CHENNAI: ‘Challenge’ seems to be the buzzword for Aizawl FC, as the defending I-League champions gear up for their third-ever appearance in the competition.The Highlanders’ new season begins against East Bengal on Tuesday in Kolkata, whom they had defeated 1-0 (home) and held to a 1-1 draw (away) last time out.
Incidentally, several of Aizawl’s standout players from that successful title tilt, the likes of Mahmoud Al Amna, Brandon Vanlalremdika, and Lalramchullova, and coach Khalid Jamil himself, who masterminded their Leicester City-esque success, have since joined the Red-and-Golds.
But the new man at Aizawl’s helm — Portuguese coach Paulo Menezes — is relishing the challenge that lies ahead. Giving his thoughts on the competition, the 39-year-old told Express from Kolkata, “For sure, it will be a good challenge to us, not just for the coach, but the board and the players. We’ll try to defend our title.“Several players have left, and every team is fighting to be a champion. We are trying to fight every game as it comes. We will try our best to put up a competitive game and win three points.”
However, Menezes played down the innate pressure that comes with winning a championship. “The pressure is more on Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. It’s not on a small club like us. You cannot compare Mohun Bagan or East Bengal with Aizawl FC,” he said.
“They prepare for the season to win the league, and you cannot compare the work conditions. For example, they have good pitches to train, which makes it more professional.”
Explaining his approach for the tournament, he said, “If you trust your skills and capacities as a coach, and believe in your players, you do not get afraid to approach the league. We respect all opponents. We want to compete face-to-face with them.”
Despite losing standout players, Aizawl are confident of producing a stiff fight. Menezes revealed the team has tapped into their academy resources in order to balance the squad.
“We have seven from the academy, and we went to recruit local talent and good foreign players. So, there is a good balance. They are good players, who have quality,” he said. “The young players need experience. These kinds of opportunities are important.”
The former backroom staff from Vicente del Bosque’s Spanish national team has a clear message for his players.
“They are ready. We have been talking about the league. I told them that we’ll compete face-to-face with East Bengal. We are not under any pressure. We just need motivation and ambition to win.”
tathagata@newindianexpress.com
Aizawl FC fact file:
Established: 1984
Nickname: The Highlanders
In the I-League since: 2015/16
Maiden I-League title: 2016/17
Stadium: Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Aizawl
They are the first team from the Northeast to win the I-League.