Comments on Bhutia’s form a ploy to spur him on: Nayeem

The adverse comments by national football coach Syed Nayeemuddin about Bhaichung Bhutia’s form and fitness were a ploy to spur the ace ...

The adverse comments by national football coach Syed Nayeemuddin about Bhaichung Bhutia’s form and fitness were a ploy to spur the ace striker to perform to the best of his ability.

“My comments about Bhaichung were meant to motivate him to be at his best during next month’s South Asian Championship,” Nayeemuddin said from Kochi, the venue of the 60th Santosh Trophy.

“I wanted to make Bhaichung angry and I think I have succeeded in my endeavour,” the Dronacharya awardee said, adding “The player now seems to be fit and raring to go.”

Story continues below this ad

“Previously also he had proved unstoppable after being winded up in this fashion,” Nayeemuddin said.

India face Nepal and defending champions Bangladesh in the group stages of the SAFF Cup which starts in Karachi on December 7.

Bhutia and the hard taskmaster Nayeem, who was appointed for a third time last month, have not seen eye-to-eye on several issues in the past. Their falling out after the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games is well documented.

Soon after taking over, Nayeem had hinted that the Sikkimese player may not be considered for selection for the SAFF Cup.

Story continues below this ad

“The probables and team for the SAFF tournament will be chosen on merit and current form and not on reputation. I must see the recent performances of a player before including him for the national team,” he had said.

This was interpreted as a blow to Bhutia’s chances as he had not played in either the Federation Cup for East Bengal or the Santosh Trophy.

Reacting to this comment, the player had said “I have nothing to prove to anybody.” He also reportedly said that Indian football’s vision 2020 could be achieved only with a foreign coach.

But now the coach wants the ace goal-poacher to be in the squad for Pakistan.