Me and Trevor share similar philosophy, want to win every match: Warren Hackett

DSC05142
East Bengal’s new assistant coach Warren Hackett with Trevor James Morgan at the club ground on Friday. Image Source: Xtra Time

Kolkata: East Bengal’s newly appointed assistant coach Warren Hackett joined the training on Friday. The 45 year old British coach joined old friend Trevor Morgan at the team’s practice session. A former Tottenham Hotspur footballer, Hackett was forced to cut short his career as a footballer. The UEFA A license holder looked to be in jovial mood at the training. Later after the practice session he interacted with xtratime.in. Here are the excerpts:

What is your first day impression about the club?

Well, it was nice to see the supporters coming and cheering the players at practice, something which we cannot see in England. I think East Bengal is one of the big clubs in India and I can guess by the vocal support. All I want is to see the boys winning a lot many games.

Looking forward to working with your friend Morgan?

Myself and Trevor played against each other when we were younger. We share a good friendship over the years and support the same club (West Ham United). He has got success here in the past but obviously we want to go one step further this time round. I will be working with Trevor for the first time but as I said football is a same game and we share similar philosophy. Hopefully I can contribute to his style of coaching.

Are you aware of the derby, a rivalry that exists here much like the ones you have in England?

With any derby game it is a big game. I think winning all the games is important. I am sure if we only win the derby and lose the other games, no one will be happy. So the idea is to win all the games including the derby and make every game a derby so that we can be successful.

The club has been craving to win the I League for the last 13 years. Are you aware of it?

Yes, I am aware of it. I got the hunger to do well everywhere I go. Both I and Trevor share the same passion as we want to win.  So winning as many games will give us ample opportunity to win the I League.

What made you decide to come to India?

It’s a fantastic opportunity to come to India and coach a top team like East Bengal. Trevor was kind enough to invite me to come over. Obviously with the ISL, Indian football is being followed everywhere. Lots of big players have come over and enjoyed their stint here. As a coach (Morgan) who wants to achieve something big, which I believe he can, I have come to assist him.

You referred the name of Willis Plaza to the club. Can he add to the strength of the squad?

Willis Plaza is someone I will see him more when he comes here. Obviously we will look at his fitness and decide when to play him. He is a positive striker and hopefully can score a lot of goals for East Bengal.

What made you take coaching?

I wanted to contribute to the game, so I took coaching as a career. I have done the UEFA A license in England. So, I am qualified to be a coach. I was just talking to Trevor today during practice. I missed playing especially when I saw the players practicing. I want to help them with my input to help them being successful.

Talking about West Ham United, the place where you come from, why has they not been successful in Premier League?

I think West Ham United is a very old fashioned football club. They have not been able to get the best players. Financially they are not the biggest club in England. They play with a lot of passion and play for the people which are why they are popular. We had players like Tevez playing for us in the past. At the moment we have Dimitri Payet. We need more of those kinds of players to be able to win the Premier League. So this season I do not see them finishing beyond mid table.

Another London based club Chelsea looks to be a top contender to win the Premier League, having recorded 12 wins at a stretch.

I think the biggest plus for Chelsea this season is that they do not have any European games to play. Manchester United, Manchester City they are all playing in Europe. So they got big squads but they are tired. Chelsea has players who are fresh and are winning every game. I think they are the favourites to win the Premier League.

The Foxes surprised everyone last season to win the Premier League. Do you think it is good for the game?

I think that’s a very good sign for football. Why should the team with the most money win the league? They showed if you have the passion and willingness you can be successful.

Lastly, a word on Jose Mourinho. Can he guide Manchester United to a top 3 finish this season?

Mourinho is a fantastic manager and already we can see United are on the climb in the table. They had indifferent last couple of seasons. He has signed some good players like Ibrahimovic and Pogba.

 Meanwhile, Semboi Haokip will join the training from tomorrow.