I am not interested in giving debuts to kids who I don’t think have potential- Constantine

The Indians failed to keep a clean sheet in both of their matches in the tournament.

The Indian national football team was crowned victorious in the Tri-Nation Series when the men in blue drew against St. Kitts and Nevis on Thursday night in Mumbai. Following the draw, both the teams’ head coaches appeared in a press conference talking about their respective teams and experience during the tournament.

India manager Stephen Constantine was disappointed with the draw against the Caribbean outfit despite winning the tournament. “We had enough chances to finish the game twice. We didn’t take those chances and in the end, we got stung in a corner which was very disappointing.”

The Englishman later promised to work on last night’s performance. “We take a message from this, that’s for sure,” he said.

Holicharan Narzary was one of the shining pearls against the Island nation as he assisted the only goal the Indians scored. Constantine was asked about the winger’s performance but refused to speak to speak about individuals..”

The 54-year-old tactician was later asked about his expectations from the young players who have made their debuts under him in recent times.

“We look to put them in to give them the experience. Both of those boys (Anirudh Thapa and Nikhil Poojary) have been with me for the U-23. So they know what to expect in terms of training, philosophy.” He also went on to depict his views on entrusting young talents, “I don’t play kids for the sake of playing them. I am not interested in giving debuts to kids who I don’t think have potential,” he added.

Also read: India concede late goal as St. Kitts and Nevis earn credible draw

Both of India's matches in the tournament saw Constantine starting with experienced striker Robin Singh in the vanguard and replacing Singh in the second half with former Mohun Bagan forward Balwant Singh. Constantine was quizzed on the matter .

“I thought Robin did not do enough in the first half. I think you have to look at the intensity, the importance of the game. For us these were two friendly games. Nothing more,” Constantine commented on his outlook of the competition.

Despite the positives, the Indian team failed to keep a clean sheet as the men in blue conceded a goal in each match of the tournament. When asked about whether the lack of clean sheets is a cause for concern Constantine quickly answered, “No, not really,” and soon concluded the press conference.

We came here to win the tournament– St. Kitts and Nevis head coach Jacques Passy

Jacques Passy, the head coach of the Caribbean outfit was delighted to come and play in and against India saying the experience was 'brilliant.'

The coach went on to share his expectations from the tournament and his feelings about his team’s inability to win the competition. “I am not happy about not winning the tournament. We came here to win,” he said.

The Mexican was asked if he was happy with his team’s performance when he quickly answered, “by the performance, yes. By the result, no.”

The St. Kitts and Nevis coach also went on to praise his team’s performance against India although he seemed to have mixed feelings about the draw. “I am very happy with the performance in the last third of the game. (I am) unhappy about what we did from the 30th minute to the 60th minute of the game. Overall, I am reasonably happy,” he added.

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The visiting coach was also asked about his insights into his team’s defence in Mumbai last night when he answered, “I think in the second half we defended better, the supporting part was better. I think my goalkeeper all-in-all had a great tournament. But, I think, defensively we can improve."