The Indian men’s national football team is gearing up for their friendly match against Vietnam on October 12. Head coach Manolo Marquez has expressed confidence in the physical readiness of his team as they prepare for this important fixture. The Blue Tigers gathered in Kolkata on Saturday and had their first training session on Sunday morning. With a renewed focus on fitness and strategy, the team is hoping to put on a strong performance in the upcoming match.
Improved Physical Condition Since September
According to Manolo Marquez, the players are in better physical shape now compared to the September window. He highlighted that the team has had more time to work on fitness, which is a crucial factor heading into the game. Marquez said, “Physically, we are better than when we were in pre-season. There are still some players who are performing well but are not here. We are still at the beginning of the season, so there’s a lot of room for improvement.”
The head coach also emphasized that the current squad was chosen because they are seen as the best fit to face Vietnam. He added, “If you speak with 20 people, all of them will give you a different list. We called these players because we think they are the best to play against Vietnam.”
New Faces in the Squad
The Blue Tigers’ squad for the Vietnam friendly features some fresh talent. Notable newcomers include left-back Aakash Sangwan and 21-year-old midfielder Lalrinliana Hnamte, both of whom are earning their first national team call-ups. Sangwan and Hnamte have impressed in domestic competitions, and they now have the chance to showcase their skills on the international stage.
Another player making a return to the national team is forward Farukh Choudhary. After a three-year absence, Choudhary has worked his way back into the squad. He made his debut for India in 2018 and has since represented the country 14 times, scoring once against Nepal in a 2021 friendly. That same year, he was part of the Indian team that won the SAFF Championship in the Maldives.
Altered Plans Following Lebanon’s Withdrawal
Originally, India was set to compete in a tri-nation friendly tournament involving Lebanon and Vietnam. However, Lebanon recently withdrew, leaving India to face the 116th-ranked Vietnamese team in a one-off friendly match. The game will be held at the Thiên Trường Stadium in Nam Định on October 12.
Marquez had mixed feelings about the schedule change. On one hand, he noted that playing only one match reduces competitive opportunities. “In one way, it’s worse because you play only one game,” he said. However, he also saw a positive side. “In another way, it’s better because you have a little more time to prepare. At least now we’ll have four or five sessions, and I think the players can better understand our philosophy.”
Training and Preparation
The Indian team began their preparations with a moderate-intensity training session at the AIFF National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata. The players who participated in club matches the day before, including those from Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and FC Goa, joined the national team with a positive attitude. Marquez praised the players’ commitment, stating, “The attitude of the players was good today. Some of them played yesterday, but I like their optimistic attitude.”
The team is set to depart for Vietnam on Sunday night and will arrive in Nam Định early Monday morning. The extra training sessions in Vietnam will be crucial for the team to fine-tune their tactics and strategy. Marquez believes that both India and Vietnam are in similar physical condition, as their respective leagues have just begun. He remarked, “Vietnam is also in a similar situation as us. Their league season is four-five games old, so we arrive in similar conditions. I think the team which wins this will prove they are better, at least in this game.”
India’s 23-Member Squad for Vietnam Friendly
The 23-man squad selected for the Vietnam friendly includes a mix of experienced players and promising young talent. The goalkeeping duties will be shared between Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, and Vishal Kaith. In defense, Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, and Anwar Ali will provide stability, while the midfield will be anchored by Suresh Singh Wangjam, Lalrinliana Hnamte, and Brandon Fernandes.
In attack, Farukh Choudhary and Manvir Singh will be key figures, along with young talents like Vikram Partap Singh. The full squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers:
- Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
- Amrinder Singh
- Vishal Kaith
Defenders:
- Nikhil Poojary
- Rahul Bheke
- Chinglensana Singh Konsham
- Anwar Ali
- Aakash Sangwan
- Subhasish Bose
- Asish Rai
- Mehtab Singh
- Roshan Singh Naorem
Midfielders:
- Suresh Singh Wangjam
- Lalrinliana Hnamte
- Jeakson Singh Thounaojam
- Brandon Fernandes
- Liston Colaco
- Lalengmawia
- Lallianzuala Chhangte
Forwards:
- Edmund Lalrindika
- Farukh Choudhary
- Manvir Singh
- Vikram Partap Singh
A Chance to Prove Themselves
The upcoming friendly match against Vietnam is a crucial opportunity for India to test their squad and strategy ahead of more competitive fixtures. While the sudden change in schedule may have disrupted initial plans, the team now has more time to prepare and fine-tune their approach. With a mixture of seasoned players and promising newcomers, Manolo Marquez’s side will look to put on a strong display and secure a positive result.
Looking Ahead: Malaysia Friendly in November
After the Vietnam match, the Blue Tigers will have another important test in November when they face Malaysia in a friendly during the FIFA international window. Malaysia, currently ranked 132nd in the world, will be a tough opponent for India, who are ranked 126th. The two teams last met in October 2023 in the Merdeka Cup semi-final, where Malaysia defeated India 4-2. The upcoming friendly will give India a chance to exact revenge and build momentum for future competitions.
Conclusion
As India prepares for their friendly match against Vietnam, the team is in a better physical state compared to earlier in the season. Coach Manolo Marquez is optimistic about the squad’s readiness and believes that the additional training sessions will help the players better understand the team’s strategy. With fresh faces and returning veterans, the Indian team is eager to showcase their potential on the international stage and secure a positive result against Vietnam. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
