"I don't do a lot of coaching from the sidelines," - Craig Fulton

Indian hockey team head coach Craig Fulton does not like to give instructions to players from outside during the match and the players themselves during training. He said after winning the Asian Champions Trophy semifinal in Japan.

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India thrashed Japan 5-0 in the last four here on Saturday and will face Malaysia for the title clash. After the big win against Japan, Craig Fulton said, "I don't do a lot of coaching from the sidelines, but during training. That's where the ideas are installed. Maybe, there are a few things that have to change (during the match), but it's up to the senior players to take a call."

Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh also praised the changes Craig Fulton brought in the team. He said after the match, "Every coach has a different mentality. Our past coaches have been good. Even he (Fulton) is good. Every coach thinks about the betterment of the team. He is doing a good job. While we have brought in structural changes in our team, managing it (changes) at such a short notice is a highly positive point for us. All credit to him."

"It's a great achievement to make it to the final, which would be completely different compared to league matches. It was a good performance (on Friday), as we played according to our plans. We even created our opportunities as per the plans." "(On Saturday), our focus would be to stay strong defensively and convert most of our chances." Harmanpreet added.

Meanwhile, veteran India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who earned his 300th international caps in the match against Japan, said, at times, he has to guide and instruct his players on the field as he has the best view of the rival team's placement.

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"I always believe that goalkeeper is more of a coach because I'm the only one standing behind and watching the entire game. When we are sitting in a team meeting, the instructions come and strategies play. But sometimes, the players find it hard in executing them. So, it's my responsibility to guide them." Sreejesh said.

The India vs Malaysia Asian Champions Trophy 2023 final match will be played on Saturday, August 12, 2023. The match will start at 08:30PM IST.