KOCHI: Social media has boosted interaction between professional athletes and their fans like never before in recent years. While the followers get a closer glimpse of their favourite stars, it also has a profound downside as the players are exposed to the ire of disappointed supporters when things are not going their way.
The Kerala Blasters fans, hailed as one of the most passionate football following in the country, are no different. They have been criticised for turning on their own players when performances are lacking — attacker Vineeth CK and defender Rino Anto, who recently rejoined Bengaluru FC, are just two of the latest victims.
But India international defender Anas Edathodika, who is prepping up for his first season with Blasters, said that it is something that all players should learn to live with. “It’s something that the players shouldn’t be afraid of. At the same time, as a human being, it’s distressing when your teammates or opponents are abused online,” said Anas.
“I have experienced online insults and know players who are being taunted online at the moment. I believe the supporters are my greatest strength. Footballers naturally have good days and bad days, but abusing them can do no good. It is something that our fans should bear in mind,” said the centre-back.
Anas is hoping to recreate a defensive partnership with his international teammate Sandesh Jhingan at Kochi and their first test comes in the form of Melbourne City FC in a pre-season friendly here on Tuesday. “We have a strong defensive line-up which includes international players like Cyril Kali and Nemanja Lakic-Pesic as well as young local talent like Abdul Hakku. So, you have to prove yourself in order to get into that starting XI,” said the 31-year-old who played for Jamshedpur FC last season.
Blasters will also face La Liga club Girona FC next week and Anas is someone who is familiar with strong European opponents, having played the then Premier League side Blackburn Rovers during his time at Pune FC in 2011.
“Indian footballers have technically and tactically improved leaps and bounds in the last 7-8 years. Introduction of the ISL and working with international players and coaches have helped us,” said Anas, who shared his experience since the advent of ISL. “Roberto Carlos was someone who wanted us to fight for every ball. He afforded us to make a couple of mistakes provided you give 100 per cent every game. But Gianluca Zambrotta wanted ball players in all positions. He wanted us to be able to pick our passes no matter where you played,” he told about his trainers at Delhi Dynamos.
“Steve Coppell at Jamshedpur last season was a coach who did not entertain sliding tackles or hurried play which I found hard to adjust to initially. But I have learnt from each one of them and reinvented myself,” added Anas. adwaidh@newindianexpress.com