I would like to see the Indian defence improve: Hans Streeder

Newly-appointed analytical coach Hans Streeder has emphasized that the main targets for the Indian men's hockey team is the Asia Cup and Hockey World League (HWL) Finals, this year.

Dutchman Hans Streeder is no stranger to Indian hockey. In 2012, he worked briefly with Michael Nobbs when the Indian team visited Rotterdam. Streeder was also part of the Coal India Hockey India League franchise Uttar Pradesh Wizards as their analytical coach for three years since the inaugural edition.

"I've seen a lot of these players closely. They are a very skillful and excited bunch," expressed the 58-year-old Dutch here at the Sports Authority of India centre where a group of 33 core probables are training ahead of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

Hans who joined the national camp on March 14, was previously with the Netherlands Junior squad and has closely watched and analysed the junior Indian team who lifted the Junior World Title in December 2016.

"I was on the video tower for every single match and I have watched these boys closely. The 11 players from that team who are in the camp here are very talented, no doubt, but I would like them to work in a new structure, understand what's expected of them from every session and execute it. Whether they are junior or seniors it doesn't matter as long as they play in the structure planned and created for them," he asserted.

While the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is an important tournament for the team, last year India lost to Australia in the final, Streeder and Chief Coach Roelant Oltmans emphasised that the main targets for the team is the Asia Cup in Bangladesh and Odisha Men's Hockey World League Final in Bhubaneswar.

"I would like to see the team improve upon their defence structure. You can only attack freely when you know your defence is covered. I feel it's a great luxury that the national team gets to train and live together for as long as six weeks in the camp because back in Netherlands, we would get just one or two days a week to train with the members of national squad. The Indian system is a lot better because you can track the progress closely," stated Streeder.

One of the key challenges as an analytical coach, Streeder says, is to keep the sessions fresh. "It is important to stay fresh in doing what you do on pitch. Drills need to be fresh but not too difficult so the players can be excited and upbeat about it. The structure needs to be clear for them to execute well. But since I have worked with Roelant in the past I know exactly what he expects from me so it becomes easier," he concluded.