A right mix of Indian and foreign talent: Chennaiyin FC preview

For every team in the Indian Super League (ISL), the challenge will be to make the whole seem greater than the sum of its parts. Chennaiyin FC has to do this in double quick time. It has looked perennially a step or two behind the rest, for it was conceived only at the last minute following the withdrawal of the Bangalore franchise.

From the signing of the marquee player to the identification of the training ground, it has had to play catch-up. Now that things have more or less fallen into place it’s time for the focus to shift to the pitch.

Any city-based league, like the Indian Premier League, with a mix of Indian and foreign nationals, attracts the first set of eyeballs mainly on virtue of its overseas talent. In this respect the team will be identified by Bernard Mendy, formerly Paris Saint-Germain, Cristian Hidalgo Gonzalez, a product of the famed Barcelona academy La Masia, Bojan Djordjic, former Manchester United youth player, Mikael Silvestre, formerly Manchester United and marquee signing Elano Blumer.

But as any IPL side found out in subsequent years, it’s the strength of its Indian contingent that tilts the balance. Here, East Bengal skipper and mid-fielder Harmanjot Singh Khabra, Mohun Bagan captain and goal keeper Shilton Paul, former Churchill Brothers forward and 2014 FPAI Indian player of the year Balwant Singh, and the highly rated 23-year-old striker Jeje Lalpekhlua have to come good.

However, the trump card for Chennaiyin FC might well be Elano, the 33-year-old Brazilian who is the youngest among all marquee players. So far he hasn’t garnered as much interest as the likes of Alessandro Del Piero, Robert Pires et al have done. But come match day he might well outdo everybody.

As with other sides, formation-wise, not much is known as all training sessions have been under closed doors. On paper, a classic 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 with one striker in a withdrawn role looks possible. But a 3-5-2 shape was used in the last of its practise games. Age and coaching philosophies might also mean that players’ might be shifted out of their comfort zones.

However, with former Inter Milan defender Marco Materazzi at the helm, an Italian imprint with emphasis on defensive organisation and tactical acumen is a given. But as Elano told The Hindu they will also have to attack and score goals. Getting this concoction right will be the key.

The team:

Goalkeepers: Abhijit Mondal, Shilton Paul, Gennaro Bracigliano

Defenders: Gouramangi Singh, Dhanachandra Singh, Khelemba Meetei, Abhishek Das, Bernard Mendy, Jairo Suarez, Marco Materazzi, Mikael Silvestre

Midfielders: Harmanjot Singh Khabra, Denson Devadas, Dane Pereira, NP Pradeep, Jaison Vales, Anthony Barbosa, Sukhwinder Singh, Cristian Hidalgo, Bojan Djordjic, Bruno Pelissari, Pierre Tillman, Elano Blumer.

Forwards: Jeje Lalpekhlua, Jayesh Rane, Balwant Singh, Eduardo Silva Lerma, John Stiven Mendoza.

Head Coach: Marco Materazzi

Assistant Coach: Vivek Nagul

Owners: Vita Dani, Abhishek Bachchan and M.S. Dhoni

Marquee Player: Elano Blumer

Watch out for:

Balwant Singh will in all probability lead the attack. With 17 goals for Churchill Brothers in all competitions, 2014 has been his breakout year. Currently with Mohun Bagan, the ace forward would like to be as prolific in the ISL.

Cristian Hidalgo Gonzalez, a product of Barcelona’s youth set-up, is expected to be a first-team regular. Adept as a winger and as a withdrawn striker, the 31-year-old Spaniard also has the experience of having played for Deportivo La Coruna.

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/a-right-mix-of-indian-and-foreign-talent/article6489388.ece

'I am also a little Italian'

Back in 2010, on the eve of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Brazil’s Elano Blumer, one of coach Dunga’s key men, said, “I’ve always considered myself one of the team’s supporting cast. I never want to be the star.”

However, four years on, the 33-year-old finds himself as Chennaiyin FC’s marquee signing for the inaugural Indian Super League (ISL). The former Manchester City player spoke to The Hindu ahead of his latest adventure.

Why did you decide to play in India and what are your first impressions?

My decision was to not continue playing in Brazil. The new project here seemed exciting and has the potential to grow. India, its culture and the whole history attracted me as well.

Throughout your career, you have been very versatile. Once at Manchester City you even played as a full back. What will be your position here?

My original position is attacking midfielder. Of course, I have played in different positions according to situations. It will not be any different here. I will be an attacking midfielder but if I need to help the team somewhere else, I can.

Marco [Materazzi] being an Italian comes from a different school; may be a slightly defensive one as compared to the Brazilian school. How do you expect to fit into it?

I believe Italian football is very tactical. We have to respect that because after Brazil they have the most trophies [along with Germany]. I am also a little Italian [because of his origin]. I was joking with Marco that I can now learn more Italian. I believe that we need to have a well organised system and Italy is known for it. We will work together and adjust.

As a professional in Europe you play one game a week, sometimes two. Here you will play a game every three or four days. Will the short recovery time be a problem?

No. It’s same as Brazil. And it’s not a challenge just for me, but for all the players. The weather will be hot too. So hopefully next season it will be better scheduled.

Are you happy with the facilities in Chennai?

There are a few things which can be better. But I understand it’s a new beginning and it will take time. I am happy that I am making new friends and going through a new experience. You just have to brush aside the small difficulties and keep moving forward.

You were a regular with the A Selecao during Dunga’s reign. What sort of a rapport do you enjoy with the current Brazilian coach?

We have been together for six years and won the Copa America and the Confederations Cup.

He is a good person and even today we are friends. Though, he is the national team manager, I can still call him, talk to him and exchange ideas.

You have had problems with some managers before. How important is to have his backing to succeed?

It’s important to trust each other. He is ultimately the boss. So it’s necessary to have his confidence. You can play freely when you know the coach will back you no matter what happens.

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/i-am-also-a-little-italian-says-elano/article6482364.ece

From Mourinho to Materazzi to us…

Of the 49 foreign players who entered the player draft for the inaugural Indian Super League (ISL), former French defender and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Bernard Mendy was the top pick.

The 33-year-old, who is set to marshal Chennaiyin FC’s defence, spoke to The Hindu on ISL, its role in Indian football and on manager Marco Materazzi.

Excerpts:

Why did you choose ISL?

I had the choice to stay in France, but I accepted this challenge. I have played in England, France and Denmark. So, why not here? My agent spoke to me about it. Then players like Olivier Dacourt and [Nicolas] Anelka made my choice easy.

Were you easily convinced?

I didn’t know much about Indian football. I knew cricket was big. But here, we now have a good project for the Indian players. So I came here to see what I can do and help the Indian players get better.

What role do you think ISL will play?

We can help everybody: the players, the academies. PSG now has an academy in Delhi. Why not in Chennai? It will be good for the city. The younger generation likes football. They watch Cristiano Ronaldo, [Lionel] Messi and want to play like them.

What are your first impressions of the Indian players? Where do they lack — technically or physically?

It has been good. They want to learn. Some are strong and some small. I like one guy called Abhishek [Das]. He listens a lot and asks a lot of questions. He wants to learn. Everybody wants to learn. But, with him, it’s more. He also plays like me in the defence. So he is like my little brother.

You were the top pick at the player draft. How did it feel?

I was happy to be the first. But I have a lot of responsibility along with Elano, and [Mikel] Silvestre. I am a leader and I need to prove that every time.

How is Materazzi as a manager and what are his tactics?

I was very surprised. I know him as a very good player, but he has been a good manager too. He is, basically, a bit defensive. He played under [Jose] Mourinho who is number one in the world. So he is trying to use what he learnt from Mourinho. You can see that in the training sessions. It’s flowing from Mourinho to him and from him to us.

People talk about how you beat Roberto Carlos once; close to 100m in 10.5 seconds. Do you still have that pace?

Yeah. But you should ask the Indian players. It’s funny. Every club I go to, they watch that video. I’ll do my best here too. I might not play in the same position [right-back] because I will be used more centrally. Since we will be playing every three days, the players might not be fit enough for every game. So, I can play at right-back too.

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/from-mourinho-to-materazzi-to-us/article6479043.ece

'Goalie' Dhoni now a Chennaiyin FC co-owner

Indian cricket captain and the face of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mahendra Singh Dhoni, further enhanced his appeal among the city’s sports fans after he was announced as a co-owner of the Indian Super League franchise Chennaiyin FC here on Monday. “I am fortunate to get associated with the team,” said Dhoni. “I have played seven years of Indian Premier League (IPL) from this city. It would have been emotionally difficult if I had been associated with other teams like Mumbai or Kolkata. So I am glad to be a part of it.”

“Almost everyone in India knows that I started off as a footballer (goalkeeper). This was one opportunity to get associated with football.”

With city-based leagues being in vogue across sports, Dhoni, as captain of the most successful IPL team, sought to draw parallels with the highly popular cricket league. ISL, like the IPL, involves a heady mix of foreign and Indian talent and Dhoni said it was an opportunity for young Indians to learn from world-class players.

“The sport is different. But the format is quite similar. When CSK was formed, we also had foreign players. It helped us understand different cultures. I feel our Indian footballers should look up to these international stars and learn from the different footballing styles that they bring in.’’ As someone with rich experience in team building, both at the national level and in the IPL, Dhoni said that the team that gels best will come out successful.

“Players play better football at clubs than with countries as they spend a lot of time together. So, that will be the biggest challenge. To have the best dressing room atmosphere.”

“Also [with me being the co-owner] I can share some of my experiences with youngsters. Because pressure is something that’s the same irrespective of the sport.”

Dhoni also felt that the league can build a base from where players can emerge in the future.

“A lot of emphasis will be on developing the grass-roots game. When you talk to the younger generation, they discuss a lot about different leagues in the world. So the awareness is there. This [league] can prompt them to come out and play.”

After terming the league as one which has all the qualities to be as successful as the IPL, Dhoni urged the fans to get behind the team just like they support CSK. “After all, the one thing that a sportsperson needs is a chance to perform in front of packed houses.”

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/article6475407.ece

Chennaiyin Football gets Italian seasoning

In recent times, top quality sporting action in Chennai has been hard to come by. But for the annual Aircel Chennai Open and last year’s chess world championship match, the city has missed out on quite a lot.

I-League football, the Indian Badminton League, the Pro-Kabaddi League and the Asian Athletics meet have all passed the city by. Even the Indian Premier League (IPL), whose most successful team is the Chennai Super Kings, was shifted out this year.

The inaugural Indian Super League football too seemed destined for a similar fate until a last minute switch from Bangalore gave the city a franchise to root for.

So, on Monday, when the team’s player-manager Marco Materazzi, a World Cup winner with Italy, made his first-ever visit to the city, it was understandably a cause for celebration.

From the outset, the club seems to have left no stone unturned in appealing to the local community. The team is named Chennaiyin FC, which roughly translates to ‘Chennai’s FC.’ Its logo Duradrishti is known as the Drushti Bommai in local parlance and is usually kept to ward off evil forces.

The event to unveil the club’s logo too checked the usual boxes.

Co-owner Vita Dani started with the traditional ‘Vanakkam,’ even as Materazzi, whose team is currently training in Bangalore, said he wanted to be amid Chennai’s people as early as he can.

And for the city’s football fans, Materazzi seems to be a prize catch.

An Inter Milan legend, his role was instrumental in Italy winning the FIFA World Cup in 2006. But more than the Cup, the defining moment was him being head-butted by Zinedine Zidane. Wherever he goes, there is no escaping this incident, immortalised in the form of a gigantic bronze statue in Doha. Asked about the same, he cheekily answered, “Which defining moment? Me scoring the goal? Scoring the penalty or holding the cup? I know what you are talking about. Thanks.” The hope is now for this intelligence and relaxed demeanour to be transferred to his players on the football pitch.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chennaiyin-football-gets-italian-seasoning/article6436620.ece

Leander in no mood to stop

It is said that the current era in sports is one of instant gratification. Longevity comes at a premium. It seems an athlete like Steve Redgrave or Carl Lewis or Ryan Giggs, with a career spanning decades, is hard to come by.

Closer home, Sachin Tendulkar will always be the gold standard for longevity and sporting excellence. But for making a mark in a sport more global and more athletic than cricket, Leander Paes needs special mention.

It is well known that he has played for more than two decades. So is the fact that he has played six Olympics which no tennis player has done. It is also well known that he became the oldest man to win a Major title in the Open Era at the US Open in 2013.

But something which is not very well known is this particular Davis Cup record. Even captain Anand Amritraj pleaded ignorance.

When he and Rohan Bopanna combined to win the doubles rubber against Serbia last weekend, it was his 41st doubles win in the competition. No other active player has more. Also, he ranks only below Italian Nicola Pietrangeli, who has 42 wins. Paes also has the most number of wins (doubles & singles combined) among active players at 89.

A record such as this, in the most individual of sports, during the decades when players were least bothered about turning up for their countries, is indeed stellar

“It’s his greatest achievement,” says Zeeshan Ali, the current India coach who was Paes’s first Cup partner in 1990, of his longevity. “It’s a miracle. Tennis careers are short, mind you. One thing that has still not changed [since 1990] is the fire in his belly. It particularly stands out while playing for the country.”

Something that’s equally noteworthy is his 97 different partners on the tour.

In fact, his youngest partner Sanam Singh, at last year’s tie against Indonesia, was three when Paes became a pro in 1991.

“He carries his partner very well. He just lifts his teammate’s game,” says Zeeshan. This ability was on display when he and Bopanna, teaming up after a gap of two years, battled to victory against the established Nenad Zimonjic-Ilija Bozoljac pair.

Paes is now 41. Yet he is in no mood to stop.

One more year of Davis Cup can get him past Pietrangeli; two more years of tennis, can make him the only living athlete to compete in seven Olympics — both achievements which will help him leave in a blaze of glory.

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/tennis/leander-in-no-mood-to-stop/article6416959.ece

India slip back into Asia - Oceania; Serbia stays in World Group

Serbia, on Monday, kept its seven-year date with the Davis Cup World Group.

Filip Krajinovic’s 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win over Yuki Bhambri in the rain-delayed fifth rubber made sure that Serbia stayed in the company of the elites even as it consigned India to at least another year in the Asia–Oceania Group.

After third-ranked Spain’s relegation to Group I for the first time since 1996 on Sunday, second-ranked Serbia plummeting along with it would have been a bitter pill. But the fans world over, thankfully, did not have to swallow it.

A 12 p.m. start meant that the players were set to work in alien conditions. And a working day ensured that the number of spectators could be counted.

“It was not easy,” said Krajinovic.

“After watching the Somdev match, I was waiting all day. I was playing 2-2 for the first time in my life in Davis Cup. After the delay, it was mentally very hard. Today physically it was hard. It was very humid.”

When it got underway, nothing seemed to matter. Krajinovic broke immediately to serve for the second set at 5-4.

No forehand

Bhambri’s backhand worked ever so well. An instance of which stood out was when, pinned deep behind the ‘T’ he hit a remarkable cross-court double-hander. But he undid all that with a non-existent forehand.

His ploy was to play first-strike tennis. But in his desperation to go for winners, he overcooked most of them.

In the third set, thrice on Krajinovic’s serve Bhambri had him on 0-30, 0-30 and 15-40. But he took none of those chances. The 22-year-old Serb served big on each of those instances. He taught Bhambri the advantages of game which flows from the serve.

“I have had chances all week,” said Bhambri after the defeat. “I just didn’t take them. It’s disappointing. There is more disappointment considering that others played well and I didn’t deliver.

“Whatever I did, didn’t work and I repeated the mistakes from the first match. We need to go back and start all-over again.”

Fruitful year

The past year has seen many gains for India. Under a well-respected captain, the team looks as closely knit as ever. Performances on court have also followed.

Not many gave them a chance even against a team sans Novak Djokovic, Janko Tipsarevic and Viktor Troicki. A 2-3 result should do them a world of good.

An ideal springboard for future successes.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-sports/serbia-stays-in-world-group/article6414053.ece