ISL: Del Piero in spotlight as Mumbai welcome capital city

Mumbai: “Hey, come here, this side,” he addressed a bunch of youngsters while holding the ball up on his toe. He is used to spectator-less floodlit stadiums – a day before the match – around the globe, but here on Tuesday, it was different.

When the 5 foot 8 inch man embarked on training at the DY Patil Stadium, he was startled to spot people waiting to catch his glimpse. Alessandro Del Piero is indeed in India – the marquee player for Delhi Dynamos in the Indian Super League (ISL). In a sleeveless orange jersey, camouflaged with the other boys, the Italian legend did not have his chin up or wings stretched.

The game here on Wednesday could be one of those best-sellers in the celebrity-loaded tournament. Fans are already labeling it as a battle between Serie A and English Premier League. Why? Del Piero’s 19-year-old glorious career with Juventus and Nicolas Anelka’s stint with numerous English clubs is the answer.

(Photo: AP)

However, Delhi coach Harm van Veldhoven said: “Delhi is a team which likes to play football. But I know Mumbai did well the other night. So, we are expecting a good contest.”

"It's my duty to take care of the players. Everyone wants to play but that is not possible. A plan is needed and I have to judge what is best for the team," he added when asked about the tight schedule of the tournament and shuffling of footballers.

When told that the two cities are kind of arch-rivals in any sport, as both have produced good cricketers, footballers, hockey players, Veldhoven said: “Really? That further adds to my excitement now.”

Del Piero is a man of few words, or maybe saving his lexis for the last. “I will tell you what I feel about the tournament towards the end. It is too early to say that,” he said.

“No, you cannot compare this to Juventus or Sydney FC. However, I think I am repeating myself, I will tell you what I feel later. As of now, we need to focus on every game,” added the 39-year-old.

On the other hand, Mumbai captain Syed Rahim Nabi believes the added pressure from fans led to the team’s inconsistency. “People started expecting a lot from of us. We were being called the best team in ISL. That itself creates a lot of pressure,” he said.

“Football is a mental game, at this stage of the tournament, anybody can reach the top four,” he added.

Talking about Del Piero and Anelka, the 28-year-old said: “Del Piero has been a role model for all of us. Yes, he is old now, but I am sure that even now if he has the ball in a certain advantageous position, he will find the net. One cannot write off legends because they are old. We have to be very cautious with him. In our team, Anelka is slowly fitting the cut, he is finding his rhythm. That is a good sign for us.”

Apart from Fredrik Ljungberg, all Mumbai players are fit and an unchanged line-up can be expected. For Delhi, Hans Mulder is doubtful.