Shashwat Shivhare
AIFF Media Team
NEW DELHI: Rajasthan United are a relatively new entity in the Indian Football ecosystem, and by extension, in the Hero I-League. Now set to enter their second season in the league, the Desert Warriors have had a rather busy transfer window, having signed more than 20 players including the likes of Nuha Marong, Martin Chaves, young winger Lalremsanga, Aydar Mambetaliev and Ragav Gupta. Many young Indian players were also added to the squad, while a few academy players made it to the first team as well. While they have the historic Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi as their home venue this season, they will start their campaign on November 15 against Churchill Brothers at the Bambolim Stadium in Goa.
Pushpender Kundu, who has been promoted from Assistant Coach to Head Coach at the club this season, had a candid chat with i-league.org, discussing his plans to take the team forward. EXCERPTS:
Q. How have your preparations been for the upcoming season?
A. We have had a long and fruitful preseason this year. The team has been able to play many matches before the league and it has allowed us to try different things. Now with the fixtures out, there is a lot of excitement for the weeks ahead.
Q. Your team performed exceptionally in the Durand Cup, reaching the quarter-finals, and defeating the likes of ATK Mohun Bagan in the process. What impact does it have on your squad?
A. First off, it was a very rewarding experience to be able to play in such a historic tournament. The results helped us to not just enjoy the tournament, but also to build confidence within the team. We are a young team and beating the likes of ATK Mohun Bagan has given everyone in the organization a boost. A cup tournament can never be compared to a months-long league, but of course, the experience is a confidence booster. I think it has also put the focus on us as a threat not to be taken lightly — and we have to now deal with that in a good way.
Q. From Assistant Coach to head coach, how has your journey been so far with RUFC?
A. I’m grateful to RUFC for giving me this opportunity and placing their trust in me for this assignment. The journey, to be honest, has just begun. My experiences as an Assistant Coach have prepared me for the challenge that lies ahead. Although I will say that this role comes with a different set of responsibilities, for which I must credit our instructors in the A- License course, especially Mr Savio Medeira, who has been hugely influential and is always there to offer advice in need.
Q. After two seasons, the traditional home and away format is back. RUFC will finally get a chance to play in front of their fans. How important of a role will they play?
A. RUFC is a new club and this will be our first season outside of the bio bubble. While it will be a huge pleasure to welcome fans back into stadiums, it is unfortunate that we will not be able to do so in Rajasthan (RUFC will be playing out of Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi). Obviously, we would have loved to be playing in Jaipur, but on the other hand, as a Delhi boy, it is thrilling that we will be playing from a historical venue that has held so many iconic moments for Indian football. We hope to bring back the old glory of Ambedkar. It will be a unique experience for all the players to play in front of the galleries of Ambedkar and I am sure the boys will not disappoint those who come to watch us play.
Q. There has been a massive overhaul in the squad, with lots of players coming in and going out. What has been your strategy in the market?
A. This is part and parcel of professional football, more so Indian Football. We have some players who have remained with us from last season, including our academy players and players from Rajasthan. The club has focused on creating a young squad, and our focus has and will always be on youth.
Q. RUFC had the best defensive record last season but lacked an attacking threat. What has been your approach to the team’s attacking game?
A. The additions to our squad speak for themselves. Players like Martin Chaves, Nuha Marong, Joseba Beitia, Shaiborlang Kharpan and Lalremsanga give us a potent attacking threat. Till now, from the Durand through the pre-season friendlies, we have scored in every game we have played yet, bar one. In my experience, in a league like the I-League, you cannot focus on a single tactic and we won’t either. We hope to play attractive football that yields results.
Q. What are your predictions for the league? Where do you see Rajasthan United finishing at the end of the league?
A. The I-League has a rich history of being competitive going into the final day of the season. There is no reason this season will be any different. As a coach, and as a professional, it is imperative that you aim for the top. And we are.
