Goalkeepers are like ageing wine, get better with experience: PR Sreejesh

The custodian played his 300th international match in the semi-final win over Japan.

India thrashed Japan 5-0 and progressed to the final of Asian Champions Trophy 2023. All the goals were scored by different players Akashdeep Singh opening the scoring through a field goal. After several matches this was also the first time India has scored more field goals than penalty corners adding more variety and dimensions. The other four goalscorers were – Harmanpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Sumit, and Selvam Karthi.

Japan started the opening quarter pretty well holding their defence strong but since the start of second quarter, there was no looking back for the India and they were always on the attacking mode. Also, custodian PR Sreejesh made his 300th international appearance.

The post match press conference was jointly attended by coach Craig Fulton, captain Harmanpreet Singh and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.

Thoughts on the special occasion

Sreejesh after receiving a special momento before the start of the match bowed down to his teammates. The milestone man had a good encounter not conceding any goal and finished the match with a clean sheet.

Sreejesh on the gesture said, “What I am and where I am today is all because of the team. I wanted to thank them for supporting and helping me when I need them. During the match too, I was only thinking about the three points on offer and with the all-important Asian Games coming up, I want the team to be in good shape and do well.”

On his role Sreejesh added, “Goalkeepers are the ones who have the liberty to watch the entire match on the pitch and it is also my responsibility to guide the players. Defence has been doing good with the forwards too chipping in with some good interceptions at the back. Pathak, on the other hand, is also doing good.

“I should have achieved this feat long back but couldn’t rather gained a lot of experience as the second goalkeeper back then. Goalkeepers are like ageing wine; we get better with experience.”

Assessment ahead of the Asian Games

Coach Craig Fulton said, the team has been progressing well since I took over the reins. First, we will focus on the final tomorrow and then assess. The assessment will be done taking into the account the matches played in FIH Pro league in June, the Spanish tour and then the Asian Champions Trophy.

On India scoring more field goals than PC’s the coach added, “I don’t mind if we score goals through penalty corners or through open play. Happy to score goal either way.

“Also we came to Chennai only three days prior to the tournament and took time to settle in. Once we got comfortable we have played well and held structure, played with good pace.”

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Final match against Malaysia

India defeated Malaysia 5-0 in the group stage. Malaysia’s only loss in the tournament came against India and they finished the group stage with 12 points. They Speedy Tigers defeated Korea 6-2 to progress to the final.

Sreejesh said, “Malaysia is a good team and we have never underestimated any opposition. The weather condition suits them as well so there is no advantage as such. We will focus on game play and count on the chances we get during the match.”

Towards the end of the presser Craig Fulton praised Sreejesh and added, “I have known Sreejesh for a long time before joining the Indian team. Getting to 300 caps isn’t normal and it looks like he has got like 600 normal caps because goalkeepers sit on the bench for a long time before they play. Proud to have him in the team.”

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