Fear of playing against big teams is gone: Climax

As the Indian football team gears up to lock horns with German giants Bayern Munich in Bhaichung Bhutia's farewell match, Climax Lawrence feels former coach Bob Houghton has instilled enough confidence in the side to take on any opposition.

"Houghton has instilled a new confidence in the team. We were afraid of playing the big teams but that fear is gone now. Even if we are playing against some big names, we know we will learn something from the experience," Lawrence said.

Lawrence, who captained India to SAFF Cup victory in December last year, said the Bayern Munich match will be a learning curve for the team.

"It will be a great experience, we will look to be positive against them. There is so much to learn from the experience," he said.

The midfielder's views were endorsed by stopper Gouramangi Singh, who said the team will look to give their best against the German giants.

"It will be a mountain to climb. But every time a team goes out, it plays to win. We will give our best against Bayern," Gouramangi said.

The defender added that it will be an honour for the team to play against one of the best football sides in the world.

"It will be an honour to play against Bayern and it will also be an honour to feature in Bhaichung's farewell match," he insisted.

The Dempo player, however, said the future augurs well for the country with likes of Jeje Lalpekhlua and C S Sabeeth coming up the ranks.

The veteran footballer also doused talks around his retirement saying he "may play for another year or two".