‘ Minerva stronger than last season’
The 2017- 18 I- League season was a real roller coaster and after a final match day that saw four teams in the hunt for the trophy, it was Minerva Punjab who emerged as champions in what was just their second season in the top flight. It was a fairytale victory for the team from the Land of the Five Rivers and with the new 2018- 19 campaign all set to start later this month, the team is gunning to defend their crown.
To strengthen their bid, the Warriors added some Northern Irish power to their camp in the form of 36- year- old Paul Munster, who joins the team as a technical director. A former professional player, Munster has featured as a striker in various leagues across the world, winning a number of trophies and also has a Uefa Pro Licence to his name. With Minerva, he hopes to add some more — this time in an off- field role. Munster spoke on a number of topics. Excerpts:
How has it been adapting to life in Punjab and India so far?
The first few weeks were difficult because of the food. So I lost some weight here, so that’s good. The people here in Punjab, they’re always so welcoming and so kind. It’s great to be here.
What attracted you about Minerva that you joined them? What do you plan to bring to the table at the club?
I had a talk with Ranjit Bajaj about his plans for now and the future, and it seemed very interesting to me. They’ve won the ILeague and will be playing in the AFC Champions League and that really excited me.
What are your thoughts on the pre- season results of the club? Do you feel the team is adequately prepared for the new season?
Pre- season has been going well so far. We’ve been able to conduct more sessions and play more games which is always a plus point. As a team, we’re improving each day.
What are your expectations from the upcoming campaign? Do you feel Minerva can make it two titles in a row?
If I didn’t believe we can win two titles in a row, I wouldn’t be here. I strongly believe we can.
Minerva lost a number of key players that led them to the title last time — how do you think it will impact the team?
It’s a new season. I believe we have a stronger squad than we had last year. We have a good mixture of experienced and young players who’re coming up the academy ladder. This team is hungrier, more than ever.