Successful coaches in the Indian Super League have provided for a magic formula for teams to fight their way at least into the semifinals.
Coaches like Zico, Habas and Marco Materazzi, who have steered their respective teams in the semi-finals for the second consecutive year, feel continuity is a good way of finding success in the intense, unpredictable and one-of-its-kind league.
“If you change coaches then normally the players change too and that instability doesn’t help. The tournament is for a short duration but continuity of coaches helps,” said Chennaiyin FC manager Marco Materazzi.
Agrees Antonio Habas, “Obviously, it is very important that the Coach has influence in the choice of the players of the squad, because no one knows better than him which players you need to develop. First you must choose the Coach and then sign the appropriate players to develop the idea of football Coach has.”
From among the semi-finalists this year, three teams -- FC Goa, Atletico de Kolkata and Chennaiyin FC -- had all retained their coaches from last season, while Delhi Dynamos, who put their faith in Brazilian World Cup winner Roberto Carlos, is the only new entry.
Coaches like Materazzi, Zico and Antonio Habas all carefully selected their players in the run up to the start of League competition, and are now reaping the benefits.
“If you know your players well and know their strengths, weaknesses and characteristics, you can build a strong team. When you select your own squad as a coach you get to analyze a lot of things about a player not only in terms of the physical characteristics but also the professionalism of every player. It makes the life of a coach easier if you get to choose your own players,” said FC Goa coach Zico.
Zico handpicked players that he had seen for himself, including marquee player Lucio, and, despite plenty of injuries to key players, still managed to lead Goa to the top of the table.
“Most of the teams change a lot of players, more than fourteen to fifteen. So one month into the season can be good enough for the coach to work with the mindset of the players and get to know each player better. The pre season training we had in Dubai was excellent for our team,” said Zico.
Though Atletico de Kolkata saw a lot of changes in the team as compared to the inaugural year squad, but coach Habas – having steered his team to the ISL 2014 title is aware what it takes to survive in the competition.
“The coaches who have continued one year or more have the advantage of knowing the ISL and knows how the competition is, and which player is better for this League. The important thing is to take competitive players and good professionals,” says Habas.
Chennaiyin FC, on the otherhand, retained the maximum players for this season and Materazzi did his bit by introducing quality international players. “Selecting (own) players is crucial but more important is the need to have a good relationship with the management, support staff and owners. I have been lucky on that front,” explained Materazzi.
FC Goa will face Delhi Dynamos in the first semi-final on December 11 while Chennaiyin FC and Atletico de Kolkata will jostle for a place in the final in the second semifinal on December 12. The return legs will be played on December 15 and December 16.
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