Hardworking, Humble Blue Tigers 'Impress' Newly-Appointed Assistant Coach Trevor Sinclair

The Blue Tigers have put their grand reception in Doha behind them and have now begun training for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023. While there are plenty of familiar faces around, a few have yet to make their senior international debut. The coaching team, which has remained the same over the last year, has, however, had a new edition - a certain Trevor Sinclair, a former England international and World Cupper (2002). The 50-year-old has joined the National Team as an assistant coach along with Mahesh Gawali, and attended the Blue Tigers' training session for the first time on New Year's Eve. "It's been a hectic few days with all the travel, but we've gotten things underway with a gym and a training session, and frankly, I'm impressed," Sinclair said to the-aiff.com. "It's a hardworking, humble, enthusiastic, and talented group of lads."

"They have a very good relationship with (head coach) Igor (Stimac) and the staff, and they want to try and do their best for the country," he said.

A speedy winger in the Premier League with clubs like Manchester City and West Ham back in his days, Sinclair specialises in training set-pieces, which he believes, could give any team the advantage at various times during a match.

"I was a forward, a creative player, so I know very well that when you enter the final third, it's not always about things that are in the coaching books. It's what you see in the players and work situations to your advantage," said Sinclair.

"We all know how statistically important set-pieces are in any football match. It's not just for the corners and free-kicks, but also simple things like throw-ins that, if worked on, can help you," he said. "If you are on the back foot, and you can keep possession from