ife is not going to be easy for Paul Van Ass, the Dutchman who took over as the chief coach of the Indian hockey team. He has his task cut out as he tries to lead India into the Rio Olympics next year. The Dutchman is aware of the pressure a foreign coach comes under when it comes to working with Team India.

When asked how did he evaluate Team India, Paul said that the team had proved its credentials by winning the gold in the Asian Games last year. "I think by winning the gold at the Asian Games, they have proved that they have closed the gap between the other teams. That is the main reason why I decided to take up the assignment. I feel India have it in them to do very well," he said.

When asked whether he would try to make India play the European way, Paul said that was not his objective. "I will try to retain the Indian style of play their skills and technical sense is quite there. I also feel that it won't be right for me to impose anything on Team India and that is not what I want to do during my stint here. Rather I will be trying to build upon their strengths without doing a lot of tinkering," he asserted.

Paul also said that he felt that there were not much technical changes that the Team needed to do. "I don't think that the Team India has to make. 'I have spoken to Oltmans (the high performance director of Indian team) and we have identified certain areas where we need to work on. I will be doing those things in the coming days" he said.

Elaborating on this facet, Paul went on to say, "I will not make them unlearn what they know, as it will go against their nature. But will try to make the chain stronger; the chain of defence, chain of control, chain of counter control and chain of attack and this is more of European and Australian style. The other part is the skillfulness which is what the team is known for and that's the strong point. I will work on the technical (aspects) as well."

Paul felt that mentally too the India needed to be a bit more cool under pressure. "I feel that is going to be the key to India's success. They have to deal with pressure in a bit better way. I feel that is an important facet of the modern day game. A team's ability to remain cool under pressure is something which gives a team the cutting edge," he said.

When asked whether he had identified any specific areas to work, Paul said that he expected 200% from the boys. "I think every coach across the world asks for it. It depends where you put your emphasis. I will challenge each player to the maximum. You have to win first from yourself before you win the game."

When asked if India would win a medal at the Rio Olympics, Paul said it was too early to predict on India's chances right now. "We will have to take things one at a time. Right now my focus is on doing well at the World Hockey League final which will be held in India in December. The top teams would be here and a good showing by India will do our morale a world of good," concluded Paul.