Altitude is bit of an issue, says Constantine

Speaking to www.the-aiff.com from Thimphu, National Coach Stephen Constantine said the “Team has settled down quite well.”

“We have settled down quite well. The weather has not been too bad but the altitude is a little bit of an issue as it takes a few days to get used too. But we are coping well so far,” Constantine informed.

The match which will kick-off at IST 3.30pm (4pm local time) on Saturday (August 13).

“The first two days we did double sessions but are having single sessions now as the game approaches,” he added.

The Team, devoid of Players from Bengaluru FC and East Bengal who were not released by the Clubs for the pre-season training Camp in Delhi has opened the doors for many a youngster who has been knocking at the door for long.

“All games are important when you represent your Country. Although it is an unofficial Friendly where FIFA points won’t be counted, it is an opportunity for Players to show what they can do,” Constantine mentioned.

Since taking over in his second stint as the Indian National Team Coach, Constantine in an effort to “widen the pool of Players” has handed International debut to 28 Players.

“Bhutan are a Team that are slowly but surely improving. The fact they are still in with a chance to make the final stages of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers is a testament to that,” he felt.

Though the match is slated to kick-off on an artificial turf, Constantine isn’t willing to read much into it.

“We have all played on the artificial surface so that should not be an issue. We have been training on the same pitch for the last few days. I repeat that the altitude could be an issue although after spending some 4-5 days in Bhutan, I hope it won’t affect us too much.”