Internet Desk: Former Indian football team captain Bhaichung Bhutia admitted on Friday that he is very upset about the Goan clubs like Dempo SC, Salgaocar, Sporting Clube de Goa pulling out of the I-League.
“It’s sad that Dempo SC Salgaocar, Sporting Clube de Goa have pulled out as they have been there since I made my debut especially Dempo.” Bhutia said.
“At the same time, if you look at the brighter side it’s an opportunity for other teams to come in. Goan fans should have supported these teams like they support FC Goa.” He added.
Regarding ISL Bhaichung said that the standards of the Indian Super League have dropped in the third edition.
“This year if you see the statistics, 37 lesser number of goals have come. At this stage goals scored were more last year,” Bhaichung said.
“A lot of teams have been defensive in their approach. Also in terms of Indian players scoring goals, the number has been less which is not a good news,” Bhutia, who was involved with city-franchise Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) in a consultant’s role till last year, opined.
“There is not a single scorer this year from ATK. Last year there were so many along with Chennaiyin (FC).
“I think more of the coaches this season have tried not to lose games. That’s why there have been a lot of draws,” explained Bhutia.
Bhutia believes every club in India should get the opportunity to play at the highest level and the proposed merger where ISL is slated to be the top division with no promotion and relegation should keep that in mind.
“Each and every club in India today has to have right to play the highest league.
“I think it’s going to be a lot of give in the merger between all parties involved. Clubs like East Bengal and Mohun Bagan has to be playing in the top division. How? It’s for the ISL and I-League to decide.”
Bhutia reminisced his playing days stating that the Calcutta Football League is the best he has been part of.
“In my career, the best league was the Kolkata league. The support that we used to get here cannot get bettered.
“The local leagues have been affected after the advent of the ISL and I-League. I don’t know how that can be fixed,” Bhutia who has plied his trade for both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, said.
The U-17 World Cup which India is set to host next year will see some of the top players strut their stuff and the Indian U-16 team which is preparing for the youth showpiece is the best the country has got, according to Bhaichung.
“The preparation is great. AIFF and SAI have provided great facilities. Since Nicolai (Adam, head coach) has taken over, he did not feel the team is strong enough. I also felt the same. So he was sent scouting across the country.
“In this regard the when the state tournaments happen, the states need to send thir best players.
“I am hopeful we will give a good performance. The team is the best we got. The standards of the U-17 World Cup is very high. You see (Wayne) Rooney at 16 scored against Arsenal playing for Everton.”
Bhutia signed off by saying that “coaching is difficult” and he is not scouring that option at the moment also announcing that he has just joined School Sports Promotional Foundation for helping football at the grassroots.