04 March,2010 08:24 AM IST | | Ashwin Ferro
Although he may not show it at the outset, Ric Charlesworth is still very unhappy with the treatment meted out to him by the Indian Olympic Association, who had appointed him as technical director of the men's and women's national teams about a year ago.
Charlesworth returned home mid-way through his term showing displeasure that his contract was not well documented and he was not allowed to execute his role to a tee.
Charlesworth had told
MiD DAY a year ago that IOA were yet to pay him his fees. He even said that they had left him homeless since he was expected to stay in India for at least a year. The Aussie had rented out his home in Australia during his India stint.
On Tuesday, however Charlesworth was rather subdued when this topic was touched upon. "I don't have anything against Indians or the authorities here, though I still wish they could pay me what they owe me," he said with a wry smile.
However, Charlesworth admitted that he wanted his boys to score plenty more against India, who they beat 5-2 on Tuesday. "I'm very angry with the boys for missing so many scoring opportunities.
"I thought we started brilliantly but let them come back midway in the first half. I'm unhappy that we scored only five. We should have scored at least three to four goals more," he said.
Asked if he had passed on any tips to the Aussies having known the Indians from close quarters, Charlesworth ducked the question. "I know this Indian team well. They are a good side but the only thing they lack is consistency," he said.
India coach Brasa was frank to admit that the Aussies were on a different planet. "They were too fast for us. We were completely outplayed. Australia are on a different planet altogether," he said.
