Siliguri: Everyone in Siliguri just keeps enquiring about Mehtab Hossain. The Midfielder, ever smiling, obliges all and exchanges pleasantries. On the eve of India’s International Friendly against Philippines, Mehtab, urges the fans to rally behind the Team. In a freewheeling interview to www.the-aiff.com, Mehtab spoke at length about India’s recent performances, expectations form the Philippines match, the new faces in the squad and much more. EXCERPTS:
Do you feel people are becoming a bit impatient?
They are! Faith, Support and Patience define fans Worldwide. Unless the three combine, no Team can grow. Team India is going through a rebuilding phase. It’s no more about a particular set of Players and there are new faces who are being drafted in. There have been so many seasoned Players who have left together. Filling in the gap takes time. That’s where Faith, Support and Patience comes into play. Look around World Football and you will see so many examples. The fans need to rally behind their Team.
Has the Team been unlucky?
Without any doubt! Look at the last two matches which we played -- the SAFF Championship Semifinal and then the Final. Both the matches, including the Final was one-sided. But we ended up on the losing side. It happens in Football; it happens in sport. There’s always the ‘L’ factor -- the Luck factor which hasn’t gone our way. But such phases don’t continue for long.
What can we expect against Philippines?
They are a very strong side. Sixteen from their squad of 23 were born outside their Country. They have Players who play in the Bundesliga and other Leagues all across Europe. So such a Team is bound to be of very high standard. Our present squad is a mix of experience and youth. The new faces have settled in and keeping the Seniors on their toes.
Did it help as the Players proceeded directly to the Camp in Goa from the Airtel I-League?
Match fitness is an integral part of Football. You can continue with your physical training for as long as you want to but confidence comes with you playing matches. That is an advantage which we have. In fact, that stays the advantage even for Philippines as all their Players have also proceeded to Siliguri from their respective Club commitments.
What’s your message to the fans in Siliguri?
It’s your Country; rally behind us. The last time I played in Siliguri in the Federation Cup, we were overwhelmed by the support which we received. Come to the ground and cheer for us.
