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  Sports science a necessity: Stephen Constantine

Sports science a necessity: Stephen Constantine

AGE CORRESPONDENT
Published : May 24, 2016, 10:14 pm IST
Updated : May 24, 2016, 10:14 pm IST

National coach Stephen Constantine feels it will be beneficial to Indian football if the clubs have greater access to sports science.

National football coach Stephen Constantine talks to his wards at a training session.
 National football coach Stephen Constantine talks to his wards at a training session.

National coach Stephen Constantine feels it will be beneficial to Indian football if the clubs have greater access to sports science.

Constantine is currently preparing the national team for the upcoming 2019 Asian Cup qualifier against Laos, and emphasizes on physical fitness.

“Not all Indian clubs have an access to a sports scientist. That makes the job of the club coaches all the more harder and it also makes it difficult for the players.

“Most of the injuries which a player sustains happen some seven to 10 days after they have left the national camp. It’s because they train at a much higher level at the national team but when they go back to their clubs the level drops. That’s when they are susceptible to injuries,” said Constantine.

“It will be hugely beneficial for Indian football if the clubs have access to sports science or at least a high level fitness coach.”

Stressing on the importance of sports science, the 53-year-old said, “Bengaluru FC are a good example. The boys are regular at the gym doing the extra bit, there is a sports science coach and physically, they are in a better condition (than most others) when they report to the camp. Things which we do at the national camp do not surprise them.”

According to the national coach, a lot of players could not be brought on board owing to their club commitments.

“We did not have much choice. Of the 26 whom we selected, 11 are busy with their respective clubs for the AFC Cup commitments. Hence, we decided to bring in some players whom we have been tracking to see how they train and respond and understand their attitude.

“The players from Mohun Bagan will report to the camp on Wednesday morning while Bengaluru FC players will assemble on Saturday. The club had scheduled an awards night but they have been understandable enough and have advanced it by a day keeping in mind the national team’s commitments. I need to thank them for that,” he said.

A squad of 23 players will take the flight to Laos on Monday, May 30. India play Laos in the away leg on June 2 while the return leg is scheduled in Guwahati on June 7.