Pune FC Coach Derrick Pereira: I'm very happy for Arata Izumi

Besides working on the fitness of his players, for Pune FC Coach Derrick Pereira, the Conditioning Course for Football Coaches by former FC Barcelona and Manchester City fitness instructor Raymond Verheijen stayed the highlight of 40-day break in the I-League. In a candid interview to AIFF Media, the veteran coach speaks at length about how Pune FC benefited from the break, his team's National Team players, favourites for the I-League and about his 'once in a lifetime' experience.


How much did the 40-day break help?

It was of immense help. The break helped our injured players recuperate. We were going through a bad phase just before the break and now we stay upbeat and confident again. Most importantly, we have a full squad at our disposal. After all, an injury-free squad boosts you up psychologically.


What stayed the highlight of the break?

For me, it stayed off the field. Raymond Verheijen has to be right up there as one of the lifetime experiences during this break. He is such a big personality in the football world and the three-day Conditioning Course virtually changed my outlook towards the game. I strongly believe that if we can follow the regime and implement it in years to come, Indian football will grow leaps and bounds. Our Technical Director Mr. Rob Baan's Master Plan has shown us the roadmap. Such a Course during the break was so refreshing.


Three Pune FC players were part of India's AFC Challenge Cup campaign. How do you see it?

I am very happy for Arata (Izumi). Over the years I have seen him improve so much in front of my eyes. He has adjusted to Indian conditions well. He has worked very hard to play for India.

As far as Jeje (Lalpekhlua) is concerned, he needs to stay injury-free and I pray that he does. He is an extremely talented footballer who has immense potential. He needs to stay focused and eye that place regularly in the National Team.

Gurjinder (Kumar) is one for the future. He has been a fine player, full of energy. I'm proud he made his debut for the country. We also have quite a few talented players in our Academy who are waiting in the wings for a call-up.


Where does Pune FC go from here?

We have played well this season. The balance of the side is very good and it's paying off. We lost a focus a bit after winning nine on the trot. But against Mumbai FC, though we lost but our boys played really well. It is not always that result reflects the true story. Our aim is to finish on top.


Who would you rate as the favourites in the I-League?

Churchill Brothers, East Bengal and Dempo look good. Frankly it is difficult to pick one favourite at the moment. The battle is very intense and it will be closely contested.


What's the secret of Pune FC's Academy Team staying so consistent in the U-20 League for I-League teams?

Our management deserves all the credit for putting up such a sound Academy in place. A lot of emphasis is paid on Youth Development Programme and it's really sound. I need to mention Ranjan Chowdhury's name and the entire Academy staff for their relentless efforts.

(Interview & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

VIDEO - Times Now: Arata set to become first PIO to play for India

Japanese-born Izumi Arata, who got Indian citizenship last year, is the first Player of Indian Origin to have made it into the squad of the Indian senior national football team. Here the report from Times Now!

VIDEO - IBN: Arata set to become first PIO to play for India

Japanese-born Izumi Arata, who got Indian citizenship last year, is the first Player of Indian Origin to have made it into the squad of the Indian senior national football team. Here the report from CNN-IBN!

PIO Izumi Arata welcomed with open arms in his new Home named Team India!

An outsider till the other day, 'Player of Indian Origin' and now an Indian passport holder Izumi Arata is presently an integral part of the Indian Senior National squad. From the moment he stepped into the National Camp in Kochi, he was welcomed with open arms by his 'colleagues', a gesture which he admits has made him 'very comfortable indeed'. In a freewheeling chat to AIFF Media, Arata spoke at length about his new 'responsibility', his 'new Home', the significance of the call-up, the National squad and much more.


What was the reaction when you stepped into the National Camp?

I was given a warm welcome by all. 'Welcome to the Team, Brother', was the general sentiment. I know everyone and have been fortunate to play with some of them in various club teams. But the National squad is something different. Right now, they are my colleagues and have made me very comfortable indeed. I thank them for that!

And it’s not just the players. I need to thank Coach and other members of the support staff for their cooperation. This is my new Home.


How is the National Team different from a club team?

Very different! It's all about the atmosphere. In a club, you will find that sometimes there isn't much communication, for example, between 19-year olds and foreign recruits and maybe, even star players. It happens all over the World.

But the National squad is where you play for a different cause. It comprises of mature footballers and the focus is something else.


Can you elaborate?

It's about the responsibility and professionalism and environment. You need to spread the right kind of message as you are representing the Nation. While in a club, allegiance of every fan stay different. But they all look up to you when you wear the National logo. When you win or lose, the entire country shares your emotions which is not the case in a club as you may always have a fan having a different emotion than you even if you win or lose, simple because he supports another club.


What was your experience in the first day of practice?

We have a recovery session as we had played the earlier day. Later, we had an interaction with local blind footballers and it was an entirely different experience. It was heartening to know they knew the names of everyone. We mingled with them and even played blindfolded. Reaching out to all stays the aim and we spread the right kind of message. There are additional duties off the pitch too. That's why the National Team is something which all players stay desperate to play for.


What do you feel about the match against Palestine?

This is an important match for us. The Coach is stressing on match videos a lot and explaining what he wants from us. Just today morning, he took me and other new joinees (Vineeth, Lalkamal, Gurjinder, Shouvik and Sandip Nandy) to the tactic board and taught us at length some integral points. We also had to sing the National Anthem during breakfast. It gives you a sense of belonging.

If I get a chance to play on 6th, I will give my best and stick to the instructions. Palestine are a tough team but we are ready.


What does this call-up mean for you?

To be honest, I have been dreaming about it right from the moment I got my Indian passport. I appreciate the call-up and thank Coach for keeping his faith on me.

I know there are many who believe I am not an Indian as I don't originally hail from the country. My mom stays a Japanese while my dad is an Indian. But all of that doesn't perturb me at all. I know I am an Indian at heart and it's the end of the story.

India is a huge country and the fact that I am in the squad of 23 means a lot to me. I'm proud of the blue kits which have been handed over to me. I have earned them.


You had a valid Japanese passport. What prompted you to be an Indian citizen?

Applying for an Indian citizenship was the biggest decision in my life. There were a lot of things which went through my mind and I could have never taken this decision alone. I spoke to a lot of people to whom I am indebted in my life – my teachers, friends and my family. All of them understood and appreciated the fact that it was my life and I needed to take a decision keeping my career and future in mind.


Do you feel this will prompt more PIOs to opt to play for India?

The dual passport rule has robbed India of many a quality big players. There are a lot of PIOs playing all over the World who are eager enough to don the India Blue. If my shift makes them rethink, let it be so. If they shift over to India, it will help us a great deal for sure.

(Interview & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)