different formation which didn't comprise a No. 9. The tactician informed Khel Now about the decision, "Yes, we tried a different attacking formation. We did not have a proper No. 9. So we used Vanlalpeka Guite (Peka), who's better in that position. This is what we are planning keeping in mind the AFC matches. In case, if we want to change the tactics and surprise the opponents."

Shifting roles on the pitch

The India U-17 boss was clever enough to use his troops to the fullest and make the best of the squad he has with him.

"Danny Meitei was playing as a No. 10. I want him to be in the offensive side because he is very good in there and he can create chances for us. He was scoring goals in the training sessions. We used Danny to support Peka. Also, Korou Singh and Ralte are doing a good job. It's all about transitions - how quickly we can transit from defence to attack."

Long-ball strategy

The sight of India U-17 lads playing long-ball football is something the fans are yet to witness. But against FC Augsburg, there were moments when the team used this strategy and yielded dividends.

Bibiano Fernandes said, "This is just another variation we are trying to apply to our game. The more variations we have, the more chances we'll get to penetrate the opposition defence line. All credit goes to the boys. They are the ones who understand, think about it and apply it in the matches. These boys are brilliant. We are looking forward to improve more. We'll work harder and get ready for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup."

Approach to players who are on the bench

As a coach to an underage team, it is difficult to make the lads understand that everyone is a part of the plan and nobody has been left out. It may so happen that a few players might be benched, but that is to satisfy the requirements on the pitch, based on the opponents they are facing.

"This is the most important part as a coach. I have to make them understand that we are trying something. In case, we are in a situation where we need to play more midfielders and as a false No. 9. The boys are hungry. They want to score when they come on and be in there. That is how it helps us as a team. Everyone from the bench as well as who are starting are giving us the support and willingness to win," Fernandes asserted.

"I want to keep them hungry and make them understand why we're doing this. Whenever they get a chance, they have to perform and help the team," he concluded.