Bengaluru FC shows the path to East Bengal, Mohun Bagan
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Bhaichung's inputs will be key in deciding Stephen Constantine's future as India coach: File Pic[/caption]Kolkata: Stephen Constantine’s future as Indian national football team coach will not depend on him, says Indian football icon Bhaichung Bhutia. The former India captain who also heads the technical committee of AIFF in an interview to xtratime.in correspondent Debasis Sen revealed that there is a wrong perception about him backing the British coach.
Can we see Constantine getting an extension after his recent success with the national team?
See, I am not going to decide on his future. There is a committee in place headed by the Federation President, who will take a final call. The committee met yesterday and gave their proposals to AIFF secretary Kushal Das who will take the matter to Mr Patel. Mr Das after discussing with the President will meet Constantine and put forward to him the proposals.
But then there is a perception that the Briton always had your backing as coach of the national team. What would you like to say?
I am not supportive of any individual. It will not be fair either as I am heading a (technical) committee.
Your inputs were crucial for Constantine to start his second stint in India.
(Stopping) It was a unanimous decision to appoint Constantine for his second stint. The committee set three criteria – viz., someone who has the experience of coaching in India, his experience with an international team and salary. The technical committee had shortlisted two candidates - Ricky Herbert and Stephen. Since Stephen earlier coached India, he got the nod. It was not Bhaichung who appointed Constantine.
Do you think it would be fair for Stephen to get an extension following his success in recent times?
It is for everyone to take notice about the performance of the national team. He did not have the greatest of starts but the team did put up a string of good performances. A number of youngsters have come up during his tenure. The most important was the rise in FIFA rankings.
Were the names of other individuals like Westwood discussed in the meeting yesterday?
It will not be fair for me to discuss what happened in the meeting. But all I can say is whatever is decided it will be for the good of Indian football.
What has impressed you the most about Bengaluru FC's success in recent times?
I think the gamble paid off for AIFF. They were drafted in the I League on an experimental basis. It is amazing to see their rise in the last three and half years. They have won two I leagues and Federation Cup. The icing on the cake was to reach the finals of AFC Cup. All credit goes to their management for running the club in a professional manner. They have their own home ground; lot of emphasis has been put into grassroots development, increasing their fan base. So, I would say all credit goes to the club management. They are also investing a lot in the development of infrastructure.
Talking about the infrastructure, both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan has failed to fulfill the AFC criteria.
It is very disappointing to see the two pillars of Indian football failing to get the AFC license. The officials should take a leap out of Bengaluru for running the club in a professional manner. At the same time you cannot neglect the two clubs for their sheer contribution to Indian football.
You have rated Sunil Chhetri as the best striker of the country. Do you still stick with it?
He is undoubtedly one of the best strikers in the country. His biggest strength is his ability to remain positive even under pressure. His recent performances for the country and club have set him apart from the rest.
Talking about the I League-ISL merger, it certainly looks to be in doubt to start from next season. What is your take?
I once again feel we should not rush with it. Whatever decision is taken should have to be taken for the interest of Indian football. The stakeholders along with the clubs interest needs to be looked after before taking any decision.
Lastly, how hopeful are you about the U’17 Indian team?
Recently we saw the Indian U-17 World Cup team play against Brazil and some of the young players were very impressive. The team has shown a lot of promise under coach Nicolai Adam.
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