Football should be played to entertain – FC Pune City head coach Popovic
Head Coaches seemed very clear that they want their teams to play attacking football with the vision of entertaining the fans.
Kerala Blasters’ assistant coach Thangboi Singto agreed that their head coach Rene Meulensteen would impart a lot of facets from his time as Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant, and new entrants Sergio Lobera (FC Goa), Ranko Popovic (FC Pune City) and John Gregory (Chennaiyin FC) made it clear that they would play to win, rather than choose a pragmatic system. Mumbai City FC’s Alexandre Guimarães said that this season would see him “try some different styles” compared to last season’s compact approach which took the club to the top of the table, and Bengaluru FC’s Alberto Roca has already showed his ability to experiment in his one stint with The Blues in the Hero I-League.
“I like my team to keep the ball, and bring it back when they lose it. I like quick passes and creative players and believe that the more you keep the ball, the less you have to run. I know the Barcelona style of football, so you can guess how my team will try to play,” said Lobera, who was in charge of the Barcelona youth teams from 1997-2006.
Pune City’s Serbian head coach Popovic was in a jolly mood in his first interaction with the Indian media, and it seems that he would want his team to play in an equally expressive manner. “Football should be played to entertain. It should be played with joy. It should be attractive. Of course, you have to be smart within the limit of the result, so my team will also be ready to tackle hard and fight till the end according to the situation. But to ask my team to play in one way, and for them to execute it, is completely different. Let’s take it one match at a time,” the former centre-back said.
Also Read: Earlier the ISL was a tournament, now it is a league – Hume
His approach was personified by the presence of last year’s Golden Boot winner Marcelinho (Marcelo Leite Pereira), who joined Pune City after his incredible performances for Delhi Dynamos last season (10 goals, 5 assists). “Football is happiness, and we want to play with a lot of positivity,” the Brazilian said. If Pune’s players can produce their head coach’s vision, then their fans are in for a treat.
Another change in vision will be seen at Chennaiyin FC. The club will see a change after three years under the tutelage of World Cup winner Marco Materazzi. Their new manager John Gregory said that he wants to follow in the footsteps of Italian coach, but also wants to prove that English managers will not play the stereotypical English way.
“The general opinion attached to English managers is that they will play the long ball. But I want my team to play proper football. There will be no shunting of the ball to the forward from behind. We want to keep the ball and and play with style. We have the players to do that and Chennaiyin are a club that is associated with creating stars out of unknown players. So there will be a few surprises this season as well,” he said. Gregory has managed 10 clubs in a storied career which also saw him play for England.
With the Hero ISL transforming to a longer league, all these managers will get enough time to implement their philosophies. And if they manage to do so, it will certainly be goals galore.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
Odisha FC wins their first-ever playoff match to qualify for semi-final with comeback victory against Kerala Blasters FC
Bhubaneswar, April 19: Odisha FC qualified for the semi-final of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 by beating Kerala Blasters FC by 2-1 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar tonight. Accordingly,…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…