Former Indian international Jo Paul Ancheri is a two time AIFF player of the year winner and has also won the SAFF Cup with the national team.
While speaking about his memories from the SAFF Cup, he told Goal.com, “Winning any tournament is a great feeling and SAFF Cup is no exception. Winning any thing for the country is a great feeling.”
On being asked whether the SAFF Cup generates as much interest within the players as other tournaments, Ancheri suggested that for the players its always the same.
“When you go into the field it invariable becomes another match to win. It basically works match to match and all players want to win and perform in every match, specially when it comes to playing for the country.”
He is of the opinion that the SAFF Cup is of special importance as it provides an opportunity to learn at a slightly lesser intensity.
“This tournament provides the team to gel together and get some international exposure. SAFF Cup is always a good learning experience for the players.”
On the subject of favorites for the tournament, Ancheri said that the tag of favorite certainly lies on India but that does not mean that the team will take others lightly.
“Even though India is perhaps the favorite for the tournament, other teams are not to be taken lightly. We ourselves have set an example by winning two Nehru cups by beating a very strong team like Syria.
"So there is no way we ourselves would let complacency mar our performance. Every team will be fighting for every match every minute. The intensity cannot be lowered and I am sure the coach and the rest of the coaching staff will not allow that to happen.”
On the subject of sending an U-23 team this time around, Ancheri opines that it is certainly a good move.
“Clearly it is a move with long term benefits in mind and a good one. Our youngsters will gain invaluable experience and this will help the senior squad in years to come.
“I hope the youngsters will make the most of this opportunity to showcase their talent and wish them all the best for the tournament.”
Source: Goal.com
From the archive. First published on footballkerala.com on Saturday 5 December 2009, restored from the site's 2012 database. Text as originally published.