Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Colaco: I will prove myself

Stop-gap Indian football team coach Armando Colaco is unfazed by negative talks over his appointment.

By Derek Michael

Armando Colaco has a legacy to live up to as he takes over the reins of Indian football. He can look up to his record at the Dempo Football Club for inspiration. His man management skills have earned praises from many top players.

Colaco, however, still has the highest regard for his predecessor Bob Houghton, who took India to their first Asian Cup appearance in over 20 years. In his first interaction with reporters in New Delhi as national team boss, the Goan said "I've the highest regard for Bob, but my challenge now lies in working with what I have rather than complain about what I don't. I have the respect of the players and I am looking forward to the challenge".

Colaco will be in the hotseat for just four months as he is still under contract with Dempo. The former I-League champions have released him only for a short period. "Four months is enough to prove myself. I will try to incorporate my own style and hope everything turns out good. AIFF can give me an extension if they are happy with the outcome", he added, tongue-in-cheek.

Indian football may have taken a step back with the early departure of Houghton, but Colaco’s arrival could see a brand of football that has seen Dempo win I-League titles twice in the past three years.

Colaco has also taken Dempo to the AFC Champions League four times. The style of play employed at Dempo has won Colaco many accolades. "If my current style can bring success to Dempo, surely it can help the Indian team. It's about making small adjustments (to players’ natural style) and not tamper with it completely", added a cheerful Colaco.

The national camp for the World Cup qualifier against UAE next month starts at the Ambedkar Stadium from Thursday. Forty-two probables will go through their paces under Colaco’s watchful eyes.

India are also expected to play four international friendlies. They play Maldives (July 10) and Qatar (July 17), while 2 more games are in the pipeline with the AIFF negotiating a date with other federations.


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