Latest news with #IndianSuperLeague
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Rusty Bagan wary of a youthful MSC
1 2 Kolkata: Mohun Bagan SG will begin their Durand Cup campaign with an all-Indian side and against a "not so easy" Mohammedan SC here on Thursday. Not long ago Bagan's participation in Asia's oldest knockout football tournament was in doubt against the backdrop of a yet-to-be-resolved uncertainty over the Indian Super League . As a result, the reigning ISL Shield and Cup winners' senior team hit the ground running only a week ago, without Spanish head coach Jose Molina and any of his foreigners. It has been learnt that Molina is scheduled to land here in the wee hours of Friday and defender Tom Aldred is expected to arrive the following day. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata Mohammedan SC, facing a transfer ban, are also playing the tournament without any foreigner. They conceded a last-gasp goal to go down 1-2 to debutants Diamond Harbour FC in their opening match two days ago. The Bagan assistant coach Bastab Roy — who would boss the team's dugout in Molina's absence at the Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday — was in the stands to get a first-hand glimpse of the young black-and-white brigade's fight and he knew that a tricky test awaits his team. "A key feature of Mohammedan SC is that they are a young team and they don't depend on any individuals and play as a team," Bastab noted during a press conference on Wednesday. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Are you from Egypt? The Prices of Solar Panels Might Surprise You Solar Panels | Search Ads Get Info Undo "They have already played a game while we are going to play our first one. From that standpoint, we need to work harder to win the match. It's not going to be easy." Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith — who would lead the team on Thursday — echoed his coach's sentiment. "They (Mohammedan SC) have already played, so their fitness level will be better. No, we can't take the match as an easy one," the ISL's Golden Glove-winner said. If early season rustiness is a worry, key defender Subhashis Bose is still undergoing his rehabilitation and attacker Manvir Singh is a doubtful starter for the opener. Five days ago, defender Dipendu Biswas and attackers Kiyan Nassiri and Suhail Bhat were pressed into service for the CFL derby but Bagan ended up losing it 2-3 to East Bengal FC. Bastab now wants his youngsters to stand up and be counted for a positive start to the new tournament. "The Durand Cup format is such that only the group winner and two second-best teams will advance to the quarterfinals. So, one loss may jeopardize your chances," Bastab said. For Mohammedan SC coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo, it's about building a better future for the team. "I'm happy with the way the young players are giving their best. Results may not be in our control. The way we conceded the goal (against DHFC) in the last minute was extremely unfortunate and luck was also not on our side. But we've to accept this and move on," Mehrajuddin told reporters. "Against Mohun Bagan, we'll try to minimize the mistakes we had committed (against DHFC) and give them a fight," he added. DURAND CUP: WEDNESDAY'S RESULTS Group A: Namdhari XI 2 (Bhupinder 79, Cledson 85) South United FC 0. Group E: TRAU FC 1 (Raj Singh 58) Neroca FC 1 (Arunkumar Singh 90+6).
Hans India
a day ago
- Sport
- Hans India
After a two-year break, 134th edition of Durand Cup tournament kicks off in Manipur
Imphal: The 134th edition of the Durand Cup, Asia's oldest football tournament, kicked off on Wednesday in Manipur after a two-year break due to the ethnic conflict in the northeastern state. The opening match of Group F was played between two football clubs from Manipur TRAU FC and NEROCA FC at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal. Football fans were excited to see the tournament return to their state, which has a rich legacy of various sports events. Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla attended the opening match and took part in the inauguration ceremony. The grand opening featured vibrant cultural performances and military displays, showcasing the spirit of unity and peace. A Defence spokesperson said that this iconic tournament's revival in Manipur highlights the healing power of sports and the collective aspiration for stability, resilience, and renewed harmony in the region. Army chief, Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Army's Eastern Command chief, Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari and senior other Army, para-military and security and civil officials along with other dignitaries witnessed the opening match of Durand Cup at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium. The Army Chief interacted with players and officials of the local favourites NEROCA FC and TRAU FC before the match. Meanwhile, many football lovers were unhappy because the stadium was too crowded and there were not enough seats for sports enthusiasts. Some people found it difficult to move around or watch the match comfortably. Despite the problems, people were happy and cheerful that such a big football tournament is being held again in Manipur. It is seen as a positive step toward bringing peace and normal life back to the state. A cheerful football lover, Sanday Wangkhemcha while talking to IANS thanked the Army and other organisers for conducting the Durand Cup football tournament in Manipur. 'Amid the ethnic crisis in Manipur, the football tournament would ease the mindset of the people of the state. It would also encourage the young generations to take football as their career. We expect more important football tournaments including Santosh Trophy, Indian Super League can be held in Manipur for the benefit of the sports lovers and common people as well,' Wangkhemcha said. Other Group F matches, including games with the Indian Army Football Team would also be played at the same stadium in the upcoming days. The Durand Cup tournament will be held from July 23 to August 23 across five cities in India – Imphal, Shillong, Kokrajhar, Kolkata and Jamshedpur. Six group stage matches would be played at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Imphal, from July 30 to August 12. The Manipur Governor on July 10, addressed the trophy showcase ceremony of the Durand Cup 2025 held at City Convention Centre in Imphal. He commended the Indian Army's consistent role in promoting sports and national integration and highlighted Manipur's legacy as a powerhouse of sports and emphasised the importance of youth engagement through such tournaments. Bhalla, a former Union Home Secretary, expressed confidence that the Durand Cup would inspire a new generation of young athletes in the region. He had stated that hosting this tournament in Imphal once again is a testament to the state's deep passion for football and the collective efforts of both the civil and military establishments. The Indian Army has consistently been a pillar of strength in promoting sports and youth engagement, he had said. During the July 10 ceremony, the trophies – Durand Cup, President's Cup and Simla Trophy were showcased. The trophies, after touring different locations in Manipur, including Sendra, Moirang, Bishnupur, Manipur University, Kangla and Chingmeirong War Cemetery, reached the City Convention Centre on July 10, where the Governor, along with senior civil and military officers, received the trophies. After more than two years of ethnic hostilities between non-tribal Meitei and tribal Kuki-Zo communities President's Rule was promulgated in Manipur on February 13, four days after the resignation of N Biren Singh from the Chief Minister's post.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
3 days ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
AIFF to announce head coach on Aug 1; Constantine and Jamil top contenders
The next head coach of the Indian men's football team is set to be announced on August 1 when the executive committee of the national federation meets here with Khalid Jamil emerging as the frontrunner for the vacant job. While Jamil appears to be the preferred candidate of the technical committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in the three-man short-list, former India coach Stephen Constantine too remains in contention for the top job. "Yes, the executive committee is meeting on August 1 to take a decision on the men's senior national team head coach," a top official of the AIFF said. "The members have been given the CVs of all the three short-listed candidates and what they want as remuneration, etc.," he added. The executive committee has a single point agenda -- the appointment of the men's senior national team head coach. Given the AIFF's current financial constraints, Jamil will be the favourite to succeed Manolo Marquez as the new head coach. Since the 48-year-old Jamil is currently with Indian Super League side Jamshedpur FC, he can immediately hit the road and be ready for the national team assignments. There is a FIFA international match window in September and India play their AFC Asian Cup qualifying round games on October 9 and 14 -- against Singapore home and away. A former India mid-fielder and now an AFC Pro Licensed coach, Jamil was named the AIFF Coach of Year for 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. Marquez was in a dual role before parting of ways with the AIFF earlier this month. He was head coach of ISL side FC Goa simultaneously. But it is not yet clear whether Jamil will also perform dual role or whether he will leave his work at Jamshedpur FC if he gets the India job. "It's the call of the executive committee and the members will take into account various factors," the source added. The AIFF had also said that the executive committee, if required, can seek more names for the head coach's job. "A key takeaway from the deliberations was the shared view that appointing a coach with a deep understanding of the Asian and Indian football ecosystem would be highly beneficial to the national team's immediate and future success," the AIFF said on Saturday. In terms of international experience, Constantine is way ahead of Jamil. The Anglo-Cypriot has been in charge of the Indian team twice earlier -- from 2002 to 2005, and from 2015 to the Asian Cup in 2019. The 62-year-old UEFA Pro License holder has also coached East Bengal in the Indian Super League in 2022-23, and was till recently head coach of Pakistan. He has earlier worked as head coach of countries like Nepal, Malawi and Rwanda. The third name in the short-list sent to the executive committee by the AIFF technical committee, led by former captain IM Vijayan, is the 52-year-old Stefan Tarkovic, who has earlier coached the Slovakia national team from 2020 to 2022. He was the Kyrgyzstan coach in 2023-2024.
India Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- India Today
Indian football team to get new head coach on August 1, Khalid Jamil front-runner
The next head coach of the Indian men's football team is set to be announced on August 1 when the executive committee of the national federation meets here with Khalid Jamil emerging as the frontrunner for the vacant job. While Jamil appears to be the preferred candidate of the technical committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in the three-man short-list, former India coach Stephen Constantine too remains in contention for the top the executive committee is meeting on August 1 to take a decision on the men's senior national team head coach," a top official of the AIFF said. "The members have been given the CVs of all the three short-listed candidates and what they want as remuneration, etc.," he added. The executive committee has a single point agenda -- the appointment of the men's senior national team head the AIFF's current financial constraints, Jamil will be the favourite to succeed Manolo Marquez as the new head coach. Since the 48-year-old Jamil is currently with Indian Super League side Jamshedpur FC, he can immediately hit the road and be ready for the national team assignments. There is a FIFA international match window in September and India play their AFC Asian Cup qualifying round games on October 9 and 14 -- against Singapore home and away.A former India midfielder and now an AFC Pro Licensed coach, Jamil was named the AIFF Coach of the Year for the 2023-24 and 2024–25 was in a dual role before parting of ways with the AIFF earlier this month. He was head coach of ISL side FC Goa it is not yet clear whether Jamil will also perform dual role or whether he will leave his work at Jamshedpur FC if he gets the India job."It's the call of the executive committee and the members will take into account various factors," the source AIFF had also said that the executive committee, if required, can seek more names for the head coach's job."A key takeaway from the deliberations was the shared view that appointing a coach with a deep understanding of the Asian and Indian football ecosystem would be highly beneficial to the national team's immediate and future success," the AIFF said on terms of international experience, Constantine is way ahead of Jamil. The Anglo-Cypriot has been in charge of the Indian team twice earlier -- from 2002 to 2005, and from 2015 to the Asian Cup in 62-year-old UEFA Pro License holder has also coached East Bengal in the Indian Super League in 2022-23, and was till recently head coach of has earlier worked as head coach of countries like Nepal, Malawi and third name in the short-list sent to the executive committee by the AIFF technical committee, led by former captain IM Vijayan, is the 52-year-old Stefan Tarkovic, who has earlier coached the Slovakia national team from 2020 to 2022. He was the Kyrgyzstan coach in 2023-2024.- Ends
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Xavi Hernandez and Pep Guardiola's applications were not genuine: AIFF
A day after its top official claimed that World Cup-winning Spanish great Xavi Hernandez was among the applicants for India football coach's position, the All India Football Federation said that the e-mail received in his name was found to be "not genuine" and three others have been short-listed for the job. The AIFF did not reveal the names in the pruned list but it is widely believed that Khalid Jamil, currently the head coach of Indian Super League side Jamshedpur FC, is the front-runner for the post left vacant by Spaniard Manolo Marquez. "The AIFF received an e-mail furnishing the applications from Spanish coaches Pep Guardiola and Xavi Hernandez. The authenticity of their applications could not be confirmed, and it has since emerged that the e-mail applications were not genuine," AIFF stated in a media release. One of its officials, on conditions of anonymity, had stated on Friday that the application of Xavi could not be processed as the AIFF did not have resources to hire his services. The IM Vijayan-headed Technical Committee, it is learnt, has also kept Englishman Stephen Constantine, who has previously coached India, and Slovakia's Stefan Tarkovic in the short-list. Constantine has coached the Indian team in two phases earlier, while Tarkovic is the most decorated among the shortlisted candidates having managed Slovakia during the 2020 Euro Championship, where his team beat a fancied Poland which had Bayern Munich legend Robert Lewandowski in its ranks. "Following comprehensive discussions and a rigorous selection process, 10 candidates were selected for the committee to review, following which, the TC shortlisted three," the release also stated. "Given the immediate needs of the national team, it is advisable to recommend three coaches from the short-listed pool for final consideration," former India skipper Vijayan was quoted as saying in the release. "Other prominent applicants, many of whom are highly qualified international coaches, will be taken into account for long-term strategic roles in the future," he added. National Team Director Subrata Paul, also a former India skipper, spoke about preference being given to those with some understanding of Indian football. "It is a very important moment for Indian football, and we are committed to appointing a coach who not only brings technical expertise but also understands the unique style, culture, and dynamics of Indian and Asian football. "We believe such a coach will be able to connect with our players quickly and effectively," Paul stated.
