Sandip Nandy: Team atmosphere has changed a lot

Even as a determined keeper Sandip Nandy made his comeback into the National squad, Subrata Pal mentioned that Nandy has 'set a new benchmark for goalkeeping in India'. In a chat with AIFF Media, Nandy speaks at length about his complacency which cost him his place from the side, the change in National Team atmosphere, his 'inspiration' Subrata Pal and much more.


You are back to where you once belonged. How do you see it?

I have won my battle – the battle which one has with oneself. I admit I was a bit too casual in between and had become complacent. That cost me my place in the National squad. Furthermore, a spate of injuries never helped my cause. I felt bad. I was'’t getting younger any day and the only recipe stayed hard work.

I worked upon my fitness and regained my side in my club teams. I didn't have any specific target in mind. I need to thank Coach Wim Koevermans for giving me a chance. It's now my turn to pay him back. I just can't let him down.


Has the atmosphere in the National squad changed since you last played?

The difference is there for all to see. Wim Koevermans is a very strict disciplinarian as much he is a good human being and a superb tactician. But there are certain set of rules laid down for everyone off the field.

Unless you are disciplined off the field, it will never boil down to your performance. That wasn't the case earlier as all were left alone after practice. But now we have a Coach who is like a Friend, Philosopher and Guide to all. He's talking to you, asking you about your needs, easting with you, travelling with you. All these will have its positive impact and that's what has happened.

You see all moving around as a team as Koevermans stresses on 'teamwork' a lot. There aren't any complaints from the players. They are enjoying it and that's important.


How much is it difficult to adjust with younger goalkeepers like Subrata Pal and Subhashish Roy Chowdhury?

Not at all. It was not without reason that Subrata Pal was dubbed as the 'Spiderman'. After the 2006 Asian Games when I felt I had reached my peak, I became complacent. I wasn't staying serious during practice and started to compromise. Hence, I was punished. Subrata seized the opportunity by his hard work, discipline and performance. That's a lesson which I have learnt…

Nandy couldn’t finish the sentence when Subrata and Subhashish entered. And then the trio sat down.

Subrata added, "Sandip-da has always been my idol. I'm not saying this as he is sitting next to me. I have always looked up to him," he said.

Subhasish added, "I remember when I was an India U-19 goalkeeper and we were camping in Goa as were the then Senior Team squad. I had sneaked into the Hotel just to click a picture of his. I had approached his brother to ask him to pose with us. It was my prized possession," he recollects, as everyone bursts into laughter.

"I was at the ground on the day when Sandip-da announced his arrival. He was playing for Sonali Shibir at that time," Subrata goes on.

"You know, he has redefined the art of goalkeeping in our country. He still inspires me. Look at the manner he has made his comeback. In the last seven days, he has prompted me to believe that goalkeepers can play even beyond 40," Subrata pronounces.

Sandip jokes, "Come on, I haven't turned 40 as yet;" and we turn to Sandip again.


Is age ever a problem for a goalkeeper?

I don't think it is. At least, it hasn't been for me. The urge from within is still the same as it was ten years back. Age helps a goalkeeper to mature but has its constraints at the same time. I needed to take work on maintaining my reflexes.

Even if you look around, you'll find Jens Lehmann, Oliver Kahn, Brad Friedel, Edwin van der Sar have donned the gloves around 40. What more, Dino Zoff even won the World Cup at 40 in 1982!


Does it pertain only for goalkeepers?

I always tell the new generation to live a disciplined life. Once you have money and get all the adulation, that too at the age of 21, many a talent fades out. That's where a footballer needs to be smart. You can never be diverted by the attractions of life or should I say the vices of life.

What irritates me is when someone doesn't take his practice sessions seriously. I tell them my story. From No. 1 in the country I was replaced in no time.


What next for Sandip Nandy?

I have learnt a lot from Subrata and am still learning from him. You need to share your experience as well as gain it from others. As a goalkeeper I need to be flexible both physically and mentally. As long I'm able to do it, I'm happy and relieved.

(Interview & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

VIDEO: Keeper Michel Alves incredible own Goal!

Own goals by goalkeeper do happen once in a while, but this one from the Brazilian 2nd Division club Criciuma keeper Michel Alves against Atletico MG over the weekend simply cannot be described. Alves collects the ball, wants to get up and weirdly hits the ball into his own net.

RB Leipzig Goalkeeping Coach Bräutigam: Subrata could play 2.Bundesliga!

German fourth division (Regionalliga Nordost) club RB Leipzig are not going to sign Indian international goalkeeper Subrata Pal ( RB Leipzig: Subrata not selected, but club to invite him again ), but at the club they were all praise for the Indian keeper. Interestingly RB Leipzig's Goalkeeping Coach Perry Bräutigam, a former East Germany international, nicknamed Subrata as 'Air India' for his as he termed it his 'acrobatic flying abilities'. Here is what Perry Bräutigam told me about Subrata Pal...


Was this the first time you trained an Indian goalkeeper?

This was the first time. I have had contact with loads of footballers from around the world, but so far I have never had to do something with Indian goalkeepers or even a footballer from India.

It was a lot of fun to work with Subrata then he is eager to learn and brings with him a certain quality. A real joy for me as a goalkeeping coach to work with him.


If we go into a little bit more details. What do you rate as his strengths and weaknesses?

For a goalkeeper he has a very good technique, while his biggest strength is the ability to react, he is also quickly down on the ground; but due to the lack of height he has problems with the higher balls though with his acrobatic jumping ability and agility he can cover a lot for the lack of height.

But I cannot really judge him on crosses and high balls then I didn't see him in match action which you need to see to be able to make a fair judgement.

And coming back to his technical abilities, you see that he is a playing goalkeeper whom you can play back the ball in difficult situations.


If you had to judge at which level Subrata could play in Germany, what would you say?

That is very difficult to say because here I would have to speculate besides having the talent, there is also the luck factor which decides if a keeper can make it to the top or gets stuck in the lower leagues.

I think that Subrata could play in the 2.Bundesliga!

But as said earlier, I haven't seen Subrata in match action which would help me with my judgement. What I have seen in training, the way he integrated into the squad was sensational which we don't always have with different nationalities. There were no problems with him and one could see that he had become a part of the team in his short time here at his farewell.

I think he enjoyed his time with us and has learned something for his career, and hopefully we will have him back with us soon.


Please LIKE www.facebook.com/arunfoot & follow @Arunfoot on Twitter to get further updates on Subrata Pal's trial-cum-training in Germany along with further news on what the other Indian footballers and Players of Indian origin are doing in Europe!

Subrata Pal: I'm ready to play for free if I get a chance in Europe!

25 year old goalkeeper Subrata Pal had been out injured for close to six months and only returned to play for his team Pune FC in the I-League a few days ago. In a freewheeling interview to www.the-aiff.com, Subrata spoke at length about the I-League, his dreams of playing abroad, the money involved in domestic football and much more.


How cruel was it to stay away from action?

Football is a body contact sport but I pray to the Almighty that no footballer ever sustains an injury that keeps him out of action. Football stays the bread and butter for a professional footballer and staying away demoralises you mentally.

Having won the (2008) AFC Challenge Cup in New Delhi, it stayed my dream to play in the AFC Challenge Cup in Kathmandu. It was such an important tournament for us. But everything is destined. I also missed almost 20 matches of the I-League and at the time Tarik Sheikh, Pune FC's physio took special care of me during the period.


Do you believe the I-League changed over the years?

A lot! There are more teams playing from the time I first played. But I feel there should be more teams and representation from more states.

There's no denying the quality of matches have improved leaps and bounds and there are quality foreign recruits who play in the I-League at the moment. Matches under floodlights would improve the quality further.


…and the fan following?

It's heartening to see the newer generation following the League on social networking websites. The matches are being broadcast live on TenAction+ and it's reaching all corners.

Boys who come from affluent background are taking up the sport – I rate that as one of the most positive developments. That was badly needed.

The quality of the next batch – which were once part of the Indian Arrows, can never be doubted. Gurpreet (Singh Sandhu), Dika (Lalrindika Ralte), Jeje (Lalpekhlua), Raju (Gaikwad), Jewel (Raja Sheikh) and the rest connect better to the newer generation. They are all products of the I-League. I only hope they get the right guidance.


You have played for the Big-two in Kolkata and are now an integral part of Pune FC. How would you describe your stint with Pune FC?

Playing for Kolkata's Big-Two stays the dream of every Indian footballer. But there have been hard phases during my stint with the two clubs. Here in Pune FC, I'm a satisfied person. The management stays concerned about the players and the positive mindset stays infectious.

Besides, the facilities are conducive for good football. We play home-matches under the lights at the Balewadi (Sports Complex). You look at the stands and you'll find families watching matches with their kids. It resembles a picnic in the stands. Also, merchandising adds to the popularity.


Do you still nurture the dream of playing abroad?

Certainly! I did get an offer from an Asian Club but it came at a time when I was nursing my knee injury. My dream stays to play in Europe, England to be precise.


There's an opinion that Indian footballers don't want to venture out as the amount of money involved in Indian domestic football is much higher. What’s your take?

I can't comment on behalf of other players. But money has never been the priority for me. After the contract has been penned down, I have never ever enquired about my salary – be it with any club. Surely money does matter but that has never been my driving force. I'm ready to play for free if someone gives me a chance (to play in Europe).

I feel I have been lucky enough to have played for India. I believe there are/were many good goalkeepers around. But I was entrusted the responsibility by my coach and I have tried my best.


How do you react to reports that Indian National Team players are being contracted for almost Rs 7 Million (70 lakh) on an average for the forthcoming domestic season?

One needs to understand that footballers are professionals. There's a pay-roll in every organisation. If that's the trend for payment to Indian footballers, let it be so. Money is an important part of everyone's lives and footballers deserve what they are being paid. Not to forget that money would lure more youngsters into the sport. In that sense, the sport will grow. Let's face the reality - no parent wants their kid to be a part of a profession which doesn't pay.

But I'd request all to use it smartly. One shouldn't forget that most footballers in India come from very poor background and they need the money to support their families. One needs to understand that most footballers don't have the adequate educational qualifications which would land them a job once they leave football. There are so many footballers from yesteryears who are struggling financially. I don't want my contemporaries to face the same situation thirty years from now.


Is 'Spiderman' the biggest compliment you have received so far?

That is past for me. In every match, there's a different striker in front of you and in that situation, past laurels hardly matters.

I intend not to look back. If people have written/spoken highly about me, it stays an inspiration to do better; if people have written/spoken lowly about me, it stays an inspiration to do better. I'm eager to learn more. And you need to be flexible enough to learn even from your juniors. That's how you improve.


Have you changed as a person over the years?

It's up to others to say. I can't comment. On the field, I have learnt to stay calm and be more patient. I have learnt to overcome bad phases and I have gone through quite a few. Life is a learning process; I have learnt it the hard way.

I still remember my childhood days when I just practiced and practiced and even forgot to eat. My wife Debasmita, Debasis-Sir (Debasis Mukherjee, his present father-in-law and former goalkeeping coach) and my family have stood by me during my bad days.

VIDEO: Keeper shots, wind forces ball into own net!

During a mid-season training cam the teams of Maccabi Haifa (Israel) and Dinamo Kiew (Ukraine) play against each other. There is nothing special in this, but during the match Haifa keeper Assaf Mendes takes a goal-kick but then due to the strong wind the ball like a boomerang flies back past him into his own goal. Luckily for Mendes it only was a friendly.

VIDEO: Incredible own goal by a Belarus keeper

Goalkeepers conceding own goals does happen in football, but what Artem Gomelko of Belarus side Dnepr Mogilev did against Torpedo over the weekend in the their local league is incredible. If you are too confident in a situation, you can be punished...

4th International Goalkeeper Congress in Cologne

The fourth edition of the International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS was held over the weekend of July 9/10 at the German Sports University in the City of Cologne. The world's goalkeeping elite met under the patronage of the German national goalkeeping coach Andreas Koepke. Prominent speakers such as Jean-Marie Pfaff, Claus Reitmaier, Dimo Wache and Lutz Pfannenstiel passed on their knowledge and insights through lectures and practical workshops into current developments in world football.

It is often said that goalkeepers are a special bread and once more the Congress proved this point as goalkeepers are part of the team, but are in a special positions amongst the eleven playing members of a team. Goalkeepers can make tons of great saves, but one mistake can lose their team a match.

This year once more the focus was on the latest trends in goalkeeping and what methods high profile goalkeeping coaches like Andreas Koepke apply in their training. Koepke focuses in his training on being capable to play with both feet, anticipating long balls, taking charge of the 18 yard box, being charismatic in goal which can rub of onto the defenders and to guide the defence as a sort of libero.

Another goalkeeping coach in Lutz Pfannenstiel, the only goalkeeper to have professionally played on all continents, showed different ideas and approaches from around the world. One thing which I saw and liked were the elements from the Brazilian school of goalkeeping which look strange to European goalkeeper coaches, but are effective in their own way and something which Lutz has integrated into his training of goalkeepers.

An interesting element was the ball machine, which is similar to a ball machine in Tennis, which simply fires the ball at the keeper with such speed and precision that it makes the life of a keeper difficult; but it is an excellent tool in training to prepare keepers for matches.

One thing that most participants agree on is the lack in goalkeeping coaches education as there is no system of licences for goalkeeper coaches. This is something the German Football Association (DFB) is working on and which hopefully will be carried forward by UEFA and FIFA in the future.

On both days the first half of the day was spend in classrooms to listen to theory, while the second half of the day was spend on the field to see practical demonstrations.

4th International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS this weekend in Cologne

The fourth edition of the International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS will be held over the upcoming weekend of July 9/10, 2011 in the City of Cologne. The world's goalkeeping elite will be meeting under the patronage of the German national goalkeeping coach Andreas Koepke. Prominent speakers such as Jean-Marie Pfaff, Joerg Stiel, Claus Reitmaier and Lutz Pfannenstiel will pass on their knowledge and insights through lectures and practical workshops into current developments in world football.

Patron Andreas Koepke said, "I am glad to welcome goalkeepers and coaches from around the world at the 4th International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS in Cologne! The congress offers goalkeepers, goalkeeping coaches and interested participants the opportunity to inform and educate themselves about current trends in modern goalkeeping."

This years edition of the International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS will be held at the campus of the German Sport University in Cologne (Deutsche Sporthochschule, Köln) and I look forward in moderating a number of panels over those two days.

Here the video from last years International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS in Zurich




The proceeds from the International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS will be given to the GERMAN GOALKEEPER SCHOOL and the non-profit organization "Kids are our No.1" to dedicate sport, child and youth development.

From July 11 to 13 there will be an International GOALKEEPER CAMP. The high intensity camp with daily training sessions and workshops will be led by current and former coaches of professional clubs and coaches of the GERMAN GOALKEEPER SCHOOL.

More infos on the upcoming 4th International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS under www.goalkeepercongress.com .

4th International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS in Cologne in July

The fourth edition of the International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS will be held over the weekend of July 9/10, 2011 in the City of Cologne. The world's goalkeeping elite will be meeting under the patronage of the German national goalkeeping coach Andreas Koepke. Prominent speakers such as Jean-Marie Pfaff, Joerg Stiel and Claus Reitmaier will pass on their knowledge and insights through lectures and practical workshops into current developments in world football.

Following the success of the International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS in Nuremberg (2008), Munich (2009) and Zurich (2010) the organizers of the event SSC SPORTS & SALES CONSULTING GmbH along with its partners polytan and the City of Cologne welcome this years participants to the cathedral city and expect many international delegates and media representatives to attend the congress. Scientific partner and host is the German Sport University (DSHS) Cologne.

Andreas Koepke, winner of both the World Cup and European Championship, a former world goalkeeper and now assistant and goalkeeping coach of the German national football team will guide through the program which will also see lots of experts, coaches and former No.1 legends will pass on their knowledge and insights to the delegates during the two day congress.

Jean-Marie Pfaff, Joerg Stiel, Claus Reitmaier or Lutz Pfannenstiel will be amongst the list of lectures and VIPs. They will present the latest news on developments in goalkeeping such as video evidence, goal-line technology, floating balls, training, tactics and other special topics. In addition to that there will be 15 speakers reflecting on modern goalkeeper training plus provide playing and training opportunities.

Rounding up the program, the practical lessons and workshops will be held on the DSHS campus, the practice courts at the World Cup stadium in Cologne and Bayer 04 Leverkusen Training Centre. The participants in the women's goalkeeper training workshops await a special highlight: They have the opportunity to visit the Saturday Evening quarterfinals of the FIFA Women's World Cup(TM) 2011 in the BayArena in Leverkusen live.

"Top level football has a long tradition at the German Sports University in Cologne. Since 1947 the German Football Federation is carrying out its coaching courses in cooperation with the university. DSHS football experts have made a name for themselves in the field of football research and are sought after experts by the media. For this reason, the International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS fits perfectly into the profile of our university and I look forward to two exciting days on campus," said Univ.-Prof. mult. Dr. Walter Tokarski, principle of the DSHS.

The benefits of the International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS will be given to the GERMAN GOALKEEPER SCHOOL and the non-profit organization "Kids are our No.1" to dedicate sport, child and youth development.

From July 11 to 13 there will be an International GOALKEEPER CAMP. The high intensity camp with daily training sessions and workshops will be led by current and former coaches of professional clubs and coaches of the GERMAN GOALKEEPER SCHOOL.

More infos on the upcoming 4th International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS under www.goalkeepercongress.com .


Here the video from last years International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS in Zurich

Robert Enke suicide: A year after

On November 10, 2009 the then German number one goalkeeper Robert Enke committed suicide by throwing himself infront of a train close to his home near Hanover, where he played for Bundesliga side Hanover 96. I remember that last year my friend Chris Punnakkattu Daniel told me about the death, first there was no talk of suicide. I couldn't believe it, I was just stunned like the rest of the people.

I had been following Robert Enke's career since his day's at Borussia Moenchengladach. He had joined the club in the west of Germany from his home town team FC Carl Zeiss Jena. His career thereafter took him to Benfica Lisbon, FC Barcelona, Fenerbahce Istanbul, CD Tenerife and then Hanover 96. He seemed to have found his feet in Hanover as he also became a German national goalkeeper and in 2009 he was regarded as the goalkeeper who would be in Germany's goal at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The story would abruptly end on November 10, 2009. And only thereafter the public got to know that Enke, who seemed to have everything in wealth, family, success; had been fighting depression for over seven years. And as his widow Teresa said, she never knew if he would win the fight and in the end he lost it. Robert Enke was only 32.

A year later there was a private ceremony at his tomb yesterday to mark the first anniversary of his death. It was attended by federation president Theo Zwanziger, Germany coach Joachim Loew, Germany manager Oliver Bierhoff, Hanover 96 president Martin Kind amongst others.

The city of Hannover plans to name a street next to the city's stadium (AD Arena) after Robert Enke in rememberance of a footballer who will not be forgotten in Hanover, who gave so much to the city, its club and their fans.

In a video message on the German FA (DFB) website, Theo Zwanziger paid tribute to Enke saying:

"He was a strong national team goalkeeper, but he had a weakness.
We have got to be prepared not to make such a weakness into a taboo and allow it to be kept secret, but to try and bring it out of its silence.
The mourning, the pain and above all the question 'why?' continue to accompany us to this day. We have got to remember that that question still must be answered."

Zwanziger also pleaded against racial, religious and sexual discrimination in football. But many question if any change has happened since the death of Enke. The example of footballer Andreas Biermann showed, who after Enke's suicide came out into the open to say that he also suffers from depression. But after his contract ended last summer with FC St. Pauli he hasn't been able to find a new club as questions about his mental stability is there as no club wants to take a chance or gamble on a player like him. So in the end things haven't really changed.

3rd International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS in Zurich

The ongoing football World Cup has already seen a number of mistakes by goalkeepers. The 3rd International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS being staged in Zurich on July 31/August 1
has remedies for this. It is showcasing to an audience of goalkeeping coaches, coaches, goalkeepers and the interested pubic just how these slip-ups can be avoided, what the perfect training of goalkeepers should involve and how modern goalkeeping is developing internationally. The ambassadors are the “World’s Best Goalkeeper” and goalkeeping coach of the German national team Andreas Koepke, Joerg Stiel (former goalkeeper of Switzerland) and Grant Johnson (former South African goalkeeper).

Schindellegi, July 1, 2010: Algeria, England, Ghana and Slovenia. They all suffered the same fate at the current football World Cup in South Africa: Hair-raising blackouts by their top goalkeepers, which in some cases resulted in early tickets home for their teams. The International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS is being staged in the former FIFA headquarters, the Sonnenberg Convention Center, on July 31/August 1 to prepare and coach goalkeepers for their challenging task. This is the third time that goalkeepers, goalkeeper coaches, coaches, technical advisors, players’ consultants and interested parties are meeting to share their know-how and ideas, both in theory and in practise. The event’s organiser, SSC SPORTS & SALES Consulting,
is expecting more than 200 participants from more than 50 countries. Polytan GmbH, one of the leading European producers of artificial turf and running tracks, is the main sponsor.

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has been asked to assume the event’s patronage. The congress’ ambassadors Andreas Koepke, Joerg Stiel (former goalkeeper of Switzerland) and Grant Johnson (former South African goalkeeper) have invited Oliver Kahn, Gianluigi Buffon, Peter Schmeichel and Fabien Barthez, among others. Goalie legends Sepp Maier, Bernd Trautmann, Jean-Marie Pfaff, Gordon Banks and Rinat Dassajew are also expected to be present. The Zurich event addresses the international football community and the continental associations FIFA, UEFA, AFC, etc. as well as 1,000 football clubs around the globe. Previous events in Munich and Nuremberg attracted more than 200 delegates from associations and clubs in more than 30 countries and from five continents.

Delegates have the opportunity to discuss the future of goalie coaching, modern goalkeeping and technical innovations with 20 speakers and experts from around the world. Other points being covered include goalie coaching and licensing, concepts for coaching female, child and youth goalkeepers, modern training accessories and technology, fitness, psychology, nutrition as well as ideas for post goalie career choices. The activity day will see a number of workshops for coaches, demo training sessions as well as a charity match followed by penalty shootout with goalie legends. In addition to gaining specialist insights, delegates will also have the opportunity for meeting casually at a get-together at the end of day one or at the VIP dinner above Lake Zurich which closes the event with a fireworks display.

The event would be a great chance for our Indian keepers to learn the latest in modern day football plus also meet some of the greatest goalkeepers of all times. If you are interested to take part, do contact me. I can put you through to the organisers.

To find out more please visit: www.goalkeepercongress.com/uk/