India On Track FC: Navigating the Playoffs with Coaching Precision

by Chittu Shetty March 2, 2024

Securing a promotion in a competitive league is a formidable task for a newly established club. However, achieving this consistently for three consecutive years, ascending the Mumbai football structure, and emerging as a front runner in the fourth season is a remarkable accomplishment – a testament to the India on Track coaches’ guidance being on the right path.

In a recent interview, we spoke with India on Track Coaches exploring the strategies and philosophies guiding the club, currently one of the dominant team in the Mumbai Super League. Head Coach Yash Shah, Assistant Coach Vismay Walad and Assistant Coach Agnel Chettiar shared valuable insights into the team’s performance, playoff readiness and what goes behind the scene at the club.

“We’re more determined than ever to win the trophy “- Head coach – Yash Shah

Reflecting on the group stage, Yash highlighted the challenges of a prolonged season and irregular match schedules, stating, “The group stage lasted very long. Sometimes we had only one match in a month. It’s very difficult for a player to stay motivated.” Further adding, “Despite sporadic matches, players remained dedicated and performed well in tough situations.”

Looking ahead to the playoffs, Yash expressed determination, saying, “We’re more determined than ever to win the trophy. Advancing past the group stage has boosted our confidence.”

Addressing the toughest teams in the playoffs, the coach stated, “We had very strong teams in the group, and one of them was Mumbai City FC – a young, fit team, tactically good, and highly motivated. Still the teams in the Playoff will be challenging to predict. I look forward to facing these teams as they all will be tough opponents.”

Yash stressed adaptability and flexibility, tailoring strategies based on objectives and player capabilities. Focused on instilling fundamental principles, he emphasized game understanding through methods like software analysis and match simulations, noting, “It’s important to ensure that players understand the game at a deeper level.”

Discussing the coaching approach, Yash highlighted the importance of giving chances to developing players, stating, “In every match, we have certain opponents. Some opponents are not as strong, so I can give more chances to players who I feel need more development.” He added, “It’s about finding the right balance between youth and experience, especially in critical matches.”

Highlighting the importance of securing the top spot in a fiercely competitive group, Yash commended the players’ dedication, emphasizing that the young players demonstrated their ability to handle pressure effectively.

Whoever is deserving to play, whoever consistently attends training, will always get a chance – Assistant Coach Vismay Walad

Vismay shared perspectives on building team cohesion and a positive culture, emphasizing merit-based opportunities and a blend of senior and young players. He noted, “There are different aspects to team selection but bottom line will always be merit-based. Whoever is deserving to play, whoever consistently attends training, will always get a chance.”

Explaining the team’s tactical strategies, Vismay highlighted a consistent game model since last season, adapting to opponents’ styles. Acknowledging challenges from talented teams, he emphasized the importance of limiting opponents’ chances, stating, “It is very important to ensure that they don’t get enough chances.” He added, “With our quality attackers, we usually get one or two goals easily, facilitating adjustments as needed.”

Vismay emphasized the positive impact of a blend of senior and young players, noting that the younger ones bring energy and drive, while the senior players contribute valuable experience. He also lauded the team’s ownership, stating, “We’re fortunate to have an owner experienced in managing football players, along with players from I League who understand potential mistakes and help keep emotions in check, ensuring players stay grounded.”

We work on both global and individual aspects of player: Coach Agnel Chettiar

Hailing the management decision to have scouting team, Agnel Chettiar, who looks after the IOT academy said, “I think we are lucky enough to have a Scouting team that helped us find some really good players.”

Adding on how they nurture players, Agnel added, “We work both on their Global aspects as well as Individual aspects. While we guide players during the training and post training, we also make sure to give them enough time to make mistakes and learn from those mistakes.”

As India On Track FC begin with a draw and a win in the playoffs games so far keeping their unbeaten streak going, the blend of Yash’s adaptive coaching philosophy with support from Agnel and Vismay’s focus on team dynamics and strategic flexibility positions them as strong contenders for the Mumbai Super League title.

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Also Read: Anas Vadgama stars with hattrick as Bombay Gymkhana edge Somaiya FC 4-3

Also Read: India On Track triumphs 4-2 against Om Saidham in Playoff Showdown

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