ISL discussed during World Cup: Herbert

KOLKATA: Among the coaches listed so far, Ricki Herbert would be the biggest name to take charge of an Indian Super League (ISL) franchise. Herbert played the 1982 World Cup as a defender and in 2010 helmed a New Zealand team that exited undefeated from the World Cup. The All Whites couldn’t make the 2014 finals losing to Mexico and, after eight years with the national team, Herbert decided he needed a change of scenery.

“Initially, India was not on my radar. I just needed to take a deep breath after a long innings. Interest in the ISL was then beginning to grow and during the World Cup (Herbert is part of the Fifa Technical Study Group), there were discussions about the potential and content of the ISL. And in New Zealand people got to know about a football element running alongside cricket in India. Then players such as David Trezeguet and Joan Capdevila got involved and that helped me decide,” said Herbert speaking to HT over the phone from Mumbai.

“Interest in the ISL will grow globally as international players start coming next month. Along with the U-17 World Cup, this can mean really exciting times for football here,” said Herbert appointed coach of the North East

United FC.

Herbert didn’t agree that he is a defensive coach, pointing out that New Zealand played “three out and out attacking players through the 2010 World Cup.” But he also said: “You need to be mindful of what you have. I think Germany won the World Cup because they were more solid and safe at the back than most. How we play will also depend on who we get at Thursday’s international play ers’ draft.”