Ahmedov plans to build Indian team around seniors

By Nandakumar Marar

MARGAO, DEC. 21. Islam Ahmedov's ideas for Indian football involves building up the national team around the footballing intelligence of Bruno Coutinho (Salgaocar SC), Carlton Chapman (East Bengal) and I.M.Vijayan (F.C.Kochin).

The 38-year-old Uzbek's elevation from the national junior to the Indian senior team has coincided with the return of experienced playmakers and ex-India skippers Coutinho and Chapman into the probables for the Millennium Cup International tournament, commencing from January 10 next year.

The decision to take a step back by the newly- appointed foreign coach has taken football watchers in India by surprise, but Ahmedov, appointed Indian senior coach in place of Sukhwinder Singh, has an explanation.

``People keep telling me that Coutinho is old, that Chapman is past his prime. For me age is not the only criterion when developing a team for an international competition. From what I have seen of Coutinho, he is fit enough to play the National Football League for his club and is an intelligent player. So too Chapman, who has the brains,'' said Ahmedov at the Nehru stadium, Fatorda, the day after accepting an invitation from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to take over the senior team for the Millennium Cup.

``International football is not about age or giving exposure to youth. You need intelligent and confident players like a Coutinho, Chapman or a Vijayan on the national team, around whom the younger players can grow into tomorrow's stars,'' said the Uzbek, who has been working with the India under-16 and under-19 players since arriving in February 2000 on a recommendation from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The Millennium Cup is an event which can be used to make people and sponsors return to football. For that to happen, the results have to come now. India has to be seen as a successful team, able to play attractive football.

For that to happen, you need intelligent and experienced hands who will not be overawed or intimidated by the sight of foreigners. Having a Coutinho, a Chapman or a Vijayan will boost the team's confidence, besides setting an example for the younger members of the squad.

The three seniors, two of whom on the verge of a comeback to international football after missing India's tour of England, will be joined by 33 other probables at a camp from December 25 at Fatorda.

With the Millennium Cup scheduled to commence from January 10, Ahmedov has only 16 days to prepare the national team on his first assignment. He has not even seen all the probables. ``I have been keeping an eye on some of them during trips to Calcutta and Bangalore, apart from the NFL matches, but will get to know all of them only now at the Margao camp. I also have other names in mind that are not on this list. Eventually, results matter. I want India playing intelligent football.''

As for now the Millennium Cup is the Uzbek's only assignment with the senior squad, after which he is ready to return to the junior development programme. ``It all depends on the federation. I have been told to take over for one tournament. The India under-16 and under-19 programmes will continue according to the plans I have prepared for them. My dream is to introduce those juniors gradually into the senior side, hoping to have examples such as Coutinho, Chapman and Vijayan around to inspire them.''

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