‘Everybody has their task cut out’

How do you read into the sudden spurt of achievement…East Bengal’s ASEAN title, Bhaichung’s Perak FC deal, Indian juniors win?
I don’t think it is a sudden spurt. Considerable hardwork is being put on all fronts ever since the LG Cup win. Results automatically follow if one is committed. On East Bengal…Fourteen of the players are national team players and all were involved in the LG Cup win so they know what it takes to win abroad. Besides, they have a coach who is trying to change the attitude of club officials and wants the game to move on to the next level. He (Subhas Bhowmick) has worked hard and deserves credit for that.

On Bhaichung’s deal: He is a role model and I think it is a good thing to have such a player. It’s helps as footballing nations have suddenly begun looking to India for players.

On the Juniors: The Milk Cup is a great achievement and if you consider the teams we played it just goes to show what a positive attitude can bring. We worked hard and got our rewards. It was a magical moment for the young players but it is over now and we need to push on.

What has been your philosophy. Has it reaped in benefits?
‘Play to win whoever the opposition is.’ That spirit has had a positive affect on our players. We have begun asserting ourselves on the pitch as a result of that belief. We will not win every game, but we play to win and that has given the boys confidence. If for nothing else I will be remembered for changing the attitude of the Indian players.

Should we read these highs as ‘really great’?
Yes, I think we should. It has never been done before, but this time we should not sit on our hands as was done in the past. We can get better.

The current junior team are they comparable with the the best in Asia?
No they need to work harder. As juniors they ought to keep in mind that reaching the senior level should be their ultimate. Hopefully some of them will make it.

Is Indian football moving as per plan. Any area that needs a look into?
The state leagues’ need to change. Look at the conditions players are playing in, it’s a miracle we have not had a serious injury. Why does it have to happen before we get the message: ‘that top players need top games not against small state teams on unplayable pitches’.

Have you implemented a new strategy with the juniors…something never done by AIFF?
No we play the same system as the seniors. What they lacked is direction and know how of the importance of a position. I call it systemisation.

What is the next plan of action for the juniors?
We have a little break, which they they deserve and then shaping up for the JRD Tata Junior International, which is in preparation for the AFC qualifiers.