Second edition of the Indian Super League kicks off today amid much anticipation
Mumbai : The much anticipated 2015 Indian Super League (ISL) kicks off today and the second edition promises a fierce competition amongst eight teams for the title in the country’s marquee footballing event.
With the likes of Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos, former Portuguese striker Helder Postiga, former Chelsea player Adrian Mutu and Florent Malouda, the football league promises to get bigger and better.
Nicholas Anelka, coach-cum-marquee player of Mumbai City FC said, “In ISL’s very first season, the
world saw the potential of the league and passion of football fans across India. A lot of foreign players, including my colleagues in Europe in particular were surprised by the success of the league and are keen to part of it. There is no doubt that ISL is set to be bigger as the years roll by.”
Delhi Dynamos player Florent Malouda echoed the same sentiments, “As friends and ex-teammates Drogba and Kalou always wish me best and we share our experiences. In that way, we help promote the league across the world.”
Delhi captain John Riise further added, “When Steven Gerrard moved to L.A, he spoke to me and asked me what I was doing in India. That’s how he knows about ISL and wished me success. We are hopeful of promoting Delhi Dynamos across the globe with support of friends from the football fraternity.”
Season 2015 has seen involvement of the head coaches on the international as well as Indian players selection. Early planning has also ensured clubs having 20-25 days pre-season overseas camps; thus not only allowing time for their respective teammates to get to know and train together but also given an opportunity to more than 75 Indian youngsters to experience different footballing culture across globe.
Head coach of coach, North East United FC, Cesar Farias said, “We had a great pre-season training in South Africa. The team gelled well and there’s been great chemistry. We are like one family.”
Added Zico, Coach, FC Goa, “The team travelling to Dubai this year offered us an opportunity to bond well and prepare better for the coming season. We are well geared for the season ahead.
“For me it was very significant to play and train with Indian players. Training in India under a fantastic coach like Zico is a new and positive challenge.”
World Cup Winner Lucio said on his experience of being with FC Goa. The coaches have been involved to a great extent in guiding the teams and creating a balance and rapport between Indian players and foreign players. This has helped take off pressure from the players who are eager to begin the new season. “Pressure is something that you should utilise to motivate yourself,” said Simao. Last year’s emerging player of the year Sandesh Jhingan added, “Pressure is something you feel when you have to do something you don’t like. I love playing football and I enjoy it.”
The much anticipated second season of the Indian Super League (ISL) will kick off on the 3rd of October with its opening match to be played between Chennaiyin FC and Atletico de Kolkata, winners of the first season of the ISL in Chennai.
