Every team in the Hero I-League poses a different challenge- Varela
NEW DELHI: Churchill Brothers FC Goa head coach Fernando Santiago Varela stressed on the fact that every team in the Hero I-League poses a different challenge and mentioned that the Red Machines will need to be on their toes to thwart those obstacles in order to win the coveted title.
“Real Kashmir, Gokulam Kerala and even debutants Sudeva Delhi FC will all pose a different sort of challenge. I’m really happy to be a part of this historic club. It’s going to be a new challenge for me. Churchill Brothers FC Goa boast of a rich legacy. We need to keep our heads high and fight to win,” the Spaniard stated at the Virtual Media Day ahead of the Hero I-League 2020-21 on Monday (December 28, 2020).
He further lauded the club for maintaining a perfect balance between youngsters and experienced players in the squad to achieve their target of lifting the Hero I-League trophy.
“I am very happy with the squad. We have a mix of experienced boys like Shilton (Paul) alongside young players who are striving to compete in their first Hero I-League. There are quite a few talented young guns from Goa who are desperate to showcase their talent. I believe it’s important for a club to focus more on local talents,” the former Gokulam Kerala FC gaffer maintained.
Shilton Paul, the highly-experienced gloveman who will represent a Goan club for the first time in his illustrious career, has already experienced staying in a bio-secure bubble during the Hero I-League Qualifier 2020, when he represented Bhawanipore FC. He revealed how he has already shared his experience with his teammates about the dos-and-don’ts of the ‘new normal’ environment.
“I explained to the players what the bubble is and how we need to overcome the situation. Surely, you have to be pretty clear psychologically to stay focused within a bio-secure bubble. Staying with this bubble for a longer period may take a toll on your mental health which, in turn, will affect your on-field performance. We have to make sure we stay calm and focused to deliver at the optimum level once the league kicks off,” Paul sounded confident.
He also reiterated, “RoundGlass Punjab FC, Real Kashmir, Indian Arrows — all the teams in the league are quite capable of denting our aspirations but we are also confident. We can’t expect anything less than a tremendously competitive league.”
“I’m overwhelmed to see the kind of love that people bestow on me. I would request everyone to support us from back home. We would do everything to bring a smile to you,” the custodian added.
Credits: I-League Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Indian legends recall memories of “best technical side of Asia”
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Rahul Bheke: Players from the Reliance Foundation Development League are performing really well in the ISL
Mumbai, 26 April, 2024: Mumbai City FC captain Rahul Bheke has appreciated the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) for building a channel of players for Indian Super League (ISL) clubs…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
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…