KATHMANDU: India men's football team coach Lee Johnson said Nepal football team, against which India are taking on for the gold medal in the 12th South Asian Games men's football finals, are "dangerous."

“Nepal are a very fit side. They had an inspirational victory against Maldives and will come hard at us," the All India Football Federation quoted Johnson as saying, "The win will keep them motivated. Such sides are always very dangerous.”

“We had a look at them and have some very good individual players in their ranks. They will be competitive and we respect them. I am aware about the fighting instincts of Nepali people.”

Meanwhile, the coach also expressed dissatisfaction over fitness of his team.

“Most of the players are fit, but not match-fit,” he stressed, “International football is played at a much higher intensity.”

"With such a squad it is a miracle that India are in the Final," he said.

“I always tell my boys that hard work beats talent and talent does not work hard. You cover the distance, that is a minimal requirement which one needs to have to play the game,” he quipped.

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