Not just going to make up numbers in Asian Cup: India coach Constantine

Facing continental heavyweights like Bahrain and UAE is a tough ask but Indian national football coach Stephen Constantine is confident that Sunil Chhetri and his men won't just be going to make up the numbers during next year's Asian Cup.

In their last appearance in the Asian Cup in 2011, India coached Irishman Bob Houghton, were comprehensively beaten by Australia, South Korea and Bahrain but India's Anglo-Cypriot coach feels things will be different this time round.

India have been clubbed with Thailand, hosts UAE and Bahrain in Group A in the 24-team tournament to be held from January 5 to February 1.

Two top teams from each of the six groups and four best third-placers will advance to the knock-out Round of 16.

India play Thailand in the opening match in Abu Dhabi on January 6 followed by matches against UAE on January 10 (at Abu Dhabi) and against Bahrain on January 14
Asked about Chhetri's contribution in the game in the country, Constantine said,"It will be a remarkable achievement (when Chhetri plays his 100th match). He has been a great servant to Indian football."
Talking about the Intercontinental Cup, Constantine said, "Playing against teams who have players playing in European Leagues or Leagues that are lot stronger than ours is a great way of gaining invaluable experience and these are the type of games we need to be playing if we are going to get better ourselves."
Asked if the all the three countries will send their best teams, Constantine said, "I can't really answer that until they are here but it is not a FIFA window and I would imagine all the teams may have some players that are not able to commit. But we will see, regardless of who comes, they will be very good games for us and the experience invaluable to our development and preparation before the Asian Cup."