With the Dr. T. Ao National Junior Girls Football Championship (Tier-II) reaching its climax, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra is all set to battle for the title on Thursday night at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium.
This reporter caught up with both coaches on Wednesday after the final practice sessions, who expressed confidence ahead of the much-anticipated final.
‘We are confident despite short recovery time’: UP coach Ravi Kumar Punia
Uttar Pradesh, who heads into the final after a demanding series of back-to-back matches, remains confident and mentally charged. UP coach, Ravi Kumar Punia, said that the team’s winning mentality was set from day one and that the girls had consistently carried the belief that the championship was within their reach.
In-spite of intensive ground sessions, he said that focus he had shifted to theory classes, light stretching and fun recovery exercises. He admitted that the team was carrying a few injuries adding that he thereby took recovery on priority over physical training.
Despite Maharashtra enjoying longer rest period, Punia expressed confident that their momentum of repeat matches would give them an advantage.
Punia further added that he had analysed Maharashtra’s playing style thoroughly, having played against them in previous tournaments.
He admitted that their team’s strength has been its midfield, which has consistently controlled matches and contributed heavily to both defensive and attacking transitions, adding that his side plays as a cohesive unit, rather than depending on individual brilliance.
On tackling pressure of the final, he stated, “I want them to just stay calm and enjoy the game. Whatever the result, we will accept. I want them to enjoy the game. No pressure”.
When asked about the possibility of the match going to penalties, the coach expressed confidence that it would not reach that stage, however adding that the team was fully prepared if required. He stressed that the team has both a “game plan” and a “mindset” ready for any situation, including a penalty shootout.
The coach concluded by sharing that while the team was not at 100% physically ready due to frequent matches and injuries, he added that their mental preparation is nearly complete. He credited the physio and support staff for working extensively to prepare the players for the final.
‘We are prepared from the first day itself’, says Maharashtra coach Kirti Jayendra Patel
Maharashtra, who had nearly a week’s break before the final, enters the match well-rested and fully recovered. Patel said that the team needed extra time to settle after their opening match, adding that once early mistakes were identified and corrected, the players regained their rhythm and coordination.
She informed that several Maharashtra players had minor injuries earlier in the tournament, adding that the extended gap allowed them to recover completely. “The team has been training every day and is now in peak condition”, she informed.
On assessing Uttar Pradesh, the coach acknowledged UP’s fast attackers and strong midfield but said her team does not consider them a threat. “I don’t know anyone of them to be honest. But I have seen few players have a good strength and they just put it long. So, we understand their game of course and I think the front three are also very fast. But I think our defence is ready for them”, she stated.
She regarded Maharashtra’s defensive unit, some of whom have played together for three years, as one of their main assets, marked by discipline, understanding and strong organisation.
She also dwelled that their transition play and counter-attacks have also been a consistent weapon, with the coach saying the players already possess a strong “mind-set to score”, while adding that the midfield and defence were prepared to press, win the ball back quickly, and deny UP space to play long or through passes.
Asked on the team’s preparedness mentally and physically, she replied that she does not put much effort on preparing them mentally adding that they have trust in each other. “They believe in each one of them and they believe what they can do. They believe that they can show how they are going to play. They are confident of course and for mind-set, I think I just keep them motivated”, she stated.
Like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra has also shortlisted their penalty takers. The coach expressed confidence in her players’ ability to convert penalties if the match ends in a draw.