Hero I-League to be a sprint, not a marathon this season: Curtis Fleming
NEW DELHI: RouondGlass Punjab FC coach Curtis Fleming labelled the fourteenth season of Hero I-League as “a sprint, not a marathon” days prior to kicking off their campaign against former champions Aizawl FC at the Kalyani Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled at 04:00 PM.
“All (teams) are special. Every game will bring in new challenges. Mohammedan is famous for its rich legacy. The north-eastern clubs always surprise you with their exciting players. It’s going to be a terrific league. We’ll treat everyone with the same respect. This (Hero I-League) is going to be a sprint, not a marathon,” the former Irish national team defender expressed during the Hero I-League virtual media day on Thursday (December 24, 2020).
He lauded the clubs for signing some reputed experienced players alongside raw young talents as they would complement each other in the process to triumph the league.
“We have some really good young players, as well as some big names. We are really excited to see the league kicking off. There’s a perfect balance in the squad. Young guys won’t succeed if experienced ones don’t help. In the same way, if the youngsters don’t support, senior boys can’t match the expectation. At the end of the day, the team-work makes it possible.”
Chencho Gyeltshen, who is fondly called CG7 by the football supporters, also praised the youngsters likes Bikash Yumnam and Hormipam.
“We have some talented young players who dream big to achieve more. They’re the future of Indian Football. I’m really happy to work with them. First and foremost, they are good characters who are hungry,” the Bhutanese forward mentioned.
Chencho, in his first season, played an instrumental role to help Minerva Punjab FC win their maiden Hero I-League title. He scored seven goals to win the coveted best forward award in Hero I-League 2017-18.
“Playing in India is always exciting. I have some really nicer memories of playing in India, especially in Kolkata. I get so many messages and good luck wishes from Bhutan before every match. They pray for me and I’m really happy to have earned so many supporters in India. I want to thank them all,” he continued.
The forthcoming Hero I-League season will be hosted following all the guidelines and SOPs laid down by the MHA and no supporters will be allowed inside the stadium during the match.
“Football is nothing without fans. Players like us don’t enjoy playing in an empty stadium. But, this is the best possible solution given the current circumstances and we’ll need to adjust to the new normal life. Although we don’t feel any pressure, we just need to adjust to the new normal.”
Coach Fleming also reiterated the importance of adjusting to the new normal and highlighted the nuances that RoundGlass Punjab FC are following to take the pressure off the players.
“As Chencho said, it’s the new normal and we will need to adjust that. Our preparation is going really well and we are glad to have received the kind hospitality. We schedule regular zoom calls to interact. A professional psychologist has been appointed by the club to take care of the players’ mental health. We have never been through this before so we need to maintain the shape mentally. We have yoga sessions to elevate their concentration level and it has been really effective,” the former Crystal Palace manager stressed.
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.
RFDL’s National Championship Preview: A Heated Battle as Football’s Brightest Stars Vie for Title Win in the Final Four Showdown
The National Championship of the elite U-21 youth tournament, the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) begins on May 14, Tuesday, with four teams, i.e. defending champions Bengaluru FC, Muthoot FA, East Bengal…
Punjab FC, East Bengal FC to lock horns in Reliance Foundation Development League 2023 – 24 final after emerging triumphant in semis
Bengaluru FC and Muthoot FA to fight out in the third-place playoff Mumbai, May 14: Punjab FC and East Bengal FC qualified for the final of the Reliance Foundation Development League…
RFDL is the ultimate scouting platform – Thangboi Singto, Hyderabad FC Head Coach
Hyderabad FC head coach, Thangboi Singto, hailed the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) as the premier scouting ground for budding football players in India. As the 2023-24 season’s National Championship…
A beautiful dream will come to an end on June 6, says Sunil Chhetri
BHUBANESWAR: The journey that began in 2006 in the faraway city of Quetta in Pakistan, will finally come to an end in Kolkata on June 6, 2024, after an eventful 19…
Big brother, wonderful human being, the GOAT: Chhetri an inspiration to teammates
BHUBANESWAR: As the Indian senior men’s team gathered in the Kalinga Stadium gym for their session on Thursday morning, there was a hush in the room. Less than an hour ago,…
Sunil Chhetri: A glorious international career at a glance
Born: August 3, 1984 Debut on June 12, 2005: vs Pakistan (Quetta) Matches played: 150 (captain in 87 matches) Goals scored: 94 (Top goalscorer for India) Trophies Won– Achievements– Awards– Also Read: Big brother, wonderful…
Chembur United-Jupiter FC and GKW Ranger Ease Past in their Outing in MFA First Division
In an exhilarating showdown in the MFA First Division, Chembur United-Jupiter FC cruised past Companeroes SC with a comprehensive 4-0 victory, while GKW Rangers edged out MH Oranje FC with…
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…