Panama coach Thomas Christiansen sees India friendly as a chance to test youngsters
“Well, the reason was that the president called me. In our ideal moment, we would fly to New Zealand and afterwards to Japan or Ecuador. But he called me and said, ‘Look, we have the possibility to face India in a friendly game.’ I said it could be a good possibility also for our youngsters to get many minutes and to see them,” Christiansen said.
Xtratime Webdesk: Panama head coach Thomas Christiansen sees Friday’s friendly against India as an important opportunity to test his young players as both teams look to build for the future. Christiansen revealed that Panama initially had plans to travel to New Zealand before heading to Japan or Ecuador, but the opportunity to face India changed those plans. The Panama coach said the game will allow him to give valuable minutes to players pushing for places in the national team.
“Well, the reason was that the president called me. In our ideal moment, we would fly to New Zealand and afterwards to Japan or Ecuador. But he called me and said, ‘Look, we have the possibility to face India in a friendly game.’ I said it could be a good possibility also for our youngsters to get many minutes and to see them,” Christiansen said.
Panama are also undergoing a transition after several senior players who featured at the World Cup moved on. Christiansen said the team now needs to identify the next generation ready to step up.
On India, the Panama coach admitted that his knowledge of the team is limited but acknowledged the progress made in recent years. He pointed to the development of the domestic league and the arrival of foreign players as factors helping raise the standard.
Thomas Christiansen also highlighted the challenge football faces in India, where cricket remains the country's biggest sport. He equated this with Panama's love for baseball.
“The most important thing is to progress and improve in all senses. The league has to be better, the facilities have to be better to give the players the best conditions to improve, and getting good coaches to show the players what they need,” he said.
Christiansen also singled out India winger Ryan Williams, whom he had previously coached at Leeds, as a player who impressed him during Panama's analysis of the Indian team.
Meanwhile, Carlos Harvey urged Indian players to seek opportunities abroad and take on tougher challenges to raise their level.
Christiansen believes India's three FIFA window games against World Cup teams can provide valuable exposure for them to understand what is required to reach the global stage. India face Panama on Friday as the two sides continue their preparations and development ahead of future international challenges.
