Stephen Constantine’s second spell with the Indian Football team is proving to be a very fruitful one. The Indian Football team reeks of confidence at this moment and Constantine’s new setup is providing everyone with instant results.
Though Constantine has always said that his methods won’t bring drastic changes immediately, but what it has done is that, it has put Indian Football on the right track, a launchpad if you may; and the only way from here is upwards.
India today achieved its highest FIFA Ranking(96) in the last two decades and is set to stay put for the next two months. But Constantine has urged the fans to embrace the rise but not go gaga over it, as there is still a lot of work to be done.
“There is always the next game which comes to your mind. So, it’s not always possible to enjoy the moment. That’s how life is as you are always trying to get better. People may be tempted to go crazy with the recent rise in rankings and the results, but we cannot get carried away,” Constantine said.
“I don’t think it’s got to do anything with magic. It’s just a respect for my job and respect for my players, as much it’s the respect for the people around me. These are the key ingredients to any national team moving forward.
“Football team is never about one single person. I take responsibility when the team is not doing well and share the praise when the team is doing well. That’s how it is.” he added.
India were ranked 171 in the world when Constantine started his second stint with the Indian Football Team in February 2015.
“I was here some 10 years prior and at that time no one knew me. I have always had an emotional attachment with India. Having said that, 2015 was the first year after the Indian Super League was launched.
“I could foresee a change coming as Indian Football had itself decided that it needed to change. I felt that I could help them go forward. Luckily, Mr. (Praful) Patel also thought the same.”
