Kolkata: Former India international Mehtab Hossain has stressed the fact that holding back in history is a work of a fool and one should learn to accommodate in present days keeping the history in hand. Speaking exclusively with Sportslight Media, the former East Bengal midfielder spoke about the ATK Mohun Bagan merger in the Indian Super League.
“Keeping the history hand in hand, one should learn to accommodate with the present days with an eye on the future,” Mehtab told in a telephonic conversation. “Holding back in history is the work of a fool. It should motivate us to develop future days.” Following Bagan’s move to join hands with ATK, there has been utter confusion with East Bengal rumoured to join the cash-rich league too.
With Quess Corp. parting ways as the title sponsor, the Red and Gold’s chances are slim this year unless a miracle happens at the last moment. “As Mohun Bagan have joined the ISL, East Bengal supporters are also eager to see their team play in the league as AIFF declared it the top Indian league in the country. If East Bengal play in ISL, it will do good to ISL, the team itself and mainly the football lovers in Bengal,” added Mehtab.
“East Bengal and Mohun Bagan complete each other. The level of excitement, the thrill and enthusiasm of the Kolkata Derby is a part of loyalty to Indian football. Despite Bengaluru winning the titles with developed skills and techniques, these two clubs will retain their legacy over Indian football,” added Mehtab who began his senior career at Tollygunge Agragami in 2001.
The 34-year-old also explained why ISL is the best option for Indian football. “I think ISL is the best option for Indian football, as it proved to be a developing platform since the start of its journey. In 2014, when I made my debut for Kerala Blasters, the facilities, the atmosphere, the professionalism gave me the vibes that it will certainly develop Indian football. This professionalism is the utmost requirement in today’s growing world and will be helping to upgrade your thought process and move forward with the upcoming days,” he said.
India in recent times have faltered on the big stage despite having a bright start. The Sunil Chhetri-led side started the AFC Asian Cup 2019 with a bang thumping Thailand 4-1 before losing their final two games to bow out in the first round. Similarly in the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers, India with a 1-2 defeat against Oman before making the headlines with a goalless draw against Qatar at their home. Igor Stimac’s boys drew two while losing one to be at fourth place in Group D.
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Speaking about India’s tendency to collapse under pressure, Mehtab defended his once-upon-a-time teammates terming it as bad luck coupled with some silly mistakes. “Firstly I would like to say that the Indian football team has developed a lot in recent days, it has the capability to fight against any teams. Looking towards the Asian Cup and Qualifiers, the team played a wonderful game throughout the tournament and displayed a nice football, so I will like to call it bad luck. Also due to some silly mistakes, we conceived few goals or else we would have qualified for sure,” he said.
The ‘Midfield Maestro’, as he is still known, is also excited to see the girls play in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup which India is hosting in February 2021. “I will definitely term it as a huge success. The decision taken by AIFF for concentrating on women’s football is surely going to be a success. This is definitely a good move.
“They held a tournament in Kalyani and other places, these young talents have potentials and can give the nation some good results. These events are really appreciable initiatives and will definitely benefit Indian football. Such moves will showcase our talents more, as we are developing as a nation-building future for football players. Recognition from such tournaments will prove that India is ready for identification in football.”
Mehtab, who began his coaching career as a manager at Southern Samity in 2019-20 Calcutta Premier Division, wants to develop the young talents in given a chance in the future. “I’ll am looking forward to coach the young talents if given authority. I will try to share my learnings, experience with the upcoming generations of Indian football for their upbringing. I’ll focus on providing mental support to each player.
“I’ll teach them to stay motivated and never give up upon any situation. I myself have followed the golden rule of ‘never give up’ every time I faced any issues within the team or outside. A player’s mentality is developed at a young age. To make earnings through football, the player should always try to stay motivated and focused.
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Beautiful memories,2009/10 federation cup#Saturday flashback#makesmehappy
“Due to the ongoing exposure to the internet, parents these days have realised the importance of sports along with studies. It’s a request to all parents to make their wards play any sport, not necessarily for a profession but for physical and mental well being as many are facing problems with the growing days,” said Mehtab, an idol to many.
He also added, “If given a chance I’ll try to set up an academy with talents from the district level. I have a vivid experience of the struggle these youngsters face while coming from far-off districts. They face a major problem in surviving in the team and changing their food habits. They can’t easily adjust themselves with the change in lifestyle. If I get a chance to bring the raw talents from the district level, I would first see for their accommodation as I know how it feels to travel daily.”
