We want to build the Chennai City model of football in Tamil Nadu: Rohit Ramesh
Champions of Hero I-League 2018-19, Chennai City FC’s CEO, and owner Rohit Ramesh says the “ultimate goal remains to reach a stage where we will be able to build a successful team around the local players, and not foreign recruits.”
In an interview, Ramesh speaks at length about the club’s ‘marriage’ with FC Basel, aim of developing a local talent pool, strategic changes made this season, life as Hero I-League champions and much more.
EXCERPTS:
What’s Chennai City FC’s long-term philosophy?
Our long-term philosophy is to cultivate our own style of football – the Chennai City FC style — throughout the ranks. We want our junior teams to play the same way as the senior team is now playing. That would improve the ecosystem immensely.
For the past few years, we have had a good set of local players as well. You look at the likes of Pandiyan, Edwin Vanspaul, Pravitto Raju, Romario Jesuraj, and Regin — they have all played successfully at the top level. Our ultimate goal remains to reach a stage where we will be able to build a successful team around the local players, and not foreign recruits.
How much will the partnership with FC Basel help?
Development needs to start at the local level first. The main goal of our club has always been to nurture local footballers. The marriage with FC Basel is certainly going to be helpful in that regard.
Could you elaborate?
We want to target talented players at a very young age, and having Basel’s expertise to mould the young talents into top footballers would be crucial to build a better future for, not just the club, but also football in Tamil Nadu, and Indian Football overall.
What it also does is that it gives the players an added incentive to look at football, and Chennai City FC as a professional unit, and a career option. Not everyone who plays Sevens football at the local level can make it to the top. But they can enter the system by becoming coaches, physios, or analysts. This is an area where FC Basel’s help comes in.
Hopefully, in the future, we can start educating young kids at an early age in our philosophy, but with the help of FC Basel.
You came to the Hero Super Cup as Hero I-League champions. Has it sunk in yet?
We never expected to be where we are right now, and I am quite delighted. This is just going to give a good future with regards to how we play, how each and every local player approaches the game, and how we go about from now on. We had a chat with the coach during last season’s Super Cup itself, and we had decided that our prime target would be to finish in the top six, or top four this season.
Did you make any changes in the administration to make the target a reality?
Overall there has not been much change in the way we approach work administratively. We have always tried to run the club in a professional manner. But this season the foreigners have really gelled well with our local players, something that has helped us immensely. We gauged it during the pre-season itself that we could actually do wonders in our campaign.
What was the strategic change in the manner the team plays?
In the last two seasons, we had roped in the local players first, and then our foreign recruits. This season, we did it the other way round. We signed a few foreigners, and then went around to build a team around them.
– Courtesy AIFF Media
Also Read: A month-long summer coaching camp for Goalkeepers
Also Read: The goal that changed it all for Nikhil Poojary
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
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…
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…
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…
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…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
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…
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…