Coach Graham Reid expects the unexpected in semi-final against Japan

The tactician along with captain Manpreet Singh addressed the media ahead of the all-important clash.

India are all set to take on Japan on the 21st December in a crucial semi-final match at the Asian Champions Trophy. The Blues will hope to make quick work of their opponents. They trumped the same opponents in the last group game, winning it dominantly. Answering questions for the media ahead of their clash the coach and captain pair of Graham Reid and Manpreet Singh looked resolute and confident about their impending fixture:

On youngsters stepping up on big stages

The Asian Champions Trophy saw a lot of youngsters rested in the India squad. Questioned about about how he feels about the youngsters stepping up in the competition, coach Graham Reid shared his thoughts. "Yes, I think in general, it's been a good tournament.

"With each game we are supposed to get better and better and the youngsters have achieved that. I think the youngsters have understood that it's the whole game that you have to play for and not just the second quarter or the third quarter," he said.

Coach Graham Reid on how he expects Japan to come out in semi final fixture

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAKy1EcwI8c

Despite winning against Japan in devastating fashion, coach Graham Reid refuses to be complacent in their upcoming game, highlighting how Japan nearly broke through their defence in the later part of the game. He also didn't want to predict the opposition's game-plan. "As a coach, I don't like to predict as such," he clearly stated. "You should always expect the unexpected and that's always difficult. We have to prepare for as many as those scenarios if possible," he added.

Reid also added that coaching is about "ensuring" that you have contingency plans for every situation. He also said that he always has an "antidote" for every situation to counter the opposition plans.

Manpreet on keeping same attacking mindset in semis

For Manpreet Singh, it is not simply about winning but doing the best to their abilities. The hardened captain is still critical of himself and the team for slacking off in their last game against Japan in the defensive end. Manpreet wants to ensure that such mistakes are not repeated. Defensive gaps are secured efficiently and whatever chances they get is converted to goals.

"Actually, we have to do our best and we plan to give Japan no chance. We gave them chances in the last game, which we don't want to repeat as Japan is a team that gives us their all till the last minute," he said.

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