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)

Jeje Lalpekhlua: Koevermans has helped me improve my turning

Striker Jeje Lalpekhlua after over a year is back to 'where he belongs' - Team India. Since his ankle injury, Jeje, touted as the most exciting prospect in Indian Football, says he has seen the worst of times. In his first interview since getting a call back into the National squad, the Mizo striker speaks as length to AIFF Media about the phase which he wants to forgets fast, his immediate targets, his improvement under Wim Koevermans and much more.


How is it to be back in the National squad?

Every player sweats hard to be here. It feels nice and makes me more confident as a player that I am back in the National squad after more than a year. My ankle injury had kept me out of the AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal in March 2012 and since then it has been a battle, more within my own self to be back.

I see this as a new beginning and will work harder and wait for my chance.


How did you motivate yourself when you were hit by injury and simultaneously out of the Senior squad?

Football motivated me more than anything else. I just wanted to be back playing again for my club. More than the physical aspect, an injury hits you hard mentally as a player. You start thinking that you won't ever have the strength to be back. Serious doubts kept creeping in. But at the same time, it makes you tougher as a player as you have already seen the worst of times.


This is the first time you are in the squad under Wim Koevermans. How do you see him from close?

The first and foremost thing that will appeal to you is his nature. I'd say, as much he is a Coach, he is simultaneously a true gentleman and a very caring human being. That's an extraordinary and a very rare combination, I must say.

Technically, he has fine-tuned me a lot. He explained to me as to how I could be sharper with my turning and off-the-ball play. I like his style a lot.


What are your targets?

As a striker, I'd say to score as many goals as possible. But the AFC Challenge Cup 2014 (Qualifiers) stay the immediate target - not only for me but for the entire contingent. We are a good unit and need believe in ourselves.


You have played against Chinese Taipei and Myanmar in the recent past. What can we expect from them?

I made my Senior India debut against Chinese Taipei in the AFC Challenge Cup (qualifiers) in Malaysia in 2011. I remember scoring in the match as we won 2-1. Then, in the U-23 Olympic Qualifiers, I scored against Myanmar in Pune as we went on to win 2-1. I can tell you, both of the teams are very competitive ones and would pose a huge threat. And there's Guam too.

The Coach has shown us some videos and we need to stick to his plans!

(Interview & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

Jeje Lalpekhlua: I'm still a learner

Striker Jeje Lalpekhlua has come a long way since first bursting onto the Indian football scene. The young Mizo is set to captain the India Under-22s in the AFC Under-22 Asian Championship qualifiers in Oman. A new responsibility for Jeje, who talks about a number of things before the qualifiers kick-off tomorrow with long-time friend and team mate Lalrindika Ralte adding his bit here and there.


How has life changed after being named India's captain for AFC U-22 Championship qualifiers?

Change -- what is that? (Jeje bursts into laughter). I had earlier led India in the AFC U-19 Championship. A footballer's life doesn't begin and end with captaincy. My life hasn't changed either. I have always stayed committed to my country's cause and this time too, it's no different.

The moment he finishes, Jeje’s room partner Lalrindika Ralte with a mischievous grin, adds: "He is the Big Boss now." And both burst into laughter.


Is Captaincy an added responsibility or a burden?

It depends on how one looks at it. To me a true captain is someone who leads off the field. As a Captain, you need to set an example and when Head Coach Arthur Papas announced it in the team meeting, I felt very excited. I have been lucky enough that I already enjoyed a great rapport with each of my team members.


You are a regular member of the Senior India side. Do you look upon yourself as a Senior in this Under-22 squad?

You must be kidding. Despite my brush with the Senior India side, I'm still a learner. I'm very comfortable in this U-22 squad as there are so many old batch mates who are playing alongside me. There's Gurpreet (Sandhu), Abhishek (Das), Dika (Lalrindika Ralte), Manandeep (Singh), Deepak (Devrani), Ravi (Kumar), Vishal (Kumar), Prathamesh (Maulingkar) with whom I've played since the U-19 level and with the Indian Arrows.

Dika, sitting next joins in. “If there's anyone who deserves to lead India, it's Jeje. He's a disciplined guy and can set an example for us all,” he quips.


What do you bring from the Senior India team to this squad?

The discipline and the experience! At the senior level, there are so many stars but they never threw their weight on me. That was a huge learning experience for me. I want to walk the same path. I'm a Senior and a Junior at the same time.


Arthur Papas has been stressing on a new style of play since he took over. What's your take on that?

The benefits of the new style of play will reap fruits in the future. He has been stressing on possessional play and the build-up often starts from defence. It's not that we adjusted to the style on the first day itself but we have been flexible and have settled down fast.

Dika added: "During the initial phase, instinct prompted us to play the manner we have been sticking to for the last few years. But Arthur has been patient and supportive."


How do you rate Arthur Papas as a Coach?

He’s sharp, energetic, caring and an intelligent person. He explains with passion and instills a sense of self belief among the players. He's very clear in what his priorities are.

Dika nodded. "He's a no-nonsense man. He has implemented some rules within the Camp and he leads from the front. His sessions are fun and enjoyable."

India Under-22s start against Lebanon tomorrow

The India Under-22s tomorrow open their AFC Under-22 Asian Championship qualification campaign against Lebanon in Muscat, Oman in what is a tough group for the Indian boys. A good start could set to tone for the rest of the qualifiers, a loss might indirectly mean the end of the dream to qualify for the final round.

Head Coach Arthur Papas said, "It is our first match of the Championship and is a critical one. A good start can provide us the optimism to look a qualification."

You ought to like the man for sure. He has been successful enough to impart a strict sense of discipline within the team. There's a certain dress code for all to follow; if you are late for the meals, you are 'punished'. The punishment ranges from having intense extra sprints in practice to singing a song prior to lunch or dinner.

With things taking a bit more than usual to settle down after checking into the Muscat Hotel on yesterday, a few of his wards arrived a bit late for lunch. They had to sing. "Jana Gana Mana…" The start just couldn’t have been better. All appreciated.

"This is very necessary. There's unity in the team. We need to push ourselves to be on time and perfect for everything. Football is all about that," midfielder Lalrindika Ralte adds.

On the field, Papas has been stressing on a new style of play - a style which emphasises on keeping possession of the ball. Once you get it, you can't afford to let it go. And you have to admit, the boys have shown 'tremendous maturity'.

"The practice sessions are fun," proclaims Ralte. "We are enjoying it. Everyone is enjoying it."

You watch from a distance. It's all about touches – one, two, three, four… and at times, seems unending. Unaffected, relaxed, confident, one can rely on his skills. "We need to strike a balance," is all what Papas will tell you.

Off the field, almost every moment, he's on his toes. "Water intake should be high," he says. The boys nod. "No desserts please," he goes on. The boys agree. "No late nights. Take enough rest," the boys trust their new coach.

The conditions in Oman were supposed to be foreign. There's a heat wave which will prompt you to believe the indoors are the best place on Earth. But the Camp in New Delhi and Dubai has proved beneficial though Papas informs: "Dubai was less hot."

Lebanon challenge India in their first match tomorrow (5 pm local, 6.30 pm IST). Iraq, UAE, Turkmenistan and Oman would follow in the coming days.

"We stay on a threshold," Captain Jeje Lalpekhlua proclaims, "We have adjusted to a new style, it's a new bunch and we have a new Coach at the helm. There's a more definite approach at the moment," he adds. "I've recovered fully and am fit at the moment!"

Tomorrow the boys need to prove how quickly they have been to learn and if they can get a positive result at the start.

Jeje Lalpekhlua doubtful for 2012 AFC Challenge Cup

India could have to play the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal in March without young striker Jeje Lalpekhlua as he has been advised eight-weeks rest, which would mean he would miss the tournament.

Jeje suffered an injury on his left knee during his club Pune FC's I-League match against Air India. His MRI report reveals bone contusion and grade 2/3 injury to MCL of the left knee. The striker is being treated by Dr. Anant Joshi and has been advised non-weight bearing with crutches for three weeks. It will be followed by a minimum rehab for another three weeks under Dr. Joshi's supervision.

If confirmed then Jeje would be the second absentee like his club team mate goalkeeper Subrata Pal, who had earlier been ruled out of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup.

With injuries to other key players or these returning from injuries like Sunil Chhetri and Syed Rahim Nabi, one hope that India can play its best possible side in the tournament.

India have been drawn in the tough Group B along with North Korea, Tajikistan and the Philippines. India begin their campaign against Tajikistan on March 9, 2012.

Glasgow Rangers to track Chhetri & Jeje progress

India strikers Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua have left Scotland for home to get ready for the SAFF Cup, while Glasgow Rangers will continue to track the duos progress. The strikers have spent the last six days working in Scotland with the Scottish Premier League champions after arriving in Glasgow last Friday.

Chhetri and Jeje took part in a bounce game amongst squad members yesterday at Murray Park as the manager Ally McCoist and his assistant Kenny McDowall took the opportunity to see them in action. This was the only chance to see the duo in action as the trip to Hamburg was not possible due to visa problems.

McCoist told The Ibrox Edition, "Sunil and Jeje did fine and showed up well in training. They showed some lovely touches and adapted to the different surroundings they experienced.

"They are away back home today but we will keep monitoring their situations and keep monitoring their performances back home.

"They will continue to play for their sides in India and it was great to have them both working with us as they are talented boys."

"It was a good experience for them and I think they certainly enjoyed it. We enjoyed having them here too."

"Kenny and I watched them playing in the match yesterday and it was a really enjoyable game. They did absolutely fine."

Ally McCoist is ready to keep a close eye on how they progress and one will have to wait and see, if further opportunities with Rangers will arise for Chhetri and Jeje.

Chhetri & Jeje arrive in Glasgow for Rangers FC trials

The Indian international strike duo of Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua arrived on Friday in Glasgow for a trial with Scottish Premier League giants Glasgow Rangers FC, which if successful could see both or one of them sign for the Scottish club in the winter transfer window depending on their release of their respective Indian clubs.

The duo will train with Rangers FC in the coming days under the watchful eyes of coach Ally McCoist and they will join the Rangers squad in training tomorrow. Chhetri and Jeje were met at Glasgow Airport by the Club's Director of Football Gordon Smith and were taken for a tour of the training ground, Murray Park.

Sunil Chhetri currently plays for Mohun Bagan AC, while Jeje Lalpekhlua is contracted to Pune FC. For Sunil Chhetri it wouldn't be the first trial abroad, while for talented Jeje it would be the first foreign trial experience.

In 2010 Chhetri was contracted a few months with MLS side Kansas City Wizards, before that he had been on trial with English Championship side Coventry City while also been linked in the past with Queens Park Ranger FC and Celtic Glasgow but he couldn't sign for them for different reasons.

Chhetri & Jeje set for Glasgow Rangers trials

The Indian international strike duo of Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua could be on their way to Scottish Premier League giants Glasgow Rangers FC later this month for a trial, which if successful could see both or one of them sign for the Scottish club in the winter transfer window.

Talks about the trial have been ongoing for quite a while and players agent Yogesh Joshee, who manages both players, was able to convince Rangers to offer the duo a trial with Glasgow Rangers looking for new talent and also understanding the lucrative Indian market.

Sunil Chhetri currently plays for Mohun Bagan AC, while Jeje Lalpekhlua is contracted to Pune FC. If the two I-League clubs will release their players during the season will have to be seen. The trial could take place between India's friendlies against Malaysia in the coming days and the game against Zambia later this month.

For Sunil Chhetri it wouldn't be the first trial abroad. In 2010 he was contracted a few months with MLS side Kansas City Wizards, before that he had been on trial with English Championship side Coventry City while also having been linked in the past with Queens Park Ranger FC and Celtic Glasgow but he couldn't sign for them for different reasons.

For talented Jeje it would be the first foreign trial experience.

3rd FPAI Awards held last night, the winners are...

The 3rd edition of the Indian Football Awards organised by the Football Players Association of India (FPAI) was held at the ITC Sonar in Kolkata last night. The big winner of the awards was Mehtab Hossain, who was named 'Indian Player of the Year' and he also won the 'Fans Player of the Year' award.

The gala evening was hosted by Mayanti Langer with the Governor of West Bengal M.K. Narayanan being the chief guest of the event with Bollywood/Tollywood stars like Raima Sen, Rituparna Sengupta and Swastika Mukherjee attending besides Indian Tennis legend Leander Paes. Attending from the football field where AIFF Vice-President Subrata Datta, Churchill Brothers supremo Churchill Alemao, Lajong General Secretary Larsing Ming, Mohammedan Sporting Club president Sultan Ahmed and others.

The evening was opened by striker Sunil Chhetri in the absence of Baichung Bhutia, who is currently in Sikkim to help with the rehabilitation work in his home state after the shocking earthquake. And in honour of those killed a minute of silence was observed which was followed by a speech from M.K. Narayanan.

The first announcement of the night was made about the FPAI Team of the Year which included Subrata Pal; Thokchom Naoba Singh, Mahesh Gawli, Uga Okpara, Syed Rahim Nabi; Steven Benedic Dias, Ryuji Sueoka, Mehtab Hossain, Lenny Rodrigues; Roberto Mendes Silva, Odafe Onyeka Okolie. These eleven where chosen by their peers.

The first award of the night was for the Best Foreign Player of the Year which Brazilian Roberto Mendes Silva received from actress Rituparna Sengupta and IMG-Reliance's Ashu Jindal. The Best Coach of the Year award was handed over by Sultan Ahmed to Salgaocar's Karim Bencharifa who surprised everyone by winning the I-League title last season. Then Sunil Chhetri was felicitated by the FPAI for receiving the prestigious Arjuna Award by Larsing Ming and former international Sumit Mukherjee.

Then India's representative at the 2011 Homeless World Cup from Slum Soccer spoke about their experiences in Paris and a video was shown to the audience to highlight what football means to them in their lives.

The next award was the Fans Indian Player at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup and the award went to India goalkeeper Subrata Pal. The following award was handed over by Apurba Saha from the Pailan Group for the Best Young Player and it went to Jeje Lalpekhlua, but he wasn't there to receive his award. The same is sadly the case for Baichung Bhutia, whose special award is accepted on his behalf by Jose Ramirez Barreto. Now it was the turn of the 'Fans Player of the Year' award and went to Mehtab Hossain, while the final award of the night, the Best Indian Player of the Year, was handed over by Subrata Dutta and Leander Paes to Mehtab Hossain.

There was entertainment during the evening from Sanjeev & Sandip Vyas, a fashion show involving footballers and an auction of a Baichung Bhutia India jersey for the earthquake victims and that went for Rs 50,000 to Churchill Alemao.


This Years Winners

FPAI Team of the Year
Subrata Pal (Pune FC), Thokchom Naoba Singh (Churchill Brothers SC/East Bengal Club), Mahesh Gawli (Dempo SC), Uga Okpara (East Bengal Club), Syed Rahim Nabi (East Bengal Club/Mohun Bagan AC), Steven Benedic Dias (Churchill Brothers SC), Ryuji Sueoka (Salgaocar SC), Mehtab Hossain (East Bengal Club), Lenny Rodrigues (Churchill Brothers SC), Roberto Mendes Silva (Dempo SC/Churchill Brothers SC), Odafe Onyeka Okolie (Churchill Brothers SC/Mohun Bagan AC)

Fans Indian Player at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup
Subrata Pal (Pune FC)

Best Young Player
Jeje Lalpekhula (Indian Arrows/Pune FC)

Best Foreign Player
Roberto Mendes Silva (Dempo SC/Churchill Brothers SC)

Best Indian Player
Mehtab Hossain (East Bengal Club)

Best Coach
Karim Bencherifa (Salgaocar SC)

Fans Player of the Year
Mehtab Hossain (East Bengal Club)

India's Jeje Lalpekhlua amongst Sports Illustrated Asian talent list

Sports Illustrated has published a list of 10 Asian footballers who could make it in the future in Europe like the illustrious names like Ji-Sung Park (Manchester United), Shinji Kagawa (Borussia Dortmund) and Chung-Yong Lee (Bolton Wanderers).

The list has been put together by Asian football insider John Duerden and he has chosen only one player per country, so the list is an interesting pot-pourri of Asian talent which also features our very own Jeje Lalpekhlua. And it shows that not we, but also the outside world is taking notice of Jeje's exploits for the Indian national teams and at the Indian Arrows in the I-League.


About Jeje Lalpekhlua the writer John Duerden says:

Bhaichung Bhutia has been the main man in India for too long and while the 20-year-old Lalpekhlua is not be the first to be labeled as Bhutia's successor, he may be the one that can actually manage to do it.

"It always feels good to be compared with one whom you have always idolized or look up to," said Lalpekhlua. "But Bhaichung has reached his prime and has done so much for the country. As for me, I have just started off my career and still have a long way to go. So comparing with Bhaichung at this point is not done. It's too early. I will have to prove myself at the highest level."

Four goals in three internationals is a great start and he has also been enjoying himself for the Indian Arrows, a club set up by the federation for promising young players to get regular I-League football. This team is supposed to be the way into the 2018 World Cup. That still remains doubtful but by then Jeje, not the biggest of forwards but with the ability to find space inside the area, could easily be rubbing shoulders with the stars.

"As of now I am happy with where I am. I need to mature more as a player. I need to learn many things more. However I would like to play for a big European club one day."

Here the link to the SI.Com article

Jeje Lalpekhlua still has a long way to go

The last few weeks have been like a dream come true for talented 20 year old striker Jeje Lalpekhlua. Good performances with goals galore for the Indian Arrows, India Under-23 and then even on debut for the senior national team where he scored four goals in three matches in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers. Jeje has been going from strength to strength, which is great to watch.

Still the youngster from Mizoram has a long way to go, but as one would expect the first comparisons are being made with Baichung Bhutia and some already say we finally have found a suitable replacement for the Sikkimese sniper and an able partner for Sunil Chhetri.

But we have seen over the last decade a number of boys who were termed as the next Baichung Bhutia, only to name a couple - Vimal Pariyar, Pachau Lalam Puia. They sadly didn't make it for different reasons.

Also lets be realistic, lets give Jeje the time to develop into a more complete player and not put him under added pressure. Jeje has just left his teenager days and has developed really well over the last three/four years since first joining Pune FC. Last season he was PFC's 'Young Player of the Year' and the club didn't want to release him for the Indian Arrows. We now know why.

Now Jeje is a key member of the Indian Arrows and there he is forced to develop quickly like his team mates, so the idea which Bob Houghton and Colin Toal had behind creating the Arrows is working with the youngsters getting precious playing time in the I-League against tough opposition.

Jeje himself has so far remained realistic knowing where he stands at this stage of his career. In a recent interview with the FPAI he had said, "It is a great honour to be part of the Senior National team. We have a huge population and it is not easy to make it here. I am happy to be here and I consider it to be a learning process to improve my game further."

I hope we will hear a lot more about Jeje Lalpekhlua in the years to come...