Football
oi-Gaurav Sharma
Panama coach Thomas Christiansen has complained about travel and organisational problems after his team drew 1-1 with India in Bengaluru.
Christiansen said his players were frustrated by the circumstances surrounding the friendly match at Sree Kanteerava stadium, including a two-hour journey to the venue because of traffic jams.
Panama coach Thomas Christiansen lamented organizational and travel difficulties, including a lengthy traffic journey, impacting his team’s preparation for their 1-1 friendly draw against India in Bengaluru, where five players debuted.
The Panama coach felt it was unfair to his players and that they were ill-prepared for the game due to the organisational hurdles.
“I wouldn’t like this to sound like an excuse, but it is hard to be in a bus for two hours in traffic to get to the stadium,” said Christiansen after the draw with India.
“It is difficult to accept, but we must be more clever when we sign these agreements in the future,” he added. “I think they deserve better.”
Coach Points To Limited Preparation
The Panama coach lamented the lack of preparation time for the match.
The circumstances were especially upsetting for Christiansen since he had to make room for several new players.
Five players – Marcos De Leon, Jair Modelo, Joseph Jones, Daivis Murillo and Mijahir Jimenez – got their first taste of competitive action for Panama.
“I have to admit defeat this time, but it is not easy to do so for my players,” said Christiansen.
“A generational shift cannot happen overnight. Five players were playing their first official matches today and I have to accept that it is my responsibility,” he added.
India Expose Panama’s Problems
Panama drew first blood through Ryan Williams but then failed to capitalise on their early advantage as India equalised in the 68th minute.
Williams’ opener followed a glorious 41st-minute opportunity created by Akash Mishra, who sent a diagonal ball into the path of his advancing colleague.
Omar Javier Valencia fired home a spectacular shot from distance to rescue points for Panama.
Christiansen was unhappy with his team’s performance, especially their organisation, which allowed India to launch rare but dangerous attacks.
“I should have organised the team better to prevent this from happening,” he said.
“India has very good players, but we made it easy for them, especially by spreading out our line,” he added.
Panama To Continue Asian Tour
Despite the frustrations in Bengaluru, Christiansen felt the match had been beneficial to his team.
Panama will continue their tour of Asia and take on New Zealand in Yokohama on October 1 before facing another Test match in Tokyo on October 5.
India will next host two exciting friendlies in Kolkata against Brazil (October 3) and Uruguay (October 6).
