"I believe, every coach has his own strategies and style of play. Armando Sir has done great things for Dempo SC winning almost every title. There are lots of variations in the practice and we are really enjoying it," Gouramangi said on the eighth day of national camp for the preparation of the World Cup qualifiers against the UAE.
"The set up is new and we as a player need to co-operate with the coach in the best possible way. There is a healthy competition in the team and the attitude of the players are very positive. Everyone wants to excel in their field and it will only help the team to achieve the future targets," he said.
Armando axed more than a dozen senior players who played in the Asian Cup in January and Gouramangi felt the campers have a mix of youth and experienced players.
"The composition of the team looks very balanced with a mix of youth and experienced players. Everyone is aware of the challenge lying ahead in the form of UAE. We are gelling well together and everyone is giving their best in the training sessions. Also, it will be take some time to understand each other, but we will definitely grow better as a team," said Gouramangi who is among the senior players retained by the new coach.
Asked about the Football Awareness Programmes he conducted recently at Awang Sekmai in his native state of Manipur, Gouramangi said, "The response was beyond my expectations and really moved my heart. The kids were so enthusiastic and eager to learn. I always wanted to contribute something in the development of football in the country and this is just a humble beginning.
"It was a three day camp and we had around 150 kids participating in the Awareness Programme, but the best part was the support from the local people. I would also like to thank Bhai (Bhaichung Bhutia) and FPAI and all the sponsors for providing me the necessary equipments for the camp.
"Although, I was looking to hold a longer camp, but due to the paucity of time and my own commitments, it wasn't possible. I have spoken to few people as well and we are looking to organising more camps with sponsors on board not only in Manipur but also in other parts of the country," he said.
Meanwhile, the campers played a practice match against Western Command which they won 6-2. Striker Sunil Chhetri bagged a hat-trick while Sushil Kumar Singh, Anil Kumar and Rakesh Masih were the other scorers.
For Western Command, captain Aditya Singh and Raju Chhetri scored a goal each.