Expressing profound disappointment and concern regarding Pakistan’s lackluster performance in the World Cup qualifying round match against Tajikistan, Head Coach Stephen Constantine emphatically stated that the nation isn’t worthy of competing at such a level.
“I am totally upset and disappointed at today’s outcome and poor football display put up by Pakistan. I would not make any excuses here. I have to admit that we played poorly. Pakistan left many loopholes. Despite repeated instructions these players never tried to remove their flaws. I have to admit that we don’t deserve playing at such a level,” declared the team head coach, displaying visible frustration as he pushed the microphone aside to candidly address the sports journalists present during the post-match media talk.
Constantine was outspoken about the various shortcomings evident in Pakistani football, asserting that the World Cup qualifying round is not a platform for learning the game. If Pakistan football has any misconception that this stage is meant to learn football, they are highly mistaken. It is a stage where you have to show what you have learned already and how capable and ready you are for such a big occasion. Surprisingly Pakistan football has not learned anything.”
He argued that without a League football presence and a robust domestic structure, mastering the art of football and elevating the standard of the game would prove to be challenging. “Look, you don’t have any structure, nor do you have a football system. Even countries like Nepal and Maldives boast a Football League system, but in Pakistan, there is no mechanism for grooming players and facilitating their learning before stepping onto the international stage.”
Constantine added that he consistently emphasized to the players not to underestimate the Tajik team, emphasizing their ability to exploit weaknesses. “No heed was paid as Pakistan players kept on making the same mistakes time and again which resulted in such a heavy loss.”
Expressing his deep disappointment with Tuesday’s performance, Constantine remarked, “Crowd wanted us to play a better game but we failed to do that but more due to the raw game.”
Interestingly, Haroon Malik, Chairman of the Football Normalization Committee, briefly addressed the media and expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance. “Winning and losing is part of the game. I am satisfied with the team’s performance. I hope that the Football League will help in raising the standard of the game.”