He has never seen Sunil Chhetri in action but Mumbai City FC’s player-manager Nicolas Anelka is confident that the Indian national team captain will prove to be a “big plus” for the team.
“Everybody told me he (Sunil) is a very good player. I don’t know him personally and will try to speak to him. He will miss 1-2 games initially (because of World Cup qualifiers). We are happy to have him in the team. I think he will be a big plus for the team,” Anelka said.
Delighted to be back at Mumbai City FC in a dual role, Anleka wants to help the Ranbir Kapoor co-owned franchise win the second edition of theIndian Super league (ISl).
“I am happy to be back. We have a bigger and better squad this season. last season, we had a good team but were a little bit unlucky — like injuries,” said the former French international.
The 36-year-old player said he was looking forward to the extra workload as manager of the Mumbai franchise.
“As a player, you concentrate on the game, but as a manager you have to do a lot more. It’s going to be more work for me. I have been working with a lot of managers and I know how to speak to the players, keep them confident and also take out the best from them.”
Anelka was happy that this season the team would be able to rotate its players, including strikers.
“We have a big squad, a better squad this season and a lot of strikers. I would like to say to everyone — if you are playing today you may not play the next game, but don’t feel sad or bad.”
Having played under several managers, Anelka has a clear idea about what qualities a football manager should possess. “A good manager, for me, is one who puts a player in right position. If, for example, one striker would play in the middle, I won’t play him on the side (wing). I’ll ask in which position the player will feel comfortable. Understanding the players is very important (as manager).”
Warner’s contract terminated
Guwahati: NorthEast United FC terminated the contract of Tony Warner, who was announced as a player-goalkeeping coach for the ISl.
Without disclosing the ground for the termination, NEUFC on its website said the 41-year-old “breached” his standard player’s agreement.