Cannot underestimate quality of Teams in our Group: Lee Johnson

Lee Johnson

The Indian U-19 National Team heads into the AFC U-19 Qualifiers on back of some encouraging performances in the ACT U-18 Championship. Head Coach Lee Johnson who had been associated with the Chelsea Academy and the Crystal Palace Academy in the past has been training with the U-19 National Team since July 2015 although most of the boys in the 23-member squad have been training together in the AIFF Academy since May 2012.

A day prior to India’s first match in the AFC U-19 Qualifiers against Palestine U-19, www.the-aiff.com caught up with Johnson on the forthcoming AFC U-19 Qualifiers, the strengths of his Team, his squad and much more. EXCERPTS:

What is your assessment of the Indian U-19 squad which has been training under you?

The Indian Players are some of the best Players I have worked with so far in terms of their discipline, work-rate and attitude -- both on and off the pitch. However, we still need to improve on the tactical aspects. Our Players are technically good and can handle the ball well. So for us taking part in the SAFF and ACT has provided us with an experience which will help aid their development.

 How do you reflect on the Indian being clubbed with Afghanistan, UAE and Palestine in the AFC U-19 Qualifiers?

The games in the AFC U-19 Qualifiers will be challenging and it will also be a good exposure campaign for the boys. We have defeated Afghanistan without our strongest Team so physiologically that will be an advantage for us going into that game.  At the same time you cannot underestimate the quality of the Teams in our group as they possess the necessary weapons cause problems.

Heading into the Qualifiers I want my Players to enjoy their Football and play with freedom and creativity whilst maintaining a good defensive discipline. It will be a great experience for everyone and I hope we can do the Country proud.

How did you zero down to your squad?

Although it has been a challenge, we have tried to make the best of our resources. We split the U-19 squad into two groups which included nine U-17 Players. One team went to participate in the SAFF U-19 Championship and the other started the Asian Champions Trophy 2015. The Team we took to the ACT (Asian Champions Trophy 2015) came up against some of the best Clubs sides in South-East Asia where the standard has been high and it is pleasing to see the lads rise to the occasion. We have performed well in recent weeks but must remain focused concentrate on one game at a time leading in to the AFC Qualifiers.

The U-19 Team which went to the SAFF Championship finished runners-up. What do you make of it?

We were the best Team in the SAFF Championship and had we capitalized on our chances, the match would not have gone into penalties. The Players have to learn how to be more clinical and decisive in front of goal because these moments are the difference between winning and losing.

Nevertheless, I was pleased with how the Players rose up to the challenge in an intimidating environment. This is a learning experience and it will help them in the future. High-quality matches such as the final (against Nepal) help them to develop and grow as a Player.

How have your stints with Chelsea and Crystal Palace Academies helped you in India?

Working in these environments has given me great experience in the planning and preparation needed to help develop players to perform at the highest level of the youth Football.

It has enabled me to implement support structures which focused on individual and Team development this is a mandatory requirement for the Premier League’s “Elite Player Performance Plan,” and it’s something we have introduced with the U19s as it helps us monitor their progress throughout the program.

As a foreign coach you have to understand the Football culture of a nation, you have to understand the Players and the staff. And for that you need to adapt.

                                                                                                   --- Joseph Solomon, AIFF Media Team

Sports Minister attends first ever board meeting for U17 World Cup

AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: The Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal kicked-off the first ever Board Meeting of the Local Organizing Committee of the  FIFA U 17 World Cup 2017 at the SAI Headquarters, New Delhi on Tuesday (September 29, 2015).

In a stirring address, Mr. Sonowal urged all stakeholders of the Tournament to work together as a Team and put their best foot forward to make the event a grand success. He assured the complete support of the Government for the first ever football World Cup in India.

Earlier, AIFF President Mr. Praful Patel welcomed all the delegates and explained the significance of the Tournament for the overall development of Indian Football. He also outlined the support necessary from all quarters for successfully staging the Tournament.

He was followed by Javier Ceppi, Tournament Director, LOC FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017, who updated the Board on the current progress of the preparations.

Secretary MYAS, Mr. Rajesh Yadav, DG SAI MR. Injeti Srinivas and Joint Secretary MYAS, Mr. Onkar Kedia then put forward the Central Government’s perspective on the preparation after which representatives from Goa, Kochi, Guwahati and Kolkata updated the forum on the current progress of work at the various venues.

Also present were Mr. Kushal Das, General Secretary AIFF; Dr. Shaji Prabharkaran, FIFA Development Officer, Mr. Subrata Dutta, President, IFA and representatives from SAI, Sports Ministry and the Local Organizing Committee of the FIFA U 17 World Cup 2017.

The FIFA U 17 World Cup, 2017 is the first ever FIFA Tournament to be held in India and will be staged in September–October 2017. Six venues, Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, Kolkata and Guwahati have been initially shortlisted as venues for the event.

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‘HAVE TO TAKE ONE MATCH AT A TIME’

Johnson announces 23-member squad for AFC U-19 Qualifiers

AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: Head Coach Lee Johnson has announced his list of 23 Players to represent the Indian U-19 National Team in the AFC U-19 Qualifiers which are slated to kick-off from October 02, 2015 in Al-Ram, Palestine.

The Indian colts have been clubbed in Group C alongside hosts Palestine, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Afghanistan in Group C. India play their first match against Palestine on October 2. Thereafter, the Colts face UAE and Afghanistan on October 4 and 6 respectively.

The 23 member squad has been churned out from the Indian U-19 Team which finished runners-up in the SAFF U-19 Championship and from the Indian squad which is currently participating in the FAM-FRENZ Asia Champions Trophy 2015.

Head Coach of the Indian U-19 National Team, Lee Johnson said: "The Players are showing confidence going into the Competition. At the same time we acknowledge the fact that we are drawn in a competitive group and no game will be easy.”

"We have to work hard, maintain our focus and concentrate on one game at a time,” added the former Chelsea and Crystal Palace Academy Coach.

The 23 member Indian squad will be leaving Indian shores from Delhi at 4am on September 30.

The 23 member list follows:

GOALKEEPERS: Sayak Barai, Rafique Ali Sardar, Sukhdev Shivaji Patil.

DEFENDERS: Shahabaaz, Kapil Boro, Nishu Kumar, Gursimrat Singh Gill, Mohd Sajid Dhot, Sarthak Golui, Amey Ganesh Ranawade, Lalthakima.

MIDFIELDERS: Lalramzauva Khiangte, Malsawmzuala, Bidyananda Singh Ningthoujam, Rakesh Oram, Vinit Rai.

FORWARDS: Suman Sarkar, Milan Basumatary, Moinuddin, Daniel Lalhlimpuia, Muhammed Ashique Kuruniyan, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Mawihmingthanga.

HEAD COACH: Lee Johnson.

We must look at the I-league as our product, not the ISL: Praful Patel

Mr. Praful Patel, President, AIFF

"I’m happy to be here today and speak about Indian football. It’s been a few weeks into the ISL and it’s an ambitious and enlightened endeavor on behalf of the AIFF to bring football to the masses and enhance its popularity and bring more responses to the game.

"As you know we have the I-league which is the principal league in the country. We have been working over the years to upgrade and professionalize the league, bring it on par with other leagues and to boost the popularity of football in the country. After a lot of deliberation we thought that a shorter format of the game coupled with entertainment and glamour would be a booster for the game and eventually help boost the popularity of football and help football in the long run. Ours is the only federation from 209 members who has been allowed to have a tournament of this nature, the ISL. It took two years for us to convince FIFA about this. It’s a great opportunity for us to host a tournament such as the ISL. This is the reason why the entire global footballing community is looking at ISL closely. My only request to viewers is to be patient. It’s a new experiment and we need to ensure that Indian football grows.

"Lets not lose focus from the I-League. Like I’ve said before, it’s the backbone of Indian football. Only teams that participate in the I-league will be able to move up the ladder in terms of AFC championships and so on. ISL teams do not have that opportunity.  The I-league needs to be strengthened. Once the following of the teams improve we will have a better chance to bring in more youngsters in ISL teams which will help in offering exposure to our young players. 

"There are two teams in the ISL who are also connected to the I-league  – FC Goa and North East United.  I have been in discussions with ISL owners. They have been discussion on how to bring their teams into the I-league. Over a period of time, there will be an exercise where the I-league and ISL can come closer and strengthen both the formats in due course.

We have got the World Cup under 17 in 2017 which is the first FIFA tournament to come to India. We are also bidding for the Club World Championships in 2017 and 2018. When we win the bid, only the I-league clubs can play as the Indian entry. We will also get the World Cup under 20 in the next five years.

"Goa is a great place for Indian football. There is a passion for the game which exists in this beautiful state. I urge the govt of Goa to build world class football stadiums in the state. We request the other states to do the same.

Q & A:

Is there a difference in your opinion between pre and post ISL?

Its too early. It’s just been a few weeks. There is a lot of interest in Indian football because of the ISL, because of the international players and coaches. In Goa you have seen how Zico and Pires have brought in a lot of interest and enthusiasm from fans. Also best practices have been brought in with the ISL. Additionally better football coverage has helped ISL. The quality of television coverage between a game played at the ISL and an international game is almost the same. Moreover the teams have been putting in a lot effort into the matches.

The response to ISL has been amazing. Will there be a same approach in the I-league?

I’ll give you an example. The Bengaluru FC I-league team is putting in just as much effort as an ISL team is.  The stadiums are going full, they have banners and jerseys, they are on social media. There is a lot of interest in the teams. Bharat Fauj is also interested in getting into the I-league. In a matter of time a lot of teams will come into the I-league. There has been some unhappiness over the club licensing criteria, but the clubs have been given 5 years since 2009. And last year we gave a dispensation to all clubs and extended the deadline.

Yesterday Zico said there are too many foreign players at the ISL. There should be more Indian players. Your comments.

That suggestion is good. But I must tell you that I-league allows 4 players on field. We must look at the I-league as our product, not the ISL. We are focused on the growth of Indian football and that’s why we appreciate the efforts of the ISL and club owners who are doing so much to popularize football.

ZICO

What was going on through your mind during the last few minutes of the game?

I’m an optimistic guy. I believe till the end that the best will happen. As a player and a coach I lost and won many games at the last minute. In football anything can happen. I thank all the FC Goa supporters for the love, encouragement and support we received through the weeks. Even when we were not winning. We can now gift them this win. It’s the first win of many.

Can you update us on the injuries of Andre Santos and Gregory?

Andre Santos was hit on his leg at the last game. It happened again this time so he couldn’t continue with the game. Gregory was complaining about his knee before the game so I thought it best to keep him out. I think Andre’ injury is not too serious, but maybe Gregory’s may be because its his knee and its more complicated. We will have to wait 48 hours to access the seriousness of the situation.

Jewel, Romeo and Mandar played well. Will they have more chances in next games?

I always say to my players, I don’t have 11, I have 27 players so everyone has to be ready to play. Everyone will get an opportunity to play so they have to be prepared always. When I came here, Jewel was the first 11, but in a friendly he was injured. Now he’s better and I’m happy for him. He played well. All the players are ready and will get an opportunity to play.

Jewel you scored and got man of the match. You must be happy?

Yes I’m happy. I was injured and recovered slowly. Thanks to my coach, who trusted me and offered me a chance to play the match. I’m very happy

Whats the problems with Indian football?

From what I see, there should be better grassroots development especially at the under 15 and under 17 level. If we prepare then when they are young, we will be able to see better footballers and can nurture talent. Indian coaches can see such good players at the ISL and they can show their younger players the techniques.

The team has been missing chances. Would you be frustrated if they missed chances and didn’t score?

Im very happy because they created opportunities even though they didn’t score earlier. It shows the progress we have made over the weeks. Sometimes they choose the wrong option when they need to play a particular move. There are things the players need to learn. But it doesn’t happen overnight. We have to wait and be patient. Results will follow.  At practice I try to teach players to make certain moves. There was pressure to win today, so the team may have been a bit reckless and we missed some opportunities. But I’m happy to see them fight and give their everything.

--- Press Release