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Indian Super League Exclusive - Didier Zokora: 'I believe 

FC Pune City can become Champions'

The veteran midfielder claimed it was the best time to pursue an important venture as the ISL for a new challenge in his17-year career, loves the franchise..

Didier Zokora maybe 34 years-old, but as he gets ready to rumble with FC Pune City in the second edition of the Indian Super League (ISL), he espouses the charm of an 18-year-old heading out to play his first professional football match. The former Tottenham and, most recently, Akhisar Belediyespor midfielder is well rigoured in the ambition of finding a new challenge, but the Cote d'Ivorian believes this is the perfect time for him to grace the India. 

"I'm so happy to be here. When I was discussing with the coach (David Platt) and he revealed to me the importance of this challenge, I was really happy. For me it was the best decision to come to FC Pune City. I've come to the ISL to share my experiences with all the Indian players and in that regard I'm really lucky to be here. I'd like to give the best for the franchise," revealed Zokora, exclusively to Goal, in a candid exchange about his new franchise and his reasons for choosing the ISL as his next destinaion. 

"I've played in clubs all over the world like Tottenham Hotspur and Sevilla in my career spanning 17 years and to come here is a challenge I'm looking forward to and I'm happy to be here," he further added. 

Running the rule over Zokora's rather career and the synonymity with the word challenge is conspicuous. Starting his career with ASEC Mimosas in the Ligue 1 of the Ivory Coast in 1999, Zokora traversed accross the strait to Belgian Club Racing Genk at the turn of the millenia, and in 2004 to French Ligue 1 club St. Etienne. After participating in the 2006 World Cup, in Germany, the Abidjan resident earned his career's biggest move to Tottenham Hotspur.

However, three unsuccessful seasons and 134 appearances later, the then 27-year-old migrated to greener pastures at Sevilla in the Spanish La Liga, wherein he won the Copa del Rey in his first season. Two years would fly by and the call was made to have his next challenge at Turkish side Trabzonspor. Now in autumn of his career, the veteran Ivory Coast midfielder is of the opinion that the ISL will only grow as a tournament if cultured carefully, whilst also expressing his love for the Orange and Purple franchise

"I think the ISL is a lot more competitive now than in its inaugural year. You can keep pushing yourself and when you have players like Adrian Mutu and Tuncay Sanli coming to Indian shores it's a great sign as they're well repsected. Within the next two or three years, if the right steps are taken, then the ISL can become like the MLS. I think FC Pune City for me is a fresh challenge and a fresh life. I'm with such a good squad, which consists of talents like Israil (Gurung) and Eugeneson Lyngdoh. I want to fight for the success of this team and give everything," explained the 123 time capped Ivory Coast midfielder. 

Quizzed on the Indian players he's spent time with so far at FC Pune City's base in Turkey, particularly Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Zokora expressed, "Every player is very good, take for example Israil. But Eugeneson is very clever. He has awareness and he will push. I like him a lot. After two or three weeks all the Indian players showed their quality. I don't know about other teams but our Indian players are really good. I'm sure this team can achieve something together. I want to give the best to the best Indian players as well."

With the magnitude and stature of most of FC Pune City's buys, the focus has now shifted to the team's ability to pull out ahead in the race for the title and eventually win it. Zokora himself has no qualms abot the team's ability and stated, "I believe we can be champions at the end of the tournament. I know it's not a prediction but I believe. When I saw the talent in the squad, I knew we could challenge the likes of Chennaiyin, Delhi, Kolkata etc and the first task is to beat them and their players. We are working extremely hard and the preparations  have kept going well. I love this team and I knwow the effort that the Indian players are taking, in front of my eyes. The aim from my side is to set a great example." 

Finally, FC Pune City have a devout support in the Deccan City and when quizzed on the significance of such an army urging them on, the ISL newbie Zokora opined that no matter what the support is it's always important to have 'fun' with them,

"It's important to have great fans who are fun. When you have fun with your fans whilst playing football, it keeps the morale and confidence high. I was very happy when I saw the fans who were lined up outside the airport. I know they will play an important part in keeping us pressing up the table towards new challenges, whilst keeping things fun.I want to give them something special. I want to give them victory."

Atletico de Kolkata lacking a practice venue as team returns 

from pre-season

The reigning champions are in a bit of a fix regarding their practice venue as the Salt Lake Stadium is unavailable with the squad returning from pre-season.

Atletico de Kolkata have found themselves in desperate need of a practice venue as their home ground, the Salt Lake Stadium, is not yet ready for action. 

“The practice venue is a major worry, it would be really good to have a feel of the Salt Lake Stadium before the actual match but we are not sure about getting that before leaving for our first match,” the Kolkata-based franchise's CEO Subrata Talukdar told reporters on Wednesday.

The defending Indian Super League (ISL) champions return from their pre-season training camp in Spain on Thursday, making the issue over the training ground all the more concerning.

"The Salt Lake Stadium ground is still not ready and we don't want to damage it before the season starts. So we are considering practicing at the Barasat Stadium, but then the surface there, is of astro turf. We have to wait and see what the coach tells us. We have also had a word with Mohun Bagan, if need be we can practice there," Talukdar added.

The CEO was addressing the media in a press conference where the club announced that SRMB Srijan Ltd. will be one of the sponsors for the upcoming ISL season. SRMB will feature on the team's jersey along with five other sponsors.

“SRMB will figure prominently on the chest. This time, six sponsors are allowed on the jersey and we have almost finalised the sixth one,” Talukdar revealed.

In accordance with the sponsorship deal, SRMB will also look at making an impact at the grassroots level.

Indian Super League Team Profile: Chennaiyin FC

Ahead of the second edition of the ISL, Goal looks at the strengths and weaknesses of Dhoni’s outfit…

Chennaiyin FC enter the second season of the India Super League (ISL) with talks of being one of the favourites looming large over them. The Tamil Nadu-based team, co-owned by Abhishek Bachchan, MS Dhoni and Vita Dani, put up a spirited show before exiting in the semifinals to Kerala Blasters. However, they will be confident of going the distance this time.

PERFORMANCE LAST SEASON

The Machans from Marina were one of the most consistent outfits of the inaugural season. After a solid start, featuring a solitary defeat from their first ten games, the eventual semi-finalists finished the league phase with a total of 23 points from their 14 games, featuring six wins, five draws and three losses. This impressive tally saw them sit atop the league.

Chennaiyin FC were handed their first defeat by Delhi Dynamos in a somewhat surprising 4-1 loss. However, they bounced back on the very next match day with a 5-1 drubbing of Mumbai City FC, with Elano bagging a brace. By the end of the sixth game, the Brazilian had firmly cut the odds on becoming a Golden Boot contender with eight goals, enabling Chennaiyin to set up the perfect platform for their mid-season unbeaten streak.

Elano unfortunately got injured in the very next game against FC Pune City, sidelining him for almost a month. Fellow Brazilian Bruno Pelissari ensured that Elano would not be missed, showcasing his classy playmaking abilities, helping Chennaiyin rack up a league-best tally of 24 goals en route to early qualification to the semifinals. They were dealt with a blow however as Stiven Mendoza injured himself in the home win against FC Pune City. The Colombian youth international striker had developed a wonderful partnership with Elano and right when it was blooming, Chennaiyin were looking at the grim prospect of going into the semi-finals with both stars missing.

Pitted against their southern neighbours Kerala Blasters, a combination of complacency and a lack of defensive composure saw them the first leg 3-0. The return leg was probably the game of the season. Kerala went a man down in the 28th minute, before Mikael Silvestre kicked off a thrilling comeback with a headed goal from Marco Materazzi’s set-piece. The Italian later missed a penalty, but inspired by the returning Elano, Chennaiyin got back level on aggregate thanks to a Sandesh Jhingan own goal and a late Jeje Lalpekhlua finish. In extra time, Stephen Pearson broke Chennaiyin hearts, soon after Materazzi was given his marching orders, with a 117th minute winner.

 

PRE-SEASON

Camp Location – Perugia, Italy

Results:

5/9/15: 2-0 vs Ortena
11/9/15: 1-2 vs Gualdo Casacastalda
17/9/15: 0-2 vs Unione Sportiva Arezzo
20/9/15: 4-1  Vs ASD San Donato Tavarnelle

 

THE MANAGER - MARCO MATERAZZI

The gaffer, Marco Materazzi, has been retained for the upcoming season as well, albeit only in a managerial capacity as opposed to his player-manager role last season. The ItalianWorld Cup winner was much adored by the supporters as he helped Chennaiyin secure top spot on the league standings last season.

Known for his no-nonsense attitude, there were shades of Jose Mourinho visible as he said the following after the game against FC Pune City last season -  “I like it when my players play with an attitude and they need to play my way. They need to die on the pitch for me if that's what it takes.”

Materazzi is someone who is well respected by his players, and besides being tactically solid, he can also spur his ranks on as he did so well last season.

 

ACQUISITIONS

Chennaiyin FC secured the services of the ISL winning duo Apoula Edel and Fikru Teferra from Atletico de Kolkata. Edel is expected to establish himself as first choice while Fikru could play in a backup capacity to Mendoza.

Chennayin went in strong into the auction and bought Bengaluru FC midfielder Thoi Singh (Rs.86L) and Salgaocar stopper Karanjit Singh for his base price (Rs.60L). In the domestic draft, the Machans signed the local Vyasarpadi lad Dhanapal Ganesh, Nidhin Lal, Justin Stephen, Zakeer Mundampara and Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte.

There have been key departures as well, with fan favourite centre back Gouramangi Singh, stopper Gennaro Bracigliano and Denson Devadas moving to pastures new. Swapping teams with Gouramangi Singh is the popular Kashmiri Mehrajuddin Wadoo, who has arrived from FC Pune City in a measure to add more options in defence and defensive midfield.

Other new additions include Godwin Franco, Manuele Blasi, Eder Montiero, Mailson and Raphael Augusto. Key for Chennaiyin in the transfer window has been securing the return of their key players like Elano, Mendy, Pelissari and Mendoza, effectively ensuring that the line-up will essentially remain more or less the same, with like for like replacements brought in for the departed players.

STRENGTHS

Chennaiyin FC have borrowed a leaf out of their IPL counterparts’ book and have retained the core of the team that performed in a stellar manner last season. The retention of top scorer Elano would add a spring in the step to the franchise whilst seeing players such as Stiven Mandoza and Bernard Mendy once again being in action for the southern side will add a sense of continuity. The already existing familiarity also equates to lesser time to gel.

Fikru's addition will add another dimension to their attack which was absent last season as the Ethiopian is strong in the air and tends to run into the channels. This season they have roped in quality goalkeepers in Karanjit Singh and Apoula Edel in order to ensure they do not leak as many goals as last term.

The foreign recruits brought in are good quality, most of whom have been playing in competitive leagues till the summer. A healthy three week pre-season would also have helped boost the fitness levels.

WEAKNESSES

Barring a few, Indian players didn’t step up to the occasion last season. Also, the team that finished regular season as table toppers last time out succumbed to pressure in the first leg of the semis. This time, with a preseason under their belt, there will be additional expectations to go the distance. Thoi Singh's immense price tag will add pressure on him every game. The onus is on the Bengaluru FC medio to deliver the goods for Materazzi's side.

 

KEY PLAYERS

Elano Blumer:

The 34-year old Brazilian won the Golden Boot last season and apparently scored whenever he wanted. Chennaiyin FC could surely use such form again from the former Copa America winner.

Bernard Mendy:

The former PSG, Hull City and Bolton Wanderers full back offers a lot in both attack and defence. His attacking role was the key factor in Chennaiyin staging the semi-final comeback.

Harmanjot Khabra:

The Punjab-born ‘assist machine’ was the supplier of several key goals last season and even more would be expected of him.
  

FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Apoula Edel Bete, Karanjit Singh, Nidhin Lal

Defenders: Bernard Mendy, Abhishek Das, Justin Stephen, Eder Monteiro, Mailson, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Dhanachandra Singh, Alessandro Potenza, Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte

Midfielders: Elano Blumer, Harmanjot Khabra, Raphael Augusto, Manuele Blasi, Thoi Singh, Godwin Franco, Zakeer Mundampara, Dhanapal Ganesh, Bruno Pelissari

Forwards: Jeje Lalpekhlua, Balwant Singh, Jayesh Rane, Fikru Teferra, Stiven Mendoza

 

“My mentality is that if you score one more goal than the opponents then you win three points" - Marco Materazzi (Chennaiyin FC manager)