Football is the new cricket, says India coach Constantine
ABU DHABI: A nomadic English coach whose colourful career has taken him from Millwall to Malawi has got cricket- mad India dreaming of Asian Cup football glory.
India stunned Thailand 4-1 in their opening match last weekend to record their first victory at the tournament in over 50 years and despite losing 2- 0 to hosts United Arab Emirates, Stephen Constantine insists football has knocked cricket of its perch — at least for a little bit.
“Af ter qual i fying and two outstanding performances we have done that and more,” the 56-year- old Londoner told AFP in an interview.
“Indians do love their cricket but you real ly are seeing a metamorphosis in football and that is really something to be proud of.
“To get to the knockout stages would be massive ,” added Constantine, who has repeatedly been overlooked for jobs in his home country.
“But whatever happens, we’ve already overachieved.”
Veteran striker Sunil Chhetri over took Lionel Mes si in international goals during the win over Thailand, earning compari sons wit h I ndia’s cricket skipper Virat Kohli for his heroics, and the Blue Tigers still have their eye on a place in the last 16.
“Footbal l is as popular in India in my opinion — it’s just not written about as much,” said Constantine, who witnessed conf lict, bloodshed and human suffering in his time coaching Malawi, Sudan and Rwanda before returning for a second spell as India boss four years ago.
“Of course when the cricket team is doing wel l and the football isn’t, there is only going to be one winner.
“But that has all changed,” he added, pointing to the progress his rough diamonds have made and the positive impact of the domestic Indian Super League since it s launch in 2013.