Back to 1997, Derrick Pereira and Venkatesh Shanmugam had been two of the pivotal members of the Salgaocar FC squad who won the Federation Cup overpowering East Bengal at their den, Salt Lake Stadium.

Fast forward 8 years, the same Venkatesh, who is fondly known as Venky was playing under the stewardship of the same Derrick Pereira in the star-studded Mahindra United club who had tasted every single silverware in India during their era. In 2008, they reunited once again in Pune FC before Venkatesh hung his boots in 2014.

“Venky was someone who had always contributed to the team and I really liked his style and game reading. He was an intelligent player throughout.”

Cut to 2019, these two football masterminds have joined hands together once again, but for a different purpose, for a different cause.

As the All India Football Federation has handed Derrick Pereira the daunting task of sailing India to their first-ever AFC U-23 Championship in history, no one could have been the most suitable football mind to share his acumen than the former National skipper Venkatesh Shanmugam.

“Now that both of us are together, we feel we’ll be complementing each other. Venky brings in a huge experience of working with Stephen Constantine which has helped him evolve as a coach with time. Given the circumstances, I’m sure we’ll enjoy the journey ahead”, Pereira stated.

“I still remember the Federation Cup win for Salgaocar FC, beating East Bengal in Kolkata was not easy and we felt like being at the top of the world. We have come a long way since then and now we have reunited once again”, Venkatesh commented.

Venkatesh added further, “Derrick Sir had accomplished a lot as a coach and as far as I know him, I feel it’ll be a great opportunity for these young boys to learn from this great football mind.”

On the other hand, goalkeeping coach Gumpe Rime had also plied his trade under Pereira in Vasco for a year (2000-01).

Pereira recalled, “Gumpe was a really tough goalkeeper and he was always eager to learn. Unfortunately, an injury cut short his time in Vasco and we brought in Rogerio Ramos. It’s great to work with him once again”.

Incidentally, Rogerio Ramos happened to be the former goalkeeping coach for India National Team for the last four years (2015-19).

“It’s my second stint with National Team setup and I am privileged to get this opportunity once again. Derrick Sir is someone who I always had high regards for and I can’t wait to start working with him as well as the young promising goalies”, Rime added too.

India are pitted against hosts Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Pakistan in the AFC U-23 Championship 2020 qualifiers which is scheduled at Tashkent between March 22 and 26, 2019.

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The loss meant that India finished at the bottom of Group A!

Jamal Rashed’s 91st-minute spot-kick broke Indian hearts as Bahrain ran out winners despite a solid defensive performance from Stephen Constantine’s team.

In what was a nervy start India replaced the injured Anas Edathodika with Salam Ranjan Singh in the early minutes of the game. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was on his toes as he brilliantly kept out Komail’s shot from outside the box in the 5th minute.

As Bahrain frustrated India by holding on to possession in the opening minutes the Blue Tigers on the other hand missed a good chance to score when Ashique Kuruniyan’s header off Pritam Kotal’s cross was blocked by the opposition defence. Also, Halicharan Nazary’s effort in the 22nd minute hit the side-netting.

Come the half-hour mark and India were passing exquisitely in the Bahrain box! Pronay Halder’s pass found Halicharan on the wings with the latter dribbling and laying off for Sunil Chhetri. Only a last-ditch tackle from a Bahrain defender stopped Chhetri before he could shoot on goal from less than 10 yards out!

Though Bahrain controlled possession the Blue Tigers still defended well with Sandesh Jhingan marshaling the back-line. Also India’s midfielders, who looked compact throughout, rushed to defend at times, thus restricting Bahrain to long-ranged shots.

Tight defending meant that Bahrain could not create problems for India despite raiding the box at times. Skipper Pronay Halder made a crucial goal-line clearance in the dying minutes of the first half to keep Bahrain at bay.

Coach Constantine added more spark in attack as he brought in Jeje Lalpekhlua for Ashique Kuruniyan at the half-way mark. But then it was defence (and not attack) where India did well as Halder and Jhingan frustrated Bahrain.

The duo gave India’s strikers the necessary cover and space to execute attacks. Jhingan also made a crucial sliding tackle in the 60th minute to deny Bahrain a clear goal after a cross from the right flank had gone unchecked.

Udanta Singh also got into the thick of defensive action later and made a sensational tackle in the Indian box to rob Bahrain of possession. Though Singh had earlier been hauled down near the Bahrain box still the resulting free-kick was sent over the bar by Chhetri.

Bahrain had an indirect free-kick inside the box in the 73rd minute (Sandhu had collected a back pass) but then India’s defenders kept the ball out by flinging bodies in the way.

Sandhu also pulled off a world-class save in the 83rd minute to deny Bahrain a goal from a close-range header. The rebound was excellently blocked off by Kotal!

But then it all went to naught as Pronay Halder brought down Hamad Al Shamsan inside the box during the dying minutes of the game .

And as Jamal Rashed converted from the spot…India’s dreams had gone to pieces!

INDIA: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Pritam Kotal, Anas Edathodika (4’ – Salam Ranjan Singh), Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose; Udanta Singh, Pronay Halder (C), Rowllin Borges, Halicharan Narzary (79’ – Anirudh Thapa), Ashique Kuruniyan (45’ – Jeje Lalpekhlua), Sunil Chhetri.

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That is what India coach Stephen Constantine has always maintained.

The medical team consisting of Dr. Shervin Shreiff and physiotherapists Gigy George and Pratik Kamble do their bit to ensure that the Blue Tigers recover in time and remain fit.

Gigy who has been with the Blue Tigers since 2011 takes every single day in the India camp as ‘a new challenge.’

“The fitness level of the players has significantly gone up in last a few years. Take for example Jeje Lalpekhlua. Since he first played for India in 2012, he has physically improved,” said Gigy.

“We need to thank the AIFF for providing us with all the modern physiotherapy equipment we have requested. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Machine, Wireless Complex, Recovery Boots, etc, make the recovery process faster and smoother. The introduction of sports science by Danny Deigan (since 2015) and Joel Carter (since 2017) have also yielded results,” he added.

Dr. Shervin Sheriff, who joined the set-up two years ago, said that the AFC Asian Cup is a ‘next-level test’ for the medical team.

“The schedule is decided from prior. We start the day with a morning screening. Depending on the screening results, players are treated as per their requirements. During the training sessions, we track every player and follow the proceedings,” said Sheriff.

Kamble said that he learnt a lot from ‘Gigy-sir’ and added that working with the Blue Tigers was a ‘challenge’.

“The primary challenge of working with the National Team is the time constraint. Before the friendlies, or in a tournament where we’re playing more than 2 games in less than a week, the job is tougher. The decision making and execution has to be apt and accurate,” he concluded.

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“We know all the three games are going to be very tough. There’ll be no easy game at this level. But we’ll go toe-to-toe with them. A game is not played on paper, but on the pitch. UAE are the hosts and will be under pressure. It’s understandable they will go for all three points,” said Constantine.

UAE (ranked 79th in the FIFA rankings) has won eight of 13 games against India. The Blue Tigers on the other hand have won thrice against the Gulf nation.

The two teams last played at the Ambedkar Stadium (New Delhi) in 2o11. The game had ended in a 2-2 draw with Jeje Lalpekhlua scoring for India.

“Jeje is a very good player. But unfortunately, he did not have much game time recently. You put Jeje in the position and he will score for you. I was so happy that he scored the goal against Thailand. He deserves to get the goal, especially at this level,” said Constantine about Lalpekhlua.

When asked about UAE’s style of play he said: “They are a physical, as well as a skillful side. I am not worried about our fitness. We have to play our best game to get the result.”

Sunil Chhetri, who surpassed Lionel Messi as the highest international goal scorer among active players, also earned plaudits from the coach.

“Sunil has always given everything whenever he has played for the National Team. I can’t complain about this. He is there to do his job and his job is to score goals. He has a phenomenal scoring record and we’re better with him in the team,” said Constantine.

“Against Thailand, we gave the ball away too many times which put the opposition in an advantageous position. We have to look after the ball better. I feel we started a bit nervous. Some young boys were too eager to press. We can’t repeat it against UAE,” he added.

Constantine played Ashique Kuruniyan up front alongside Chhetri in the game against Thailand…and the move paid off!

When asked as to whether an encore can happen against UAE the coach simply said: “You have to wait and see.”

India play UAE at the Sheikh Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Thursday (January 10). The game will be telecast live on Star Sports 2, 3. It will also be streamed live on Hotstar at 9.30 pm (IST). 

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The money has been pooled in from sanctions or monetary fines (arriving late for training sessions, carrying mobile phones during meals, wearing the wrong attire etc.) gathered for breach of discipline.

It will allow the IBFF to buy footballs and other playing material.

‘It’s important to give it back to the community’ was the theme sported by India coach Stephen Constantine.

“The footballs which the blind footballers use cost $50 each. So we are helping them buy some balls. We collectively agreed among everybody within the National Team — the players, and the staff that any money collected from fines or any misdemeanors will be donated for a good cause. It’s just a very small gesture, but it shows that we can,” said Constantine.

The players ‘support the noble cause wholeheartedly’ was the opinion of India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

“We love this concept of helping others with the money. The sanctions are there to impart discipline among us. Although nobody wants to be fined, this initiative makes us believe in the larger aspects of life. If we are able to contribute for a cause or help, why not. It helps us to be better individuals,” said Sandhu.

Sunil J Mathew (Sporting Director, IBFF) thanked the Blue Tigers for this initiative: “This is to acknowledge and thank you for the donation towards helping cover the stay and kit expenses at the National Blind Football Academy at Kochi. We would like to especially thank the entire AIFF coaching staff and the National Team for their support. We wish the entire team the very best for the Asian Cup.”

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“We try to win every match that we play in. We don’t go into a match expecting to win 4-1 or 5-1. However, we are not trying to get carried away with the emotion. We still have two games left and we still need another two points to qualify from the group stages. After we have qualified, we can get a little bit excited but our primary job is still to qualify out of the group stages. It is a cliche as it is just another match for us. It is another win that we wanted and have got in the AFC Asian Cup. Tomorrow morning, we train again,” he said at the post-match press conference.

India (with an average age of 25) has the second-youngest side in the tournament.

“We gave a good testament of ourselves against Thailand and we are a young side that is capable of a lot many things. People got a taste of what we can do, today,” he said.

India upped their game in the second-half (the first finished at 1-1) and scored thrice to decimate Thailand.

“The main thing was to make the most of our chances and that we did today. I am happy that we are converting from the chances that we are making. We do start a little slow as the first 15-20 minutes can be a little nervous. It was important to not concede a goal in those minutes and that is what we did,” concluded Constantine.

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“The players are really looking forward to the opening match, and so am I. We can’t wait for the game to kick-off. It’s time for the show,” said Constantine. “We have a really young team. I wish they perform to their abilities. I’m sure we’ll do fine,” he added.

This is India’s fourth ever appearance in the AFC Asian Cup, the last being in the 2011 edition in Doha. It may be noted that India had finished second in the 1964 edition. Thailand on the other hand finished third in the 1972 edition. Post that the Thai’s haven’t got out of the group stages of the tournament in five attempts.

Also, Oman, who were held to a goalless draw by India recently, got the better of Thailand three days back in a closed doors game in Abu Dhabi.

When queried as to whether Oman’s win over Thailand would give India a ‘psychological edge’ this is what Constantine had to say: “They are different teams with a different set of players. Oman were trying out different players, and so were Thailand.”

“They (Thailand) are a very good side and they are not to be underestimated at all. We’re in no position to underestimate anybody. We have to take one game at a time. We’ll give everything we have as we have continued to do in the last four years. We’ll obviously do our best to get the result that we need,” he added.

India are expected to have a lot of support from their travelling fans known as the ‘Blue Pilgrims’.

“We need the support of our Indian Friends from Abu Dhabi and all over the UAE,” said Constantine.

“It’s not every day you go and see the Indian National Team play in the Asian Cup, and now it’s at your doorstep. This is a huge event as well as a huge opportunity for the Indians to see their National Team play at the highest stage in the continent. Personally, it’s a proud moment for me to lead India to the Asian Cup. It has been a long difficult road which took more than three years to get here. AIFF believed in me and allowed me to continue,” he added.

“The 1-0 win against the Kyrgyz Republic at home was something special. Apart from that, beating Myanmar in Myanmar after 64 years was a great result for us. It was the opening game of the final qualifying round. The result gave us the confidence to go forward,” concluded Constantine.

It may be noted that India traversed the longest path to qualify for the tournament. They played 18 matches before cementing their berth in the group stages.

India’s opening game against Thailand would begin at 7 pm (IST) at the Al Nahyan Stadium on January 6, 2019. It would be telecast live on Star Sports 3 and also streamed live on Hotstar.

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EXCERPTS:

How is the mood of the team ahead of the tournament?

SJ: We are really pumped up! The priority (during qualification) was to stay fit and be in good form before the 23 names were announced in the final squad.

Did you watch the 2011 AFC Asian Cup?

SJ: Of course I did! I was a kid then! I remember watching the game against Bahrain and I cried after we lost. We had played very well and deserved a better result. India’s performance in that tournament fueled my desire to be part of the current team and also help them qualify for the 2019 edition.

Is qualification for the second round a realistic dream?

SJ: It will be tough, but not impossible. We have to stick to our plan and perform as the coach wants us to. We have to show unity and stand out. If we do that, we can grind out the results we need.

India’s most challenging opponent in the group stages… 

SJ: UAE will be tough to play against as they are the hosts. But I believe that if any team becomes over-confident then they can be beaten. If you are prepared and focused (as a team) then you can make it tough for the opposition.

On Sandesh Jhingan the poet…

SJ: Poetry calms me down and helps me cope with the hectic life of football. Also, I try to avoid writing during games as it takes a lot of emotional effort. I avoid reading or writing poetry during tournaments.

Your chemistry with coach Stephen Constantine…

SJ: I must thank the coach for handing me my debut in the senior India team. Of course it happened only after I spent two years on the bench! Being called up was a huge moment for me! I have a good bonding with the coach and I remember our first meeting in Guwahati in 2015. The coach helped me improve on my weaknesses and I also improved as a player due to his guidance. I know what he wants from me…both as a player and as a person.

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Incidentally, the stadium has a strong India connection as JSW Bengaluru FC had played the AFC Cup 2016 final against Iraqi outfit, eventual champions Air Force Club at this particular stadium.

The weather in Qatar has been extremely hot throughout but that doesn’t bother Constantine much.

“I don’t think the weather will be a problem. It has been hot in India and we are physically ready for the games,” Constantine stated.

As India are pitted against heavyweights Qatar, Syria and Turkmenistan, it’ll be a ‘tough’ battle of nerves for the youngsters to get the better of their opponents.

“It’s going to be very tough for us as I said earlier”, Stephen mentioned.

Qatar, who fell short to Iraq in the third-place decider in the AFC U23 Championship 2016 will start the proceedings as the favourites but India would respect every opponent equally and get to deal with them separately.

“We will look to play our way and deal with each opponent separately,” Constantine maintained.

India play their first match against Syria at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on July 19, 2017 (07:30 PM IST).

The 23-member squad stays as follows:

GOALKEEPERS: Vishal Kaith, Kamaljit Singh, Sukhadev Patil

DEFENDERS: Salam Ranjan Singh, Lalruatthara, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Davinder Singh, Nishu Kumar, Sairuathkima, Sarthak Golui, Kamalpreet Singh Grewal

MIDFIELDERS: Anirudh Thapa, Nikhil Poojari, Nandha Kumar, Germanpreet Singh, Mawihmingthanga, Vinit Rai, Robinson Singh, Lallianzuala Changthe

FORWARDS: Hitesh Sharma, Alen Deory, Manvir Singh, Daniel Lalhlimpuia

By Shoubhik Mukhopadhyay,
AIFF Media Team

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