When asked about his young teammates, whether they are the most talented lot, after having won their last 8 out of the 10 games, He said, “Let’s not use the word ‘most’ but this is obviously one of the most talented teams I have played in. We have Gurpreet (Singh Sandhu), Sandesh (Jhinghan), Jeje (Lalpekhlua) and all of them are fantastic. They are extremely professional off the field as well, they know how to look after themselves and that’s a good sign. I just hope that this continues. I hope I learn a lot from them, I hope they can learn from me and we go forward,”

India’s all-time leading goal scorer explained his methodology when it comes to grooming young players, “As senior players, we have understood that if we talk to the junior players too much, they get bored. I used to get bored when I was a young one. So rather be a bit professional and let them follow me. So I try to be the first on the pitch, I try to do the right thing, I try to eat the right stuff, go to sleep at the right time and I believe that if you do it, the younger ones are going to follow you. If I just keep calling them every time and keep talking to them, one day they are going to start abusing me in their minds and the following day, on my face.”

“That’s the way I have been coached by my seniors when I was younger. The Renedys (Renedy Singh), the Bhutias (Bhaichung Bhutia) were proper professionals and that’s how we learn. I think the same way should continue. That’s the way I’d like to continue.

“When you are a senior, the onus is more on you to do the right thing because the younger ones are watching you. So I try to be a good professional and hope they (juniors) follow me. And they (juniors) know that, whenever they need to talk to me, I’m always there. I want to believe that I’m quite popular amongst them,” Chhetri explained at length.

SC: Gurpreet’s future is in Europe

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu practicing 2 days before INDvPUR friendly.

Asked about Gurpreet’s Opinion on the Indian board’s attempts to synchronizing the football calendar, he said he is happy to see that there are attempts being made and plans being implanted, which is a good sign going forward. When asked about what changes he has seen in gurpreet game after he became the first player to play in Europa league, SC said, that he has done tremendous job with his game and lasting 3 years in Norway that his future is in Europe and he doesn’t expect him to be back, SC also emphasized that he would want himself to be out playing in Europe If he were an Indian player for his own betterment. Also SC believed that, “India can play outside in Europe and more Indian players should try to go outside because I have coach quite a no. places around the world and that there is nothing they should be afraid of in terms of ability.” SC also smoothly brought out the PIO issue that how countries like England are trying to play players of their origin for their team and India should look in to the PIOs, while also saying that is something Modi should be questioned.

An Important Game

The former Indian skipper also spoke on the importance of playing teams with a higher ranked teams like Puerto Rico.

“How much important it is for them (youngsters), you have to ask them, but how important it is for us? It is important because, when you want to improve, you got to test yourself now and then. So when you do well and when you get a higher ranked team, you will know how much you have improved or how many things you have done wrong or where you can improve.

“It’s a very good chance for me as an individual and for the whole team to look at how much we have achieved and to work on our mistakes. So it’s very important for us to play higher ranked teams, in that context,” he concluded.

The post Sunil Chhetri: “If we talk to the junior players too much, they get bored.” appeared first on Football Counter.

When asked about it, SC said, “We will find out about that tomorrow.” Adding, “Look, They have a difficult schedule, nothing I can do about that. My team, my players at the end of the day has to play football to beat them. They have a good side, good players; it’s not the first time teams arriving late, so really I won’t consider it advantage. I will say that after the game.”

Last time India beat a higher ranked team (min.30 places) It was Kuwait (Ranked 60) back in 2004 under the same coach. When asked about how he motivates his players, SC replied, “I think, whenever you wear the Indian jersey, you should be motivated, whether you play Bhutan or Iran. The fact that we play Puerto Rico, 30 or 40 places above us is incentive to us like we played Iran or Oman in Qualifiers.” SC believed that matches against higher ranked teams are necessary if we have to move higher, He added, “I would rather play Iran and lose 4-0 then play Bhutan and win 5-0, I would learn a lot from the Iran game than the Bhutan one.” He said he would continue to look for such games and the media should understand the importance’s of such games, rather than just criticizing about the loss.”It is a developmental process. The average age of our team is 23, I think, so it’s about learning and getting better” opined Constantine.

When asked about his assessment of the opponents, SC believed that the Puerto Rican team had a good number of players playing in and outside US. They were the highest movers in July so whatever team they bring, will be a team that will test India. Regarding the game tomorrow against the tired opponent, Constantine compared them with Guam saying,”A lot of people wrote off Guam, who had 9 of their starting 11 players playing in US, so now we know the level of their players. There is an actual Puerto Rico team in NASL, So they would be a good team, a good side, a little tired but again, nothing I can do about that.” While adding, “But from technical point of view and organizational point of view I would expect them to be good.”

Also Read: India vs Puerto Rico: Is an upset on the cards?

When asked about Sunil chhetri’s fitness, after he was not selected in the last two games and whether there would be any alternatives. SC shot back that, there is no alternative for Sunil Chhetri and that he would not risk a player to play with injuries or niggles and lose a season, but he is fine now and ready to go.

Football back in Mumbai

Regarding football returning to the city for the first time in 61 years, SC opined it was about time and that it was a long overdue while thanking MDFA, Aditya Thackeray for the work that they had done so the team could play in Mumbai. He believed that the team should play in every major cities of the country, so that the people of India could get to see their team play. Constantine also said about how his team would play attacking football, “We would play the attacking game; they are tired, if not tired, we make them tired. We would just go out play football and win the game.”

When asked his opponents style of play, SC seemed to have done his homework, He described how they have slow buildup with more of a passing among players similar to other South American sides, and how they played well against US despite losing, creating 3-4 no. of good chances and the goal which emerged from a fantastic three one-touch passes. So they would be dangerous tired or not. Also the missing players are filled by two coming from the Spain.

Before wrapping up the pre-match media conference, Constantine announced, “Gurpreet Singh Sandhu will captain the team tomorrow against Puerto Rico.” It will be a huge boost to the 24-year-old, who would become one of the youngest players to lead the national football team.

The post “I would rather play Iran and lose 4-0 then play Bhutan and win 5-0”, Says Indian Coach Stephen Constantine appeared first on Football Counter.

A look at both the teams,

About the opponent:

The Puerto Rican side is on the back of two Recently friendly losses against Dominican Republic. They lost 5-0 away and 0-1 at home to their opponent on 28 and 30 August respectively, so they could be low on morale. As per latest report, the CONCAF side has missed their connecting flights from New York and will reach Mumbai a day late on Friday evening. Jet Lagged, less time to acclimatize to weather, missing their coach (who has not travelled with the team) and their three star Players (due to the fight with their federation) along with the fact that they would have almost no time to practice could become a huge factor against the visiting side.

Squad:

GK: Christopher Echevarría, Johnny Santana

Defenders: Emmanuel D’Andrea, Elliot Vélez, Javier Lalondriz, Joan Morales, Marcos Martínez, Jacob Conde

Midfielders: Alexis Rivera, Juan Vélez (Captain), Andrés Cabrero, Juan Coca

Forwards: Karlos Ferre, Mike Ramos, Manolo Sanchez

Team Verdict:  With stars and Puerto Rico’s all time leading scorers Hector Ramos and his fellow strike partner, Joseph Marrero missing the game, Mike Ramos, who has yet to open his International goals account will be expected to lead the attack with Manolo Sanchez or the 18 year old Karlos Ferre as the strike Partner. Despite recent setbacks, the team would be looking to get back on winning note to boost their preparations for Caribbean Cup qualification.

ALSO READ:  Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s Interview before INDvPUR

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

About the Host:

India will fancy their chance against the weary side that is also missing their star players. Apart from the two World cup qualifiers in March, India has been on winning side for 7 games now, which includes a SAFF cup victory. With star players back in the team and other youngsters gaining valuable match experiences in Bhutan win, India would look to create upset.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Subrata Paul, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu(C), Amrindher Singh

Defenders: Rino Anto, Sandesh Jhingan, Arnab Mondal, , Chinglensana Singh, Pritam Kotal, Narayan Das, Fulganco Cardozo

Midfielders: Vinit Rai, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Dhanpal Ganesh, Pronay Halder, Jackichand Singh, Isaac Vanmalsawma, Bikash Jairu, Holicharan Narzary, Rowlin Borges, Germanpreet Singh, Mohammed Rafique, Arjun Tudu

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Sumeet Passi

Team Verdict: With Coach Constantine’s position in question, he will be hard pressed to deliver a win here, with favorable factors of a weary side sans its star player, along with a full strength squad at his own disposal. With a new captain in Gurpreet Sandhu, an in-form striker in Jeje and other promising talents in options, the team would be expected to take a new step for future with a win over a higher ranked team.

Does history beckon the Indian team as they take on Puerto Rico at the new venue of Andheri sports Complex, Mumbai? Fans will be expected to be in numbers as International football returns to Mumbai for the first time in 61 years. A win will be the perfect start to the festive environment of the city that is about to kick in from Monday.

KICK OFF: 8:00PM

Venue: Andheri Sports Complex, Mumbai

Live on: Star Sports 2 and Star Sports HD2

The post India Vs Puerto Rico Preview: Is there an upset on the cards? appeared first on Football Counter.

Preparations are in full swing at the Mumbai Football Arena for the upcoming friendly match between India and Puerto Rico . While on the ground , head coach Stephen Constantine has tough  task on his hand against his South American opponents. Puerto Rico  ranked 114 , are definitely  having upper hand over India who ranked pretty low (152) in FIFA ranking . And the enormity of task is very much to Constantine’s  sliking . He is one to believe that the best way to  test the strength of the team is by playing higher opposition.

“It’s a hugely important match for the people in Maharashtra that International Football is back in Mumbai after a long gap. Mumbai, as vibrant as ever, has been known for its Football culture and I hope the Indian fans will be turning up to support and cheer from the Stands. It’s important that we have a good crowd,” India coach Stephen
Constantine told  AIFF

He has also mentioned that it will be exteremely  tough match for the Indian players. India’s last game was against Bhutan which they had won  3-0. However this time they are up against seemingly very tough opponent  . this is also the first time  ever that team from CONCACAF  team is visiting India.

They  CONCACF team has the best ever movers on the field which can keep Indian Defender on their toes. The Puerto rican side also have mauch better exsposed squad with most of it’s player playing in quality leauges all over the world including  Europe USA. Their resurgence in upwards direction of FIFA Ranking is an example of their strength. On the other side Indian side have support of 20000 home support to boost their morale but they certainly need more tyhan that in order tomatch the quality of the South Americans on Staurday.

The list of 28 Players:

GOALKEEPERS: Subrata Paul, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh

DEFENDERS: Rino Anto, Sandesh Jhingan, Arnab Mondal, Keegan Pereira, Chinglensana Singh, Pritam Kotal, Narayan Das, Fulganco Cardozo.

MIDFIELDERS: Vinit Rai, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Dhanpal Ganesh, Pronay Halder, Jackichand Singh, Isaac Vanmalsawma, Bikash Jairu, Udanta Singh, Halicharan Narzary, Rowlin Borges, Alwyn George, Germanpreet Singh, Md. Rafique, Arjun Tudu

FORWARDS: Sunil Chhetri, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Sumeet Passi.

The post India vs Puerto Rico : probable team line up & news appeared first on Football Counter.

Mumbai is gearing up to host it’s first ever   International football match to be  held at Andheri Sports complex  on this weekend 3rd September.The news comes as pure delight for Mumbai Football fanatics  as they  we”ll be witnessing International football after a gap of 48 years in city of Mumbai.

The Idea of holding match came up in January  when  BMC  sent  a report to the  Federation of  Inetrnationale de Football Association (FIFA) . International governing body  of Association football. Prior to that preparation were on full swing for the Recreation of  Andheri Sports Complex.

” “In November of last year, a FIFA representative had inspected the football stadium at the sports complex. Post the visit of their official, FIFA had tendered a list of necessities which were a must for the stadium,” The officials said.In matter of six months  BMC  accumlated  the basic infrastructure  of  the   stadium  including  improved floodlights , renovated dressing rooms , player’s tunnel’s entry and have  also organised  player’s accomodation.

They have also laid new grass on the field which has been imported from Indonesia. The civic body is also revamping the  audience  seating gallery with  plans to construct  special sectionsand enclosure for VIP’s. It looks like the prepartion are in  final stages for the  match. And the stadium is all set to soak up the Internatinal Soccer atmosphere.

Due to such excellent work by ground officals there are also talk of hosting  U -17  FIFA  football world cup which is to be scheduled in September of next year. But the  final call on this decision holds on the court of FIFA which is still pending.However  Saturday’s friendly reamains to be the main course  action for now  which might open doors futurstic growth of Indian Football in  near future  from our very own city of Mumbai and the well  decked up stadium & BMC  have left no stone unturned for that.

So don’t  forget to cheer our Blue Colts against  Puerto Rico this Saturday   on 3rd of September.

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