Jose Barreto with his family celebrating his 40th birthday. Facebook[/caption]Internet Desk: It has been two long years for Jose Ramirez Barreto since he left Kolkata and has taken the responsibility for producing quality prospects for the Indian National team for the future of Indian football in Mumbai. He is now, playing the role of a coach in Nita Ambani's Reliance Youth Champs project at Andheri, Mumbai.
On his 40th birthday, he spoke exclusively to xtratime.in to share his views from the forthcoming Kolkata derby to Lionel Messi's retirement, Brazil's historic Olympic Gold and a lot more. Following are the excerpts:
XT: Do you feel the same charm on your birthdays as you had in your playing days?
Barreto: No, its still very much the same. Thanks to the Mohun Bagan fans, the way they poured in wishes today since 12 a.m. at night, I am overwhelmed. At times their love for me gives me a feeling as if I am still playing for them.
XT: Do you miss your playing days?
Barreto: No, I don't miss. My focus these days is to become a professional coach. My playing career is a closed chapter. I never miss it.
XT: As a professional coach, do you dream to become a Mohun Bagan coach?
Barreto: My dream to become a professional coach is not centralised by Mohun Bagan. It may be some national teams as well or any other top tier club. Incidentally, if I become the Bagan boss it would be great, a dream you may say but that's not the ultimate goal.
XT: As per your view, who will be the favourites in the Kolkata Derby in CFL 2016?
Barreto: I am far away from Kolkata and I hardly have any idea about the teams strengths of both the sides. Without knowing that, I cannot predict the advantage.
XT: Mohun Bagan has a very young team on their hands. What are the suggestions you want to give to the youngsters who will be playing in the derby?
Barreto: The Mohun Bagan youngsters should remember that they have got the Green and Maroon jersey because the officials and coach thought they are capable. Without quality, you cannot don the Mariners jersey.
XT: What do you think about Mohun Bagan's claim to replay the Tollygunge match which was abandoned due to supporters' invasion on the pitch as three controversial goals were cancelled due to off-side?
Barreto: I think Bagan officials should have avoided that before the derby. I think the tension of the media will now largely be on Mohun Bagan and it can put a lot of pressure on the Mohun Bagan youngsters. The supporters expectation will also be different. The ongoing chaos will create tension in the dressing room which is not good at all for the team. If you have experience, you can overcome that but as an youngster it is difficult.
XT: How significant the Olympic Gold is for Brazilian football?
Barreto: Immensely important for us. We are still fighting for qualifying in the Russia World Cup. The coach Tite is new and is a big boost for the morale of the entire side. The performance against Ecuador on Friday was a prime example of that.
XT: What is your take on Messi's retirement and then to come back and score a goal in International football?
Barreto: This can happen due to lack of love for the national team. But he has come back and scored a goal which shows he is still good enough and this is a tribute to the fans who wanted him to be back in Argentina colours.
XT: How are you celebrating your birthday?
Barreto: It has been wonderful so far. I have spent good quality time with my family which has been fantastic. We had lunch celebrated with a cake and a lot of fun but my ultimate birthday gift for today would be an Indian victory over Puerto Rico later tonight where I will be present with my family in the stadium to back the blue.
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