Kolkata : Former India football team captain Bhaichung Bhutia admitted on Friday that the standards of the Indian Super League (ISL) have dropped during the ongoing third edition.
“This year if you see the statistics, 37 lesser number of goals have come. At this stage goals scored were more last year,” Bhutia said.
“A lot of teams have been defensive in their approach. Also in terms of Indian players scoring goals, the number has been less which is not good news,” Bhutia, who was involved with city-franchise Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) in a consultant’s role till last year, opined.
“There is not a single Indian scorer this year from ATK. Last year there were so many along with Chennaiyin (FC).
“I think more of the coaches this season have tried not to lose games. That’s why there have been a lot of draws,” Bhutia explained.
Commenting on the Goan clubs pulling out of the I-League, Bhutia said, “It’s sad that Dempo SC Salgaocar, Sporting Clube de Goa have pulled out as they have been there since I made my debut especially Dempo.
“At the same time, if you look at the brighter side it’s an opportunity for other teams to come in. Goan fans should have supported these teams like they support FC Goa.”
Bhutia believes that every club in India should get the opportunity to play at the highest level and the proposed merger with the I-League where the ISL is slated to be the top division with no promotion and relegation should keep that in mind.
“Each and every club in India today has to have right to play the highest league.
“I think it’s going to be a lot of give in the merger between all parties involved. Clubs like East Bengal and Mohun Bagan has to be playing in the top division. How? It’s for the ISL and I-League to decide,” he said.
Bhutia reminisced his playing days stating that the Calcutta Football League is the best he has been part of.
“In my career, the best league was the Kolkata league. The support that we used to get here has no comparison.
“The local leagues have been affected after the advent of the ISL and I-League. I don’t know how that can be fixed,” Bhutia, who has plied his trade for both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, said.
