Ranjith to players: Give your 100 percent

Chennai: The heat is on C.M. Ranjith. The Tamil Nadu Santosh Trophy coach admitted as much on the eve of his team’s first match of the south zone qualifiers against Kerala. “Playing was less stressful. There is more pressure on the coach these days,” he said.

Ranjith knew how to play. He was familiar with the Santosh Trophy. It was at Chennai’s Corporation ground, which gave way for the swanky Nehru Stadium in the 90s, Ranjith proved his mettle as a goal poacher supreme. Turning out for Kerala, the forward emerged a joint top scorer of the Santosh Trophy in 1984 with six goals.

Thirty years on, the SBI officer would only be prowling on the sidelines of what had once been his favourite hunting ground. He wouldn’t be able to intervene when his team needs a goal; he can only strain his vocal cords. Top players don’t turn successful coaches automatically because they become frustrated if their charges don’t play like them.

Ranjith said he would never be harsh on his players. “I will not criticise players for a genuine mistake. Anyone can cross the ball erratically. I missed so many sitters early in my career that some of them haven’t been forgotten by my team-mates. But I can’t put up with those who shirk work on the pitch or don’t do the job assigned to them. Everyone must give his 100%,” he added.

Ranjith, known to be a forthright coach, has made a few bold selections. For instance, he has picked only two forwards. His critics would be ready to pounce on him if Tamil Nadu struggle for goals. But Ranjith’s conviction is strong. “I have done my best in selection as well as the camp,” he said.

The main worry for the Tamil Nadu coach, though, is lack of match practice for his players. “After the CFA senior division league in January, 2013, there was no tournament in Chennai. Sitting idle for so long is not the best way to prepare for a tournament,” he added.

At the same time, Ranjith said his side could match any south zone team in skill. “Even Kerala don’t have a talent like our player Sudhakar. I’m hoping for a good start on Sunday. If we don’t concede a goal in the first 20 minutes against Kerala, I’m sure we will grow in confidence. Another crucial thing for our players is to play their natural game,” he said.