Pearson sends Blasters through

It was a victory which should have ideally been had rather easily. Instead, Kerala Blasters slept through almost the whole match, allowed Chennaiyin FC to stage a stirring comeback from 3-0 down before nudging a win through Stephen Pearson in the 117th minute to enter the Indian Super League final 4-3 on aggregate.

Both teams finished with 10 men, with James McAllister sent off for Kerala and player-manager Marco Materazzi for Chennai.

The match, except for the last five minutes, belonged to Chennaiyin throughout. Materazzi’s tactical acumen was on display when he shifted Bernard Mendy away from his defensive slot and pushed him up the right flank.

He placed himself in the centre of the midfield and in a departure from the past, pushed relentlessly forward. So much so that on occasions, he was the most advanced Chennaiyin player on the pitch.

It gave the home side an aerial threat in the box. The first evidence of this was in the 12th minute when Materazzi won a header and then flicked the ball behind for Jean-Eudes Maurice, whose shot was saved by the Blasters goalkeeper Sandip.

Passivity

Kerala hardly seemed like the side it was in the first leg. The entire team went into a shell and passivity seeped through its entirety. Such was its players’ reluctance to make things happen that McAllister was cautioned for time wasting as early as in the eighth minute.

And then on 28 minutes, a kick at Mendy’s legs earned him his second yellow and thereby the marching orders.

With a man up, Chennai attacked with verve. Mendy swung crosses at will from the right wing and Materazzi kept feeding long balls and charging forward.

It was also notable that Chennaiyin neither had Bruno Pelissari nor Elano in the starting eleven.

The absence of the two creative lynchpins should have prompted Kerala to at least press the midfield duo of Djemba-Djemba and Materazzi, who are not known to be effective ball-players. Instead, it lined up every man, except forward Iain Hume, behind the ball and allowed the host to launch attack after attack.

The home team opened the scoring with three minutes left in the first half when Mikael Silvestre headed in from Marco Materazzi’s perfect free-kick. When a penalty was given just after the restart, following a foul on Maurice by Sandesh Jhingan, Chennaiyin seemed right back in it.

But Materazzi, who was forced into a retake after Maurice charged into the box early, failed to convert.

The home team then brought both Elano and Pelissari to bolster its attack. An own goal by Jhingan with quarter of an hour to go, when his attempt to chest the ball down towards the ’keeper went awry, and the equaliser by Jeje Lalpekhlua after a wonderful cross from Mendy, who played much of the second half on the left flank, made an unlikely comeback loom.

Materazzi sent off

However, a red card to Materazzi on 104 minutes, followed by injuries to Harmanjot Khabra — who yet again was outstanding — and Maurice proved telling. Khabra and Maurice were both stationed on the right side and with their movement restricted, neither could stop Pearson from scoring from their end.

The result (Second leg):

Chennaiyin FC 3 (Silvestre 42, Jhingan-o.g. 76, Jeje 90) bt Kerala Blasters 1 (Pearson 117). Kerala Blasters wins 4-3 on aggregate.

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/indian-super-league-2014-chennaiyin-fc-versus-kerala-blasters-fc-2nd-leg-semifinal/article6698339.ece

Chennaiyin FC seeks to address twin deficiencies

Little would Chennaiyin FC have expected that it would be the underdog going into the second leg of its semifinal against Kerala Blasters. The team was the first to qualify for the last four, had scored the most number of goals, had the best marquee signing, and had even managed to find an adequate replacement when he was injured.

Understandably, the side took its foot off the pedal and tried different options in the last two games before the knock-outs. However, the 3-0 thrashing that the Blasters handed out in the previous leg in Kochi has now left Chennaiyin in a spot.

But, when in difficulty, it has often looked up to its marquee player Elano. With his individual brilliance, he has managed to save his team the blushes like he did at home against NorthEast United FC.

But the game against the Blasters in the first leg was his first in almost a month, and he cut a forlorn figure. On Monday, when the team practised, his movement seemed restricted. He trained alone, and was seen sharpening only his signature free-kicks.

‘Can be done’

“It will be very difficult, but we believe we can do it,” said player-manager Marco Materazzi on overturning the deficit. “The first half will be very important because if we can get a goal or two, we will put Kerala Blasters under pressure.”

For some time now, Chennai’s leaky defence has been a topic of debate. The side had clean sheets in just three of its 15 matches so far. An attempt to stem the rot by pairing Alessandro Nesta with Mikael Silvestre in the central defence and pushing Bernard Mendy to the right back role didn’t work. The duo struggled to keep up with the racy Blasters striker Iain Hume, and, to add to Chennai’s woes, left-back Dhanachandra Singh could not stop Ishfaq Ahmed from wrecking havoc on the right flank.

While solving this defensive riddle will be paramount on Materazzi’s mind, the lack of spark upfront in the last match has now left him with a new problem area. The need is to cater to two deficiencies simultaneously. The challenge is to manage both and not let one suffer at the cost of the other.

‘Right balance’

“It will be a vital to get the right balance,” said Silvestre. “But it’s tough. We have to show compactness while defending, and, of course, create as many chances as possible.”

At the start of the season, not many gave Chennai a chance. That it reached the semifinals after topping the first phase is, in itself, a creditable effort.

It’s now time for one final push.

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/indian-super-league-2014-chennaiyin-fc-versus-kerala-blasters-second-leg-semifinal/article6695294.ece

Flocking in large numbers to watch the stars

When the Indian Super League (ISL) kicked off in mid-October, it was treading into the unknown. Questions abounded. Will it survive? How will its quality be? Will fans turn up to watch?

For the city of Chennai, these questions acquired an even graver tone. In recent times, the city hasn’t boasted of a footballing culture vis-a-vis Kolkata or Kochi. Yet, according to official figures, on an average, 21,634 fans have watched the seven games held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (capacity 28,000).

Central to this has been the popularity of a bunch of marquee names — Robert Pires, Luis Garcia, Marco Materazzi et al — and their respective clubs’ fan associations, who, through their online presence, have played a small but important part in getting together football fanatics.

“For us, it’s all about getting to see these star players,” says Aditya Sundar, 27, part of the LFC Chennai Supporters Club. “This part has always been known to be cricket-mad while the rest of the country has moved on to football. Foreign players, even when they travel to India, don’t come here. They may go to Mumbai, Kolkata and the eastern parts. So, for us to see Garcia — a Champions League winner for Liverpool — was a big thing.”

It also helps that the football-watching crowd is predominantly young and hence more likely to be active on the social media.

“The social media activity has gone up by more than 30 per cent since the ISL started,” says Rahul Jayasurya, 24, admin and co-president of the MUFC — Chennai Facebook page. “Driven mostly by the school and college-going students.”

So far, these fans’ association with their idols has been restricted to the virtual medium. Now, with the ISL providing an opportunity to transcend this, it has been lapped up. A sizable chunk of Arsenal supporters were seen rooting for Pires during Chennaiyin FC’s match against FC Goa.

“We had no broad perspective about Indian players. We were Arsenal fans. So we came to see Pires,” says R. Karthik Deivarayan, 25, a member of the Arsenal Chennai Supporters Club. “For the Goa match we were around 250. People came from as far as Madurai and Karaikal. For all other games we bought around 50 tickets.”

However, these players will cease to be a novelty in the coming years. As aged as some are — on the wrong side of 30s and clearly over the hill — they might not even return. But, for the fan-club relationship to be intimate, the fans need a set of players to identify the club with and the club needs to become a part of the local community.

“Like the Chennai Super Kings, we need stability [of players],” says Karthik. “For that we need something more than three-month contracts. When Michael Hussey left, a whole lot of fans were disappointed. We need that kind of a connect. But, it takes time. We need better coaching and more grass-roots development.”

But, Aditya is confident. “Yes, we wanted Garcia to score, but we also wanted Chennai to win. Loyalty to a city-based club will come. Tickets are not costly. They start at 100 rupees.

“All sections of the people can come and watch. People have started discussing football and Chennaiyin FC.”

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-sports/flocking-in-large-numbers-to-watch-the-stars/article6690137.ece

High on Highbury

The inaugural Indian Super League, which has brought in a string of international superstars amidst us, has been a roaring success, with fans attending the games in big numbers. The stars, too, have been bowled over by the Indian hospitality and the crazy support of the fanatics in a land, which they had considered as a cricket bastion before their arrival in the country. Former Arsenal legend Robert Pires has been overwhelmed by his popularity in India and now wishes to extend his involvement with Indian football, even dreaming about coaching FC Goa one day. The 41-year-old speaks at length with Sportstar about his long and illustrious career.

Question: How has the experience in India been so far?

Answer: It’s been good. Very happy to be here, to be in a new country and meet new people.

What are your early impressions of the Indian players?

They have been good. They want to learn and play at a high level. They ask me a lot of questions. I am in India, not for me. I have proved everything that’s there to prove in my career. I am here to help the Indians. I have a big role and I need to be a good example for others.

Is it difficult to play after coming out of retirement? You last played in 2012.

No. If your mind is ready, your body can follow. It’s simple. And, I was training with the Arsenal first team before I came to India. It helped. I am fit to play and it’s good for my body.

How was it to be a part of the Arsenal team which went unbeaten for 49 games?

I was delighted to be part of that team. Fans called us the Invincibles and it was a great memory.

Later you lost to Manchester City 2-0 and the run ended…

No, no. It was Manchester United. I remember (smiles). We were upset because it was United and the teams had a great rivalry. But it had to end someday.

You formed a great combination on the left with Ashley Cole and Thierry Henry. Was that just spontaneous or did you work a lot to get the combination right?

We had to work a lot. Football is not easy. We don’t have any secrets. It’s just hard work. If you are very good on the training ground, you are good on the pitch. Simple! Sometimes Arsene Wenger used to employ these combinations. On the right we had Lauren, Sylvain Wiltord/Freddie Ljungberg and Dennis Bergkamp.

How was it to play against Arsenal as a Villarreal player in the Champions League in 2009?

It was impossible. But it was a special moment in my career as well. The Arsenal fans sang my name before, during and after the game. On one hand I was happy because it was Arsenal and on the other side I was unhappy because I lost. So it was complicated. But thank you very much Arsenal fans (smiles).

There are reports of Arsenal playing FC Goa sometime next year. Do you want to play for FC Goa in that game?

Of course! I want to. If Goa organises a match against Arsenal, then I cannot imagine the atmosphere. I think the Goa stadium is small for that. But anything is possible. Especially in India (laughs).

Didier Deschamps, Zinedine Zidane and Laurent Blanc have gone into coaching. Do you also see yourself doing the same thing?

Why not? I need to get the license. May be next year or in two years I can coach FC Goa!

But you once said that coaching was not for you…

When I said that I was still playing for Villarreal. Now, I have changed my mind. Because I love football. I don’t know how good a coach I’ll be, but I’ll try.

Was it tough to be substituted after 18 minutes in the Champions League final in 2006? Jens Lehmann (goalkeeper) was sent off and Wenger removed you…

It was disappointing but not for this, but because we lost the final. Sometimes you get only one opportunity in life. It was against Barcelona. It was in Paris, in front of my family. It was a very bad moment.

It was said you were mad with Lehmann. Are you still?

No, no. It was the fault of the referee. If you see, when Lehmann touched Eto’o, Ludovic Giuly scored. It should have been 1-0. There was no sending off. And Lehmann is still my friend (laughs). We sometimes meet in London.

You have played in Ligue 1, La Liga and the EPL. How will you differentiate between the three Leagues?

I don’t like comparing teams or managers. I was lucky to play in all the three Leagues, but I think the Premier League is the best. There’s more competition in England. In Spain there are only two teams, it’s the same in France. But in UK there are six or seven good teams and so the competition is very tough. Every weekend the games are difficult. Every year (the fight for the championship) is tough.

There has been a sudden influx of foreign money in French football. How will it benefit football in the country?

We needed the investment. It’s a good opportunity for Ligue 1, especially for Paris Saint Germain and Monaco. Some people have put in a lot of money and now we can fight with other European teams, especially in the Champions League.

What was so special about the France national side that won the 1998 World Cup and EURO 2000?

It was the best team.

The best France team or best in the world?

Both! We keep in contact, all the players from France 98 and EURO. We still have good relations. When you win the World Cup and the EURO two years later, you can say the team is good. It was the best moment for France.

You had a lot of trouble with France national team coach Raymond Domenech...

Yeah, yeah, yeah….That is life. I had big trouble with Domenech. Why, I don’t know. And that’s the biggest problem. Sometimes you have good relationship with managers, like Wenger and (Manuel) Pellegrini (Villarreal) and sometimes you have big trouble. But I have proved everything with the national team and with clubs. I don’t care (about it) now.

Do you think the problem with Domenech forced you into early international retirement?

Maybe, I think. But you need to ask him this question. I understand a manager needs to pick his own players for the national team. I remember before the 2006 Mundial, he said ‘I don’t take Pires’ and I asked ‘why?’ And he just said ‘I don’t take’. I don’t know why, I don’t have the reasons. (Being left out in) 2006 was difficult for me. I had a very good season with Arsenal — we finished fourth in the League and reached the Champions League final.

You have been a PFA Player of the Year…

Yes, 2002.

And Pele picked you in his list of top 100 footballers and the Arsenal fans voted you as the sixth best Gunner ever. How important are personal accolades for a footballer?

For me, in football, it’s important to win a title together. Not alone. Football is a team game; it’s a game of 20 players. I don’t like when someone says ‘he is the best player’. Team is a team. I prefer to win a World Cup, EURO, Champions League or the EPL rather than a Ballon d’Or.

Your father, a Benfica supporter and your mother, a supporter of Real Madrid… Was it difficult to pick loyalties as a kid?

It was very difficult. I was in the midfield — on right my daddy and left my mommy. It was funny, especially when Spain was playing France or Spain playing Portugal. At home it was woof (puts up his hands in exasperation). It was big trouble.

You had offers from Real. Why did you turn them down?

In 2000, three teams — Juve, Madrid and Arsenal wanted to sign me. Mom asked ‘why are you picking Arsenal’ and I said ‘I chose Arsenal because of Wenger. He is French and I think he understands me better.’ I think I made a good choice.

Tell us something about the Arsenal and Man United rivalry.

Games with United were always great. It was spirited and exciting, and for me there was always a duel with Gary Neville, be it Highbury or Old Trafford. In Highbury the stadium was small, the dressing room and the tunnel too. Remember the (Patrick) Vieira and (Roy) Keane incident — it was because the tunnel was too tight. I played with players like (Tony) Adam, (Ray) Parlour, (David) Seaman and they were good strong players with strong English spirit. So it was always a fight.

You have an admirable record in the north London derby against Tottenham…

Two things — I know why Arsenal fans love me and Tottenham supporters hate me. I played 11 games (against them) and scored eight goals. Yesterday, a fan clicked a picture with me and then said he hates me. I asked him why and he said he is a Tottenham fan. I said okay, I understand!

How has been the support from Arsenal fans in India?

I got a great welcome in Chennai and it was the same in Mumbai, Kolkata and Kerala.

You have been fouled a lot in the ISL. Has that been a little discomforting?

Now, I know and understand — the Indian players are watching the Premier League. But this is football. If they want they (can) kick me, but the referee is there. It’s the same in England.

Your former Arsenal teammate Jermaine Pennant recently said the referees in India are lenient compared to the English ones. Do you agree?

You can’t compare. The referees in England are professional and that makes a huge difference. Indian players and referees need to learn.

Was it a disappointment that Arsenal moved out of Highbury and settled at the Emirates Stadium?

Yes.

Is that the reason you bought a flat in Highbury?

It was for the memories. I played six seasons there and it was fantastic. I understand why Arsenal built Emirates, it was good business. Emirates is a good stadium but it doesn’t have the atmosphere. Highbury is Highbury. It’s a bit like Anfield. If you ask Arsenal fans they’ll also have the same opinion.

http://www.sportstaronnet.com/stories/20141220503902000.htm

Current generation of Italians not good enough, feels Nesta

On Tuesday, when Delhi Dynamos took on Chennaiyin FC, it seemed like a jamboree of Italian World Cup winners. While Marco Materazzi, the hosts’ player-manager, and Alessandro Del Piero, Dynamos’ marquee signing, have become household names, it was time for Alessandro Nesta to hog the limelight.

The 38-year-old, considered one of the best defenders ever and capped 78 times by Italy, spoke to The Hindu on his role in the team and Italian football.

Excerpts:

You were seen giving out a lot of instructions on the pitch. Does the role of a leader come naturally?

It is a new league. The players were, sometimes, running everywhere. I am also old and cannot run around for 90 minutes. With good positioning, it is easier to play.

What is your take on the standard of defending world over?

In the last decade, defenders have been taught to play the ball more than to mark opponents and defend. Yes, technique is important, but before that you need to learn how to defend.

Italian football has not been doing well. Why?

The Italian economy is down. In Serie A, there is no money. They cannot compete with Real Madrid and Barcelona. For the national side, we need a generation of good players. But this generation is not good enough to win a World Cup or compete against the likes of Germany.

Has grassroots development fallen behind in Italy?

Yes. Manchester City recently spent 200 million just on the academy centre. But in Italy, there is no infrastructure. Also, we have lost a bit of our old mentality. We now go around Europe to copy something, but we have a big history ourselves. We don’t need to go elsewhere.

Will foreign investment help?

It is difficult to invest money in Italy. Erick Thohir has invested in Inter [Milan], but I don’t think it is good business. Taxes are high and you don’t get permission to build new stadiums. You cannot put up shops, parking lots, food stalls etc. We are still like how we were in 1990 (Italy last hosted the World Cup in 1990). Only San Siro (Milan), Stadio Olympico (Roma) and Juventus Stadium (Juventus) are good.

How tough was it to leave Lazio for AC Milan?

Very [difficult]. Because Lazio is in Rome and my parents lived there. But Lazio was not in a good financial position. So I was sold.

Injuries plagued you in all three World Cups….

I am not a lucky guy. Or maybe my body was not strong enough to play the whole season, and then the World Cup too.

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/current-generation-of-italians-not-good-enough-feels-nesta/article6680438.ece

Draw keeps Dynamos’ hopes alive, only just

In a nutshell, the match against Chennaiyin FC mimicked Delhi Dynamos’ season so far — short of ideas, bereft of any creativity and uni-dimensional in the first half only to turn it around remarkably well in the second.

The 2-2 draw on Tuesday at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium was earned following goals from Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero, through a superbly taken free-kick, and captain Hans Mulder, courtesy a powerful drive from outside the penalty area.

Dynamos could have won the match and ensured a semifinal spot on its own if Gustavo dos Santos’ curler from the right flank in stoppage time had not hit the post and instead pulled a couple of inches inside.

Dynamos started the match with perhaps its best line-up — a 4-3-3 with Mads Junker, Francisco Fernandez and dos Santos forming the front three. It promised an entertaining fare, especially with Chennai handing a debut for its latest import Alessandro Nesta, the Italian World Cup winner, at the heart of the defence.

The first goal was as freakish as it gets. In the 16th minute, Dynamos’ 6’10” goalkeeper, Kristof van Hout, was beaten when a corner kick from Bruno Pelissari went straight in. Seven minutes later, an injured Junker made way for Del Piero.

The Italian has failed to get an extended run this season and this was probably his best chance. He came into his own in the second half after he scored off a set-piece. But, before that Chennai executed what was the move of the match.

On 28 minutes Balwant Singh delivered a diagonal through ball from the left for Harmanjot Khabra — who was outstanding throughout — to whip a first-time cross from the right which was guided into the goal by Jeje Lalpekhlua.

In the second half, however, Chennai’s defence fell apart. It also coincided with Nesta being substituted to give Gouramangi Singh, who was returning from an injury lay-off, some game time. Till then, the Italian was barking instructions and helping the team keep its shape.

After Del Piero’s goal, player-manager Marco Materazzi had to bring himself on to give his side some direction in the face of some spirited attacks from Dynamos’ front-line which was primarily built on the shoulders of Henrique Dinis and Morten Skoubo playing behind.

Chennai’s finishing also left much to be desired with Balwant, in particular, wasteful.

The result:

Chennaiyin FC 2 (Pelissari 16, Jeje 28) drew with Delhi Dynamos 2 (Del Piero 53, Mulder 88).

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-sports/draw-keeps-dynamos-hopes-alive-only-just/article6677779.ece

Delhi face must-win battle with Chennai in ISL

Going into the final two days’ fixtures before the semifinals in the Indian Super League (ISL), two last-four spots are up for grabs (Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa have already qualified). All the other six sides are in with a chance, suggesting an inevitable scrap for places. Yet the equation at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday, where Chennai will host Delhi Dynamos, seems simple.

A win for Delhi will guarantee a semifinal place regardless of other results. Chennaiyin FC will stay in the top-two even if it loses. For the latter it also hands the advantage of playing its semifinal second leg at home. “It’s always better to be clear about what you have to do,” said Dynamos manager Harm van Veldhoven. “We knew this three for four games ago; that we should win all [the remaining games].”

These last four games have done wonders for Dynamos. It had just one win from the first nine matches until a change in tactics from Veldhoven, like employing a fluid front-three in a 4-3-3 formation sans Alessandro Del Piero, and the excellent form of centre-forward Francis Fernandes and Gustavo Dos Santos turned its fortunes around.

However the same cannot be said of Chennai. True, not much has been at stake in the last two fixtures especially with a semifinal spot already sewed up. But going into the knockouts on the back of two successive defeats to potential last-four opponents isn’t ideal preparation.

“One loss can be termed a mistake,” said player manager Marco Materazzi. “But losing twice is not on.”

To avoid that, Materazzi might have to look at his midfield options. The return of top-scorer Elano – though he might not be risked before the semifinals – does give the side a huge boost, but defensively it is still brittle.

So far Materazzi, captain Bojan Djordjic and Eric Djemba Djemba have tried to prop up the midfield by playing the shielding role in front of the back four.

But the side has looked convincing only when the Italian has taken the field.

Elsewhere, his fellow world-cup winner Alessandro Nesta, who joined the team recently, is in line to play, providing a breather for the Bernard Mendy-Mikael Silvestre central defensive partnership.

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/indian-super-league-2014-delhi-dynamos-versus-chennaiyin-fc-match-preview/article6672425.ece

A World Cup player and a journeyman

The inaugural Indian Super League has brought in a wide array of foreign stars to the country. But Kostas Katsouranis, 35, is the only player in the League, who played in the recently concluded World Cup in Brazil. The former Greece captain has found company in FC Pune City — his former AEK Athens team-mate Bruno Cirillo. The two players spoke to Sportstar about their career and their rendezvous with Indian football.

Are you happy the way Pune is playing? The team didn’t start the season well…

Kostas: Last five or six games we have been good. All the teams start poorly at times. We didn’t know each other at the beginning and that was a problem.

Bruno: I think it’s always the case with new teams. In my experience, you need a little time to become a team. During the first two games we were nervous, a little disjointed but after that we have found our game.

Why did you decide to play in the ISL?

Kostas: For me it’s for a new experience. For the age I am in it’s a good option. I like football and I wanted to find something to my standard and with the right money. It was also to do something new. If you do something here you stay in the history of Indian football, winning the first League. The three-month duration was also important. If you are going to play in Germany or Italy, you have to sign up for a year. I would have been away from my family for long, but now after three months I can be back with them.

Bruno: I am an Italian but I have played in France, Spain, Greece and Cypriot. In my career I have travelled a lot. I like this project because it’s the first edition. The second reason is the coach (Franco Colomba) — he gave me a chance to play in the Italian First division (Reggina) when I was 21. So, I had no hesitation following him here.

Kostas, what do you think were the main reasons behind Greece’s surprise EURO 2004 win?

Kostas: We were like one good family with good players, who had great personality. We had a good coach, the right players and the right mix of talent and experience. With each game we grew in confidence and we always believed that we could achieve it. It was the biggest win of my career. The national team was a second home for me because I have played so many games (114) for 11-12 years. And during that time we had a lot of success. Even in this World Cup we had a good time.

Greece recently lost to Faroe Island in a EURO qualifier…

Kostas: We are not doing too well. But I am very far now, so I don’t know what exactly is going wrong.

Do you still want to play for Greece?

Kostas: It’s not just my decision. If they call me I will play. Everyone wants to play for the national side.

But a lot of players have announced international retirements to extend their club careers…

Kostas: That’s their opinion, but I don’t agree with this trend.

Bruno, Italy has had two dismal World Cup outings after wining the trophy in 2006. How bright is the future of Italian football?

Bruno: Italy is starting fresh. Many younger players are coming in and we are in good hands because (Antonio) Conte is a very good coach. We will soon start doing well again.

Italy is known for its resolute defenders. But there has been a sudden fall in the quality of defenders in the country. Do you agree with that?

Bruno: We don’t have many problems (in defence). We have players like (Giorgio) Chiellini, (Leonardo) Bonucci and (Andrea) Ranocchia and even some of the younger defenders are really good. But it’s not like before, when we had (Paolo) Maldini, (Fabio) Cannavaro or (Alessandro) Nesta. We have to give the players some time, because we have a very good school of teaching. They need some time to gain confidence and the more you play in the Champions League, EURO, the Mundial the better you get.

A lot of Italian teams play with a three-man defence. You personally prefer a three-man or four-man defence?

Bruno: I prefer to play with four — all my career I have played with four defenders. I feel composed in a four-man defence. If you play with three defenders, all of them have to be really good, playing at the same level. Two (of them) have to be (tenacious) like a dog and the one in the middle should be good with the ball. So, only if you have these characteristics in your players you can play with three defenders. Otherwise it’s impossible.

Kostas, you have played both as a defensive midfielder and a centre-back. What is your favourite position?

Kostas: The position I play now, central midfield. This position offers me the chance to go forward and score goals. I have played in central midfield since I was a kid and I think it suits me best.

How was the experience of leading Greece in Brazil 2014?

Kostas: The atmosphere there was great. They had wonderful stadiums and fans and it’s very good for a football player to participate in something like that. We played some good games but we lost an opportunity. We had the chance to be with the best eight teams in the world. Costa Rica (in the Round of 16) played with a man short for more than 60 minutes but we failed to take our chance. The game went to penalties and from thereon it was a 50-50 situation. But generally it was a good World Cup as Greece crossed the group stage of the competition for the first time.

How difficult has been the ISL schedule?

Bruno: Never in my life have I played three games in one week. Of course, it’s a little difficult with no time to rest, but from the beginning we knew this. We have the experience and we know how to keep ourselves fit for back-to-back games. But you tend to tire in the mind and the most important thing is to keep your mind clear, so that you have the same level of concentration for every minute of each game.

Kostas: All my life I have played three games a week — you play on Saturday or Sunday, then in Europe over the week and again the next weekend. So, it’s not a big problem. But now some of the games are far too near.

Are you happy with the ground conditions and practice facilities in India?

Kostas: Depends! Things are not like in Europe. But it’s normal; it’s the first season here. But if the teams want to improve, they need to build practice facilities and good stadiums. But I think they already know that and all the teams are working towards it. The fields we play are not perfect but it’s not so bad, though I found the artificial turf at the Salt Lake very difficult to play.

Bruno: I played in the Europa League in Moscow (in artificial turf), but the field in Moscow is like normal grass. This (Salt Lake stadium) is a little old and difficult. In India everything is not perfect, as the organisers had little time to prepare. But everybody tries to make us relax, do the best for us and give us the best conditions. Every game is a big event, with many people coming to the ground. And if this continues next year it will only get better.

Kostas, you are the only player in the ISL who played in the 2014 World Cup. Does that put some extra pressure on you?

Kostas: No, what pressure? I am nearing 36, I am not a kid. For me there’s no pressure. I participated in the World Cup and I didn’t want (to be tied down by a) long-term contract and so I decided to come here.

What do you think Indian players can learn from you?

Kostas: Many things — they can ask, watch us train, figure out what we do in difficult moments. There are players in India. But India doesn’t want (to promote) football, so it’s natural that India is in this position (156th in the world). They don’t give the players the right facilities as they give to the cricketers. The first thing you need for football is money and India has that. In 10 to 12 years India can climb up the FIFA rankings to 56! My experience says if there are so many people there has to be talent. I gave an interview to a political newspaper from Greece and I told them things have changed rapidly (since the ISL started). For the first few games there were no fans around the stadiums or team hotels, but now in Pune the fans are everywhere. After two to three editions of the ISL, Indian fans will cheer for Indian teams and not Manchester United or Arsenal.

Bruno: Many kids have started following football here with the start of the ISL. Cricket is the top sport but many will now get converted.

Which is the best team in the ISL?

Kostas: We are the best. Why will we put our team last? But Chennai is a good team, Kolkata is good. If you look at the points table there is not much difference between the teams. And, I think, this is a good thing.

http://www.sportstaronnet.com/tss3749/stories/20141206506504200.htm

Will his pennant fly internationally?

Evolution is a process of constant branching and expansion.

— Stephen Jay Gould (Paleontologist)

Like everything else around us, football — the beautiful game — too has branched and expanded over the years gone by. The emergence of new styles of play has often made players and systems relics of a bygone era. And the old-fashioned tearaway winger, who once breezed past defenders to play the perfect measured cross for the athletic No. 9, has lost his position in this evolution. Wider players are ever eager to cut in and operate more centrally, while the width and pace are now offered by the overlapping wing-backs.

England’s Jermaine Pennant, once the youngest Arsenal debutant, has always been a quintessential winger, blessed with terror pace. The 31-year-old, still in his prime, but perhaps sidelined by the changing systems in Europe, is now in India, lending his experience and speed to the inaugural Indian Super League. The FC Pune City star is still proud of his unique abilities, though he expresses his disappointment in missing out on international football.

Question: How has been your experience in India, so far?

Answer: It’s been good. I haven’t seen much (of the country) as I have not been able to step out of the hotel, because there have been far too many games. Even when I was playing in the Champions League for Liverpool there weren’t these many games (in such a short duration). In England, probably only during the Christmas week we play so much. Some of the training pitches here have been very hard, but not much to complain about the match grounds.

What were the reasons for you to pick India as a playing destination?

It was more for a different experience. I have played in England for almost my entire career — 15-16 years. They wanted me to play in the Super League and help the League and I said why not. It’s not a long season, so it leaves other options open. It helps me to stay fit and maybe move to another club in January.

Has it been difficult to adapt since you joined the team late?

No, the squad has made it easier for me. I feel I have been here from the start. The first game was difficult — getting used to the refereeing, getting used to the style of the Indian players, the climate. In England some fouls will be fouls, but in India it’s more lenient. It is not as strict as in Europe and I was shocked.

What is your opinion about the quality of the game here?

Obviously, the foreign players have good quality. They have been brought here for a reason. Even some of the Indian players are good, some players on the wings have good pace. It’s been a learning curve for the Indians because football is not their main sport. There are some little basics that need to be addressed, but it can’t be done in a week. But, I am sure, the Indians will benefit from having us here, playing with us and getting the right feedback.

You were once the youngest debutant for Arsenal. How was it to be a part of the London side when it went on a 49-match unbeaten run?

It was a great achievement. We got into every game feeling confident, thinking we can’t lose. 25-30% of football is confidence. If you get into a game with that you tend to do better. And in that team all of us had that confidence.

How difficult was it to break into the Gunners’ first team?

They had too many great players — Ray Parlour, Freddie Ljungberg and Robert Pires were playing in the wider positions. But maybe now Arsene would have gone about it differently because he is giving new players more chances. But in 2003-04 it was a new thing. As football grows newer players are coming in. If it was now I would have played more games.

How would you compare the Liverpool and Arsenal experience?

Liverpool was better because we were playing in the Champions League — and I was a first team regular, a Premier League regular. Arsenal was about fine tuning my game, learning as a young player and it was about making me the player to be. I am grateful to Arsenal for that.

How would you compare Rafa Benitez and Arsene Wenger as managers?

Rafa was more tactical whereas Arsene was better with technical play and his game was more free-flowing. Rafa was all about team shape. As you could see Liverpool had great discipline, but Arsenal was free-flowing.

What’s your take on the present Liverpool side under Brendan Rodgers?

Brendan has taken it forward from Swansea, they pass a lot. The massive difference for Liverpool from last season is Luis Suarez — he is a big player to lose. Without Suarez, Liverpool might not have finished second (last term).

Despite doing well at the club level you never got to play for England…

I did expect to play for England, especially when you play in the Champions League final. I am the only English player to play in the Champions League final and then not feature for the country. I remember after the final the England manager (Sven-Goran Eriksson) said “you are doing well” and I thought there’s a chance, but it never happened. Maybe there’s politics and I was a bit disappointed.

The famous English sports writer, Brian Glanville, said, “Jermaine is a better winger than Beckham.” What do you say about that?

(Laughs) It’s nice to hear that. End of the day Beckham has done great for both club and country. I was different from Beckham, I had pace and I could run past defenders, so maybe as a winger I was better. He is a great crosser, but even I could cross the ball. So it’s a little frustrating that it never happened. But that’s football. Beckham is great and he is more than a footballer, he is an icon.

Do you still dream of playing international football?

Definitely! I’m only 31 and there are players in the Premier League who are 34-35, so I still have my chance.

Will you prefer to play for Ireland or Jamaica? (Pennant is also eligible to play for these nations because of his ancestry.)

You can’t be picky. It’s international football. It’s great to play against nations, travel. If they come knocking on the door and if I can I will play for any of them.

What’s your opinion about the current England national side?

A lot of older players like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have retired and they are giving the younger boys a chance, much like Germany. Germany had seven-eight players of their under-21 side, who went on to play the World Cup. England are trying to do the same, but you won’t see the results in a year or two, you will need time.

Germany and Spain have more licensed coaches compared to England. Do you think the grass-root model in both countries is better than England’s?

In Spain and Germany the grass-root is more technical, fluent and free-flowing. In England it’s too structured, so at a young age the players don’t develop the best way. They develop to play the England way whereas they should be able to express their ability. Young players in Spain are free and I remember when I was young and was playing against Barcelona, their boys were always more expressive.

http://www.sportstaronnet.com/tss3749/stories/20141206505903700.htm

‘ISL a great adventure’

Former French striker David Trezeguet is someone who has experienced agony and ecstasy in equal measure. While the 1998 World Cup win and the golden goal in the 2000 EURO final fall under the first category, Juventus’ relegation in 2006 after the Calciopoli scandal and his missed penalty in the World Cup final shootout the same year form a part of the latter.

Considered one of the best strikers of his generation, the 37-year-old, now with FC Pune City in the Indian Super League (ISL), shared his thoughts in an interview with Sportstar.

Excerpts:

Question: What are your early impressions of India?

Answer: Good. But it is important for the level of the game to keep improving. It will, over time. It is a great adventure and it will certainly get better.

You have played in the best leagues in the world. What made you come here?

For a new experience in life. Also, to give a hand and promote football in India and to show how professional footballers play in Europe and around the world.

Does the tag of a marquee player bring any pressure?

Absolutely no pressure.

What are the Indian players getting from you?

Basically professionalism. Learning day by day from experienced players, on how they train, their attitude and dedication to the game.

Pune had a training stint in Italy. What are the positives from that?

Right now if you see, it won’t seem much, because we are not first. But it could be important in the long run. It should give a heads-up because we have trained together for a good time.

You are 37 and yet look to be in good shape. But is it tougher in India’s humid conditions especially when you have to travel so much?

We have to adapt. It’s the coach’s job to keep us fresh. Since we play so many games in a week, he has to rotate the players. Some will play less, some more. But that’s fine.

You played for Juventus even after it was relegated. Other star players left. The ones at the club would have looked up to you in those tough times. Is it similar here where Indian players will also be looking to you for motivation?

This is something teams look for when they sign big players. It’s a same thing here too. ISL is also opting for players with experience to help Indians.

But why did you stay with Juventus even after the relegation?

I stayed back because the club gave me a lot and I had to be there at the moment of need. It was to give something back (to the club).

And prior to that, you played with the likes of Pavel Nedved, Zinedine Zidane and Alessandro Del Piero...

That’s the best one can ask for.

You went back to Argentina in 2010 to play for River Plate. What made you leave the lucrative European football? You would have definitely had suitors.

It was a personal choice. I had reached the maximum level at Juventus. I chose River Plate because I support River and it was a dream to play there.

Your career started in South America. Has its football changed since the days you left?

The last World Cup final was Germany versus Argentina. So things have changed for the better. Potential players come from South America, but they play in Europe because clubs like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have the money and prestige. Lionel Messi, Neymar, James Rodriguez, Luis Suarez are all at the highest level in Europe.

You scored the golden goal in the 2000 EURO final. But in the 2006 World Cup final you missed a penalty. Does that still hurt?

No. It doesn’t. These things happen and we move on. In the museums, I see only the cups I have won.

Coming back to the ISL, how long do you plan to stay here?

It has been a good experience. But for the future, ISL has to look at itself, see how it has gone and what steps to take for the next edition. It has been an important step for Indian football. We will see how it goes and take a decision.

http://www.sportstaronnet.com/tss3749/stories/20141206506304000.htm