Jamshedpur, Sept 05: Chief coach Stephen Constantine today said it would be unrealistic to expect great results from the Indian football team in the upcoming Afro-Asian Games and feared that "big" losses against formidable opponents in the event could have a negative impact on the side in the long run. "I think the Afro-Asia Games is a bit ill-timed for the Indian team. We will be up against formidable teams like Nigeria, Cameroon, Japan and South Korea who are regulars at the soccer World Cup. These will be difficult games," Constantine told newspersons here. The Anglo-Cypriot said it would be unfair to expect good results from the Indian team which is in the process of building up.

"Everybody knows where we stand. People should keep their expectation in tune with our standards. High expectations from the crowd would put the players under further pressure."

The training camp for the Indian probables for the inaugural games would be held in Goa from October 2 to 22. However, the coach said one positive from the mega event would be that it would be a good exposure for the players.

"If they play well against such teams, their confidence will of course get a big boost," the 40-year old, who coached India to the LG Cup triumph in Vietnam last year, said.

Bureau Report