The Indian national team will take on Singapore in an away match at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium on Tuesday. Both national coaches and the two key players Sunil Chhetri and Baihakki Khaizan faced the media at the pre-match press conference on Monday.

India coach Wim Koevermans is looking forward to the challenging friendly match, which is certain to provide some needed exposure to the Indian team.

“I’m very pleased to be here, and to be presented with an opportunity to play against Singapore. They are a strong opposition, and it is another step for us to improve ourselves. I will be looking forward to a good match,” the Dutchman told the media.

“I always have respect for the teams we play, and Singapore is no different,” said Koevermans. “I have seen some video footage of them and I realize they always do everything to win. They are a strong side, and it will not be easy against the Lions for sure.”

Singepore coach Radojko Avramovic is expecting a lot from his wards in their first senior international match against India since 2004, when the East Asians won the match 2-0 in a 2006 FIFA World Cup Qualifer.

“It is an important game for us, we have a competition coming up, and it is imperative that the players coming in try their best,” Avramovic stated. “We started our preparations without the LionsXII players, because they still had their competition. The rest of the players have been practicing and doing well.”

“A few players won’t be playing tomorrow, but it will be an opportunity for others. Lots of them have been slowly coming into the national team, and it will be good opportunity for them to establish themselves,” he added.

India skipper Sunil Chhetri knows about the strenghts of the Singapore team and he reiterated Koevermans’ statement. “I am very excited to be here, and the game against Singapore will not be easy, like what the gaffer said.”

Meanwhile, the kick-off is scheduled for 19.45 local time (17.15 IST | 14.45 CET | 13.45 GMT) and the tickets have been priced at S$10 (Adult) and S$2 (Concession – Student/Senior Citizen).

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