AFC U-19 Qualifiers will be challenging: India U-19 coach

U-19 football team head coach Lee Johnson feels India's campaign at AFC U-19 Qualifiers will be challenging but said he wants his boys to play with freedom and creativity and show a good defensive discipline.
Indian U-19 team will take on Palestine in their opening match tomorrow and Johnson said they cannot underestimate the quality of the teams in their Group, which also comprises UAE and Afghanistan.
"The games in the AFC U-19 Qualifiers will be challenging and it will also be a good exposure campaign for the boys. We have defeated Afghanistan without our strongest Team so physiologically that will be an advantage for us going into that game," Johnson told AIFF.Com.

"At the same time you cannot underestimate the quality of the Teams in our group as they possess the necessary weapons to cause problems.
"Heading into the Qualifiers I want my Players to enjoy their Football and play with freedom and creativity whilst maintaining a good defensive discipline," added the former English footballer, who has been associated with the Chelsea Academy and Crystal Palace Academy in the past.
The 34-year-old Englishman, who has been training with the U-19 National Team since July 2015, is impressed with the boys but said they need to improve tactically.
"The Indian Players are some of the best Players I have worked with so far in terms of their discipline, work-rate and attitude -- both on and off the pitch. However, we still need to improve on the tactical aspects," he said.

"Our Players are technically good and can handle the ball well. So for us taking part in the SAFF and ACT has provided us with an experience which will help aid their development.