‘I know my head is in the line of fire’

Despite a substantial amount of opposition when he was appointed in end-July this year, the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) stuck with Gerhar...

Despite a substantial amount of opposition when he was appointed in end-July this year, the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) stuck with Gerhard Rach, and the German, today, has clearly won over his boys. But although the media is off his back, he is not sure of his future in India. Why? Because very characteristically, the IHF has not extended him a contract and Rach is walking a tightrope.

At the glamorous launch of the Premier Hockey League here on Wednesday, Rach admitted to The Indian Express that he isn’t sure of continuing in the hot seat after the Champions Trophy (starting December 4) in Lahore. ‘‘I am going on a vacation after this. I need time with this bunch, and they can be world class, but only if they are persisted with. But I am not sure of things.’’

On being pushed a bit, Rach says, ‘‘Help me if I know. You should ask the federation about that. I have no idea.’’

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On his achievements, Rach is blunt. ‘‘I know at this time that the team is not world class, not at the same level as the best. But we can be there. After all, you cannot build a house in a day. Tell me, which other team practises four times a day, and is still ready for more?’’

On being continuously compared to Pakistan’s Dutch coach Roeland Oeltmans, Rach is equally categorical: ‘‘He (Oeltmans) is among the best in the world. But what has he done in nine months? I have had just four months.’’

But he is no hurry to go without a fight. ‘‘I know one good result, and things will all change. Personally speaking, I am hopeful of a medal this time in Lahore. Take my word, this team will have quite some surprises for the opponents,’’ he reveals. ‘‘But if we don’t do well, I know who is in the line of fire.’’

RACH’S HEROES

		Sandeep Singh: Sunny has come up like anything. I got to know recently that he puts in extra hours of practice on the sly, working on his game. That’s the best example of a true sportsman. Devesh Chauhan: He wasn’t doing well for so long, but I have been surprised with the way he has come back to stake claim to top slot. Story continues below this ad Adam Sinclair: He has improved so much that he is on the verge of being a world class player. Arjun Halappa: He is world class stuff, and improving with every match. Watch out for him.