Feeling festive: T. Saravanan (right) will have to watch what he eats during Deepavali so that it won’t affect him during training. — KL photo
PETALING JAYA: National Under-23 football team winger T. Saravanan expects to see a different side to new coach Juan Torres Garrido (pic) when the players gather for a centralised training camp from Nov 13-21 for the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup, scheduled for April next year in Doha, Qatar.
The Spaniard is no stranger to the Harimau Muda players as he was assistant to E. Elavarasan, replacing him when the latter returned to the national team to assist coach Kim Pan-gon in October.
For Saravanan, Garrido is an affable and well liked man but now that he is the coach, the players may see a firmer and stricter side to him.
“When he was the assistant coach, he mingled with every single player quite well. But being the coach now, his mindset could be different and we will know when we join the training camp next week,” said Saravanan, who plays for Kuala Lumpur.
“Coach Ela (Elavarasan) always demands that we press hard during games but coach Juan always tells us to see the situation first when it comes to pressing. He also sees the dynamics of each player.
“It’ll be an interesting change and I look forward to working with him as we intend to mount a strong challenge at the Asian Cup next year.”
The 22-year-old Saravanan believes that Garrido will be well assisted by ex-international Shukor Adan.
‘’Shukor, being the assistant coach now, will be a good man to motivate the players given his experience as a player and his charisma on and off the pitch.
‘’I’ve worked with him in the KL team. He gets along well with the players, so communication will be good.’’
Before reporting for national duty, Saravanan is eager to spend quality time with his loved ones during Deepavali.
“I will enjoy every moment. Selangor has been my home for a long time and almost every Deepavali, I am with my folks,’’ he said.
“I guess the call-up now is a Deepavali blessing. I know the food and cookies will be tempting, but I have to watch what I eat and make sure to stay fit when the training starts.”
