Fernandes has reportedly challenged India to be bold in possession, committed without the ball and disciplined in its execution.
“Queremos que os jogadores tenham uma ideia clara de como vamos jogar com e sem a bola. Nosso objetivo é formar uma equipe corajosa com a bola, agressiva na defesa e disciplinada,” the coach said.
In practical terms, that means India will need more than a settled formation. The players must understand when to build patiently, when to press and how to react when Laos disrupts their preferred rhythm. At youth level, those decisions can matter as much as technical ability.
Fernandes also appears determined not to over-coach his team. The report says India’s players are being encouraged to express themselves, make decisions and learn from mistakes while retaining a clear collective structure.
“Para nós, o mais importante é ter uma ideia clara de como vamos jogar, mas também flexibilidade tática para nos adaptar a diferentes adversários e situações de jogo,” he added.
That flexibility may become vital across a group that reportedly also includes Bahrain, Cameroon, Grenada and Senegal. Different opponents will demand different solutions, and India’s opening match should offer the first indication of whether the squad can adjust without losing its identity.
The Laos fixture is therefore more than a tournament debut. It is the first examination of Fernandes’ wider development project. India will hope character, clarity and adaptability can turn preparation into a confident opening performance.