New Delhi: Just a few days remain for the 2009 Nehru Cup to start and India are looking forward to successfully defend the title.
The ‘Bhangra Boys' won the competition in 2007 and having won the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008 they are well in contention of winning international honours for the third year in a row.
Looking ahead to the tournament, coach Houghton said that they are not taking any team lightly and warned that they must start the Nehru Cup campaign with a victory.
Houghton said, "It's difficult or rather I would say it is inappropriate to term anyone as a tough opponent. We have to approach all the game in the same way all that would change would be the tactics. We are preparing every game in the same way and all the opponents will be treated in the same. We are just worried about our opening game as it will be very important to win the opening match."
The Indian national returned from their tour of Barcelona last week. There they played four practice matches against Tercera Division sides and won against two of those clubs.
Speaking on that, Houghton explained, "It has been a good preparation for the team all the players are in the best shape. Though when we started the camp there were some problems regarding the fitness of the players but now that has been sorted out. We had to get all the players to same level of fitness and for the same we emphasized on the fitness during our stay at Dubai and also during our first week at Barcelona."
The Englishman also dismissed talks of his side being under pressure. A Nehru Cup triumph would see India win their third international trophy in three years but Houghton claims that there is no pressure on his men.
"I don't think there is any kind of pressure on me or the players. When we prepare for the game we don't allow pressure to mount on us. But then anything can happen on a given day and all we can do is give our best and play our best on a given day."
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