Nicolas Anelka
We at India.com were presented an opportunity to attend Indian Super League team, Mumbai City FC’s training session at the Cooperage Stadium in Colaba, Mumbai. It was wonderful to see our Indian footballers like Syed Rahim Nabi, Lalindrika Ralte, Ram Malik, to name a few blend alongside their foreign counterparts that boasted names like Manuel Friedrich, Nicolas Anelka and Freddie Ljungberg among the list.
It was our first chance to get a glimpse of what the Ranbir Kapoor co-owned team could prove in the ISL 2014, especially with all the talents local and foreign coming together. Coach Peter Reid, who has considerable managerial experience with various English clubs and a year long stint with Thailand under his belt, put the boys through the paces under Mumbai’s extreme weather on the Cooperage turf.
On one half of the ground, we saw the outfield players looking to improve their coordination with and without the ball while some of the imports looking to bring themselves back in shape on time for the kick-off on 17th against FC Goa at the DY Patil Stadium. What we didn’t hope to see was Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg limp off midway with a cramp in his calf; thus calling the team doctors into action.
Click here to see the pics of Mumbai City FC players in training
On the other half, the goalkeepers’ reflexes were put to test by the relevant coaching staff. Prayag United’s Ishan Debnath and Andre Pereira were the two shot-stoppers in action while Subrata Paul was not present as he was called up for India’s friendly fixtures against Palestine.
Indian football legend Baichung Bhutia too was present at the ground and I reckon he would have hoped for the ISL to have occurred during his playing days. But nonetheless, the current crop plying their trade with the national team and i-League clubs are certainly delighted with all the attention this competition is generating in the inaugural edition.
Syed Nabi
Syed Nabi was among the two players permitted to interact with the press and the Kolkata lad was extremely happy and also obliged for photographs when requested by some reporters or writers. The 28-year-old said, “People told me that I’m making a huge mistake by signing up for ISL and now the ones who said it are not only regretting but wishing that they too would be playing for some club.”
Syed, who is versatile enough to play in any outfield position, is sure to be in Mumbai City FC’s starting XI alongside likes of Pavel Cmovs, Manuel Friedrich, etc. The former Mohun Bagan and East Bengal player also expressed his delight to the press about the ISL by saying, “The i-League gave us little to be cheerful about. The coverage was inconsistent and the media presence too was scarce. Look at your numbers now, this not only motivates me but also encourages budding Indian footballers to pursue this football as a career.”
Ljungberg played down his injury and looked keen to replicate his ‘Invincibles’ days at Arsenal for Mumbai City FC and win the trophy in its inaugural season. The 37-year-old revealed that a lot of work needs to be done outside football and at grassroot level in India. He also said, “They (Mumbai City FC) came with a great project and asked if I could join and inspire the next generation.”
Freddie Ljungberg
The former Swedish international did not assure if he would extend his contract for with the club for next season, arrived in Mumbai on September. 28. He also revealed that he has not been able to determine any favourite Indian players but all of them have impressed and hopes the team will be crowned champions in December.
Meanwhile, Mumbai City coach, Peter Reid enjoyed watching Phil Jagielka fire home the equaliser against Liverpool last weekend.
“I’ve been only here for a week and still assessing the players. We all are mixing together and I’ve got to say I’m impressed with the quality of Indian players,” the 58-year-old said. Lalindrika Ralte in particular impressed the Huyton born coach and the 22-year-old East Bengal midfielder is among the two youngest players including Nadong Bhutia.
Peter Reid
Talking about the inaugural ISL season, “You don’t go into a competition and not want to win it. It will be tough as we know everyone would want to win it. But I think we have the quality to go in there and put on a good display.” Reid, a defensive midfielder during his playing days for Everton and Manchester City, also revealed that the captain will be an Indian and my guess would be none other than goalkeeper Indian international Subrata Paul.
Click here to see Indian Super League Full Fixture List and Match Schedule
Photo Courtesy: Rhythmic Focus
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