AFC Asian Cup | Football is the new cricket now, claims Stephen Constantine

01/14/2019

As the Indian football team gear up for a do or die encounter against Bahrain, Stephen Constantine has claimed that football is now on par with cricket in the country. Constantine has also cited his emphasis on sports science, nutrition and monitoring the "wellness" of his players.

The Indian football team’s 4-1 win against Thailand in their campaign opener at the ongoing AFC Asian Cup, which is being played in the UAE, brought smiles to every Indian football fan across the country. It was the testament to the hard work put in by the players and coach Stephen Constantine over the years which enabled the Indian fans back home to dream about success in the ongoing Asian showpiece.

Constantine took charge of the Indian team back in 2015 and has watched the team grow since then as he helped the Blue Tigers cross the top-100 barrier. The Englishman sounded extremely proud of his players as he spoke ahead of the all-important duel against Bahrain in the AFC Asian Cup.

"After qualifying and two outstanding performances we have done that and more. Indians do love their cricket but you really are seeing a metamorphosis in football and that is really something to be proud of.

"To get to the knockout stages would be massive. But whatever happens, we've already overachieved," Constantine told AFP reporters.

Indian forward, Sunil Chhetri, overtook Lionel Messi in international goals during the win over Thailand, while also earning comparisons with India's cricket skipper Virat Kohli for his heroics with the national team.

"Football is as popular in India in my opinion -- it's just not written about as much. Of course when the cricket team is doing well and the football isn't, there is only going to be one winner. But that has all changed," Constantine added.

The British coach has been the central figure as far as the national team was concerned ever since his appointment back in 2015. Coming to the AFC ASian Cup, India were beaten finalists on their cup debut in 1964 when it was a four-team competition won by Israel. India last qualified in 2011 when they were thrashed by Australia, Bahrain and South Korea, conceding 13 goals in the process.

"In a nutshell it's down to the players, they have given me everything. I'm so proud of the work rate, determination and the attitude of the players. That holistic approach has proved to be successful over the last several years both here in India and in other countries I have coached in," Constantine added.

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AFC Asian Cup | Football is the new cricket now, claims Stephen Constantine

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