KOCHI:‘Game intelligence’ is a concept very dear to Ireland world cupper Terrance Phelan, who has been associated with youth development programmes around the world since his retirement.
As the former Manchester City and Chelsea left-back settles into the hot seat of the new head coach at struggling Kerala Blasters FC, the 48-year old has very little time on his hands to work with the methodical precision that he advocates in his syllabi for the Kerala Blasters Football Schools, of which he is the technical director.
The ‘Elephants’ are at the bottom of the ISL standings with just five points from seven games. Add to it the pressure of expectation from the passionate Kerala fans, and the onerous task before the new coach manifests itself.
But the composed “Terry” Phelan, who brings with him the experience of 42 international games for Ireland apart from considerable English Premier League match-time, is optimistic of a turnaround in the team’s fortunes.
Speaking exclusively to Express, the diminutive Phelan said: “There are quite a few matches to go, and we will look to win a few of those.”
While elevating their grassroots programme chief to the senior team’s head coach, Kerala Blasters CEO Viren D’ Silva had said in a statement: “I think Terry will allow the players to express themselves in the attacking brand of football that the fans deserve. His technical prowess combined with his international experience will prove a valuable asset to the Kerala Blasters for the remainder of the season.”
Cohesion in attack is what the Blasters have been searching for in the first half of the season, and the new coach is keen to shepherd his team in that direction.
“In the match the other day, the team played with a lot of freedom. My aim will be to give the players the confidence to continue playing that way,” said Phelan who had won the 1988 FA Cup while at Wimbledon with a shock victory over Liverpool.
And Phelan sure is looking forward to it. “We have a nice squad with good players, and Trevor Morgan (assistant coach) is a good friend of mine. I look forward to working with them,” he added.
But whether the optimism transforms into performance on the field is anybody’s guess. This will be the enterprising footballer’s first shot at coaching a senior team in India. Previously, Phelan had served as the chief mentor for Sesa Football Academy in Goa and also as a youth coach in the United States and New Zealand.
