Known to be a great motivator, Van Ass (left) likes his teams to play at breakneck speed.

Outspoken and controversial. Paul van Ass may be the complete opposite of Terry Walsh, but like the Australian the 54-year-old’s impeccable coaching record was reason enough for Hockey India (HI) and Sports Authority of India (SAI) to appoint him as the chief coach of the men’s team on Friday.

Former assistant coach of Australian women’s team and head coach of Australian men’s developmental squad, Anthony Thornton of New Zealand was named as the women’s coach. The decision was taken following a meeting between Hockey India and SAI officials in New Delhi on Wednesday, with Hockey India president Narinder Batra saying they have asked that the contracts of both coaches run till the 2018 World Cup.

Van Ass, who was released as Holland coach after his contract ended last year, led the team to silver medals at the London Olympics and the World Cup. Van Ass never played internationally but following his rapid rise as a coach, he has asserted his status as one of the best in the business.

He was surprisingly chosen ahead of the seasoned Marc Lammers as Holland coach in 2010 following his exploits with the junior national team and Dutch club HC Gazellen-Combinatie. His appointment, however, was criticised for he did not possess the necessary coaching certificate and lacked international experience.

Van Ass further fueled the fire by axing two of the senior-most Dutch players and icons of the game, Teun de Noojier and Taeke Taekema, from the squad after he found them to be unfit to feature in his scheme of things. Following a public backlash, he had to reinstate them in the team but omitted them again from the Olympic-bound squad. The Oranje, however, blossomed under him, playing with speed and strength that few countries could match. He stabilised the team which looked to be on the wane and turned them into world-beaters in a short span, which earned him the plaudits.

In his four-year stint as Holland’s chief coach, Van Ass’ high points were the final of the London Olympics and last year’s World Cup. But they were also his pitfalls. Germany, to whom Holland lost in the Olympic final, became their bogey team while a 7-1 roasting at the hands of Australia in front of home crowd in the final of the World Cup last year resulted in the Dutch hockey federation not renewing his contract.

India, however, will be a challenge that will be unique from his past assignments and the responsibilities will be far-reaching. He inherits a team that is high on confidence after a memorable 2014 where Walsh guided India to an Asian Games gold medal.

The fact that India is the first team to have qualified for next year’s Olympics will give him the cushion. With no major tournaments lined up this year, India will be participating in the Azlan Shah Cup in April followed by a tournament in New Zealand, the World League in Belgium in June, a home test series against Australia and exposure trips to Europe. The year concludes with the World League Final, which India will host in December.

Grave concerns

Known to be a great motivator, Van Ass likes his teams to play at breakneck speed while, at the same time, not compromising on the structural organisation. While speed and fitness is not an issue with the Sardar Singh-led side, the Dutchman will have to deal with several grave concerns. The players are notorious in failing to implement the game-plan on the field, are perceived to be fragile psychologically and lack consistency. He will also have to find the right attacking combination and also address the fragile defense.

Most importantly, though, Van Ass’ relationship with Hockey India will define his stay in the country. The last three foreign coaches — Walsh, Michael Nobbs and Jose Brasa — have all had bitter bonding with Hockey India and SAI, which resulted in their exit.