Mattoo brings about momentary peace in hockey camp

Pune, Nov 19: Hockey India (HI) president Ashok Kumar Mattoo appears to have brought about at least a temporary truce between the players and national coach Jose Brasa.

A worried Mattoo, who advanced his trip to Pune by a day realising the gravity of the situation, separately met the coach and the players. The compromise was reached and Sandeep Singh was reinstated as captain.

Sandeep, the spearhead of a revolt by senior players against Brasa, was stripped of the captaincy for the Champions Challenge tournament, provoking his decision to reportedly quit the camp citing a back injury. Rajpal Singh was named the captain at his place.

Mattoo said the coach should also stop airing demands when HI was trying to provide all facilities to the players. He added that the coach should have more faith on the Indian support staff and make them part of the decision making.

"There is no problem with the players now that we bridged the communication gap, and as for the coach he should stop making demands," said Mattoo.

Brasa told IANS Thursday that it was news to him that the players have a whole lot grievances against him, pertaining mostly to his coaching techniques and man management.

Sandeep, on his part, is believed to have promised the authorities that he was fighting hard to get fit to play in the Champions Challenge at Salta, Argentina.

Brasa made it clear that he has a job on hand and he will do it come what may, surmounting all difficulties.

"I am a fighter and I will not give up. I know there are people who are out to sabotage my work here but my job is to make a good team and I will pursue that."

Brasa said his meeting with Mattoo was to find ways to improve communication channels between him and the players.

"I had a meeting with HI president Mattoo and we spoke about how to improve the communication."

Brasa said HI chief has also agreed to consider his demand for personnel and equipment badly needed for the team.

Brasa insisted that none of the coaches or the players ever brought to his notice their reservations about his coaching methods. In fact, everyone seemed happy with the way the team was shaping up.

"I think it was a lack of communication. There are nine coaches here and not one player went up to them or spoke to me about any problem or any differences they have with my coaching techniques."

"I am very happy with the progress of the team. We have had some good results this year and we are preparing for the World Cup. But there is scope of improvement and all of us are working towards that."