Mumbai: The football calendar in the country has come under much scrutiny for its improper schedule from many veterans including India coach Stephen Constantine.
Goalkeeper and former skipper of the Indian football team Subrata Paul is an unhappy man, thanks to the hectic schedule on the pitch that has kept the 29-year-old on his toes for the past four years without a day’s rest.
“The schedule is very hectic for players. You have ISL (Indian Super League), I-League, Santosh Trophy, Durand Cup and many other tournaments. If I’ve finished I-League, I join the ISL. After I finish that then I go for the national camp, the schedule is very tight,” Subrata said, in an exclusive chat with this correspondent, on the sidelines of a Red Bull Winning 5 event, here on Thursday.
The Indian custodian pleaded the AIFF to structure a proper calendar.
“To play around 60-70 matches in a year is very difficult for the players because we are also human beings and need time to rest,” Subrata, who now features for new entrants DSK Shivajians, in the ongoing I-League added.
Subrata tied the knot with Debasmita, who incidentally also happens to be his mentor, former Indian goalkeeper Debashish Mukherjee’s daughter. The couple have been married for four years, and with Valentine’s Day approaching, it won’t be a happy one for them.
“I haven’t had any family time. Valentine’s Day is approaching and I’ll be playing football. But I really thank my wife, she has been very understanding,” Subrata, who will feature for DSK Shivajians in their next encounter against Salgaocar on February 14, elucidated.
The former East Bengal keeper, who had a fantastic season last year with ISL side Mumbai City FC with 40 saves said critics cannot compare Indian footballers with their foreign counterparts, specially with the existing conditions players are equipped with.
“And in India, the weather also is not favourable to play football. If you want to compare us to other European players, I do agree they play two matches a week, but look at what facilities they are getting, then compare us with them. They are playing matches are 7.30 pm or 8 pm where the weather is very good and the atmosphere also is great,” Subrata, who was voted the best goalkeeper in I-League in 2007, said.
According to Subrata, ISL has done a whole lot of good for Indian football and he would like to see India have one primary football league.
“In the ISL players are looked after well, they have proper schedules, good grounds, coaches and all matches are at 7 pm which attracts good crowds, that’s why you see players performing.
“Merge I-League and ISL, make it 15 teams, 10 month-season and follow FIFA rules. It will be good for Indian football. I can play for the country and the club. When I played for the World Cup qualifiers (last year), I missed two matches in the ISL. I don’t want to miss any matches for my club because the club is paying me and country is my pride,” he said.
