Brasa a mischief-creator, says HI secretary Batra

Brasa had claimed that SAI and Hockey India officials ill-treated him after appointing him as the chief coach in May last year. His comments have infuriated HI, whose secretary general Narinder Batra said instead of Brasa, it is SAI which has been tolerating the antics of the Spaniard.

“What I feel is that Brasa wants to paint himself as a martyr because he knows his contract won’t be renewed after the Asian Games. He has failed to deliver. Nothing is exceptional about him,” Batra said.

“I talked to a few players and they said whatever knowledge he had, he has given it in the initial few months and now he has nothing new to give. He has no idea about drag-flicks so we had to bring in Jugraj Singh with the team,” he said.

“All his issues are with SAI but I must admit SAI has been very fair with him. SAI tolerated him. He is the one who has been unfair to his employers. He has been misusing the media,” the HI official added.

Brasa, in his grievances, had said that on his appointment, SAI had promised accommodation for his family and schooling for his kids but till today nothing has been done in this regard.

Batra alleged that Brasa was creating divisions within the team. “He is the biggest mischief-creator I have ever seen. He is breaking the team. If HI is asked, we would prefer (national coach) Harendra Singh any day,” he said.

The HI official, however, admitted that Brasa — who has now been gagged by SAI from talking to the media — was right on his point that in no top hockey playing country in the world the selectors pick the team barring India and Pakistan. But he refused to accept that Brasa had no say in the selection process.