They are ranked seventh in the world but the New Zealand hockey team is ambitiously looking at a spot in the top-four. The Blacksticks, as they’re known, are in the Capital to be a part of the upcoming Hockey World league Final starting 10th January. Abhishek Purohit caught up with team coach Colin Batch
How have the preparations been for the Hockey World league FinalIJ
I’m very pleased with the preparation. Since we have arrived here a couple of days back, we are trying to acclimatise very quickly because there is a lot of variation in the weather conditions here. In the night, it is cold and in the afternoon, it has been pretty pleasant and warm. Today’s practice session was just the second one here. We are working on quite smoothly as far as our it is concerned.
What are your targets for the team in the HWlIJ
We haven’t played at all for the last couple of months. We don’t expect to be at our very best in this tournament. We will use this tournament to learn more about ourselves and let this process continue as preparation for World Cup (this year). We are trying some young and new players. They have been with the senior squad for the last 12 months and it is good to see them playing here at such a prestigious tournament. We would like to finish in the top six. Format-wise, you play the quarterfinals and if you win, you will reach the semis and that’s where we are looking at. But, I don’t know how many teams will be at their best in this tournament. Some teams are trialing different players and it would be interesting to see how the teams maintain the consistency after bringing these changes.
What is your opinion of the teams in your groupIJ
Well, we are up against the Olympic champions Germany and they have always been a difficult side to beat. They have done consistently well in many tournaments and recently they won the HWl semifinal tournament. Apart from them, we will play England and hosts India. I reckon both of them are competitive sides.
Are you planning to change the team’s playing styleIJ
I think we have been quite defensive and we need to shore up our attacking structure a little more. So. we are working on the attacking part of the game. We are trying to enhance our ability to apply more goal-scoring shots and also short corners. Also, we are trying to develop our intensity of passing and tactical prowess and hopefully the boys will execute them properly during the game.
New Zealand have been considered one of the most improved sides. What’s your take on itIJ
Realistically, New Zealand had a disappointing 2012 london Olympics where they finished ninth. We’re trying to build a new group having an eye on the 2016 Olympics. They had done well in the 2011 Champions Trophy and in the Champions Challenge. But, after the 2012 Olympics, we’re looking for some changes in the composition of the team. We would like to have more consistency in performance and ultimately top four positions will be our aim.
As you know, eight-time Olympic champions India are struggling at the world levelIJ What’s your take on itIJ
I don’t think they are struggling. Recently, they have got a new coach and he will give them some impetus to play well. They are introducing some new talents and Hockey India league is definitely helping them track down the talent. Apart from this, I believe that world hockey is getting competitive day by day with every country implementing good programmes. So, it is not easy to maintain consistency.
What is the reason for the absence of veteran mid-fielder Ryan ArchibaldIJ
Archibald has not played after the 2012 london Olympics. He has not retired officially. He has taken a break and I know that he will be participate in the second edition of Hockey India league.