‘Biggest opportunity & honour,’ Bruno Coutinho stays upbeat as AFC Champions League comes to India

NEW DELHI: For the first time ever India is set to host AFC Champions League action starting on April 14, 2021 and will be represented by Hero ISL 2019-20 League champions FC Goa, who will compete alongside Persepolis, Al-Rayyan and Al-Wahda in Group E of the group stages of the most prestigious club competition in the continent.

Former senior national team captain Bruno Coutinho termed the hosting of the tournament as the “biggest opportunity and honour” and sent his best wishes to FC Goa ahead of their games.

“It is the biggest opportunity for fans and the Indian football fraternity that the AFC Champions League is being held in Goa. It is an honour for the players and for me as well, as a Goan,” Bruno, an Arjuna Awardee stated.

“The tournament coming to India for the first time and an Indian team — FC Goa — playing for the first time — is great. I would like to wish good luck to them. All the best and go for the kill!” he added.

Talking about the level of the teams that will compete in the group, Bruno stressed the importance of being “well-prepared” and mentioned that the players will be “highly motivated to put their best foot forward.”

“The clubs that are coming here have been playing at this high level from prior. For them this is not the first time in the competition. They have very good players and it is not easy playing against teams from West Asian countries. In contrast, we are the debutants. So we need to be meticulous.”

The action in Group E will kick off on April 14, with Persepolis of Iran taking on Al-Wahda of the UAE in the opening encounter at 8 PM IST, followed by hosts FC Goa crossing swords against Qatari side Al-Rayyan at 10.30 PM IST.

Bruno who represented India in 44 matches and has also been a recipient of the AIFF Player of the Year Award in 1996 opined: “It is an honour for the players and the team to compete at this level. The experience will help them mature faster. I consider them lucky as they are getting to play at this level. Such moments call for giving 200 per cent on the pitch,” he averred.

“There is nothing to fear. You have to go with a winning mentality, which is most important.”

CREDITS: AIFF MEDIA

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: Roma Khanna steps down as Tournament Director of FIFA U17 WWC and AFC Asian Cup 2022

Follow us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football

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…

Share

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…

Share

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.

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share