Exclusive interview with Peter Segrt

Q: What are your thoughts coming into SAFF Suzuki Cup as defending champions?
A: “First of all, we want to make the best game for our fans. For sure , we won’t be angry if we can get the cup for a second time”

Q: How different is being dark horses and being favourites to win title?
A: “I don’t care. Many times when I was coaching in Europe, we were favourites. So I know how to behave in this role. You must be clever not to be too arrogant but you have to be self confident. What happened was four years ago and now we start from zero again”

Q: Do you feel extra pressure being title favourites?
A: “I put all the pressure on me, so that the players can play without pressure because I want a win every time, every game”

Q: Who do you think are your key players this time around?
A: “I think our captain Faysal and our left back Hassan Amin but at the moment we have 20 key players”

Q: Whom do you have high hopes for if we're talking about the younger players in the squad?
A: “Syed Mohamad from Afghanistan, the new national player, I hope he can develop in the coming years. This is important for the people in Afghanistan. We have also some young players coming from Europe”

Q: Your thoughts on European players and their impact on the squad?
A: “Very big. The situation for us is very difficult. But for me, they are all Afghanistan. The pressure on European players is also very big. They have the experience to perform well and I hope one of the key players at the end of the tournament is Josef Shirdel”

Q: Afghanistan fans have been actively voicing their support through digital platforms. What is your message for them?
A: “I must say thank you to Afghanistan for their support. They welcome me to Afghanistan. Hope is coming back to Afghanistan. For our situation in Afghanistan, it is most important to get hope back”