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Time of India
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Chhetri's return bad news for Indian football: Venkatesh
Venkatesh Shanmugam CHENNAI: Back in 2005, as the India captain, Venkatesh Shanmugam had urged a fading senior to step aside so that an eager 20-year-old Sunil Chhetri could get his chance. It was a bold call then. And now, with Chhetri stepping back onto the international stage after 'retirement', Venkatesh voices a deep-seated disappointment. The man who once cleared the path for Chhetri is left wondering why Indian football isn't doing the same for those waiting in the wings. 'Two decades ago, I told a senior player to hang up his boots so a young Sunil Chhetri could rise,' Venkatesh, who is currently the technical director at FC Madras, told TOI. 'But now, Chhetri breaking his retirement to come back is bad news for Indian football. It's demotivating for all the young players. I'm not blaming Chhetri. He will play only one or two matches. But if you bring a youngster and back him now, he will give 10 years. 'Indirectly, we are sending a message to everyone that we don't have players. We are seeing that a lot of grassroots programme have come and there are a lot of tournaments. Still, we are depending on the 40-year-old striker?' Venkatesh, a former assistant coach of the India senior team, didn't mince words on the chaos surrounding head coach Manolo Marquez, who had a dual role while coaching FC Goa and the national team. 'We are going 20 years back,' the star midfield of his time bluntly said. 'We have done this before. We failed when Armando Colaco was coach for both Dempo and the national team (in 2011). We have to bring a permanent coach. I respect all the coaches, including Manolo. But which coach will think about Indian football and take risks for it? That's a big question.' Venkatesh, who holds an AFC Pro Licence, explained the differences between coaching a club and steering a national team and how each demands a separate mindset and level of commitment. 'Thanks to the ISL (Indian Super League), they brought a lot of attention to football in India. But when you play in the ISL, the Indian players will play only against four foreigners. When we go for international games, you have to face eleven foreigners. The temperament is completely different. You can't compare ISL and international football. Tomorrow, if you play against a team like Korea, you need solid preparation. It's true Manolo has done well as an ISL coach and that's why AIFF thought he knew Indian football well. But international football is something different,' said Venkatesh. So, what's the way forward? For Venkatesh, it starts with looking beyond the obvious. 'I feel this is high time that Indian football bosses think seriously about building a second layer. There has to be a Team 'A' and a Team 'B'. Fill Team B with young players, give them time and space to grow. The only thing that separates a star from the rest is opportunity. And when there's pressure for places in the first team, it naturally brings out the best in players,' the 46-year-old said. Venkatesh is optimistic about the current bunch of Indian players. 'I can see that the current Indian players, in terms of technique and physicality, are very strong. If you see all the players, all the positions, you can see aggression. Indian football is more aggressive now,' said Venkatesh. Venkatesh also pointed out that there is a lack of a proper bridge between youth and senior levels. 'I feel we should concentrate more on the under-21 category, then only you will get a strong core for the future. There's a big gap post the under-19 level. Players are jumping straight into the senior team without proper progression. The under-21 level is the backbone of Indian football,' he said. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
CAF
14-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Farid Benstiti: 'What I do for Algeria is also a tribute to my father'
• For Farid Benstiti, coaching Algeria is about honouring his roots • The tactician is focused on building a united and competitive squad, blending local talent with dual nationals • He emphasises mental discipline and team cohesion to guide the long-term development of the team Farid Benstiti is preparing to lead Algeria into his very first TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Algeria is not just another national team to him, it is part of his identity. A land of memory, heritage, and family ties. Becoming head coach of the national team was not just a professional decision; it was a natural return to his roots. 'I've always said that one day I needed to give something back to Algeria, as a tribute to my father, my parents, and my family,' he reflects. Behind the impressive resume lies a man deeply connected to his heritage shaped by what's been passed down silently, generation after generation. 'This flag on my chest represents my entire family. Algeria is written into my DNA, and into that of my children.' By taking this role, Benstiti didn't just accept a coaching job. He committed himself fully to a project built on discipline, trust, and respect. He's determined to help this team grow, grounded in values like humility, hard work, and openness. In this interview with the Algeria coach opens up about the deeper reasons behind his commitment, his vision for the team, and the powerful bond he shares with Algeria a bond woven from memory, identity, and the challenges that lie ahead on the continental stage. Coach, you've had a remarkable career. What still drives you after all these years on the sidelines? Farid Benstiti: Quite simply, it's my passion for football. Whether it's the men's or women's game, football has always been a part of me. Football made me who I am today. Someone once asked me, 'Why are you still doing this? Don't you want to try something new?' And I replied, 'How can I do something else when I've become almost an expert in this field since my playing days?' Even if I had other options, this is what I know best. You've coached at clubs like Olympique Lyonnais, Paris Saint-Germain, and Reign FC in the United States. Why choose Algeria now? When I left the U.S. I wanted to complete my UEFA Pro Licence. I'd worked non-stop for years and never had time to go back and update my qualifications. When I returned to France, Bordeaux reached out. But because I'd spent so long abroad, I had to have my diplomas reassessed, and it didn't work out. Patrice Lair ended up taking that role. I had great ideas for Bordeaux, it matched my mentality. I've always been selective about the projects I take on. I spent over a year finishing my UEFA Pro. I received a few offers, but didn't want to go too far from France or my family. Then Algeria called. There was a real development plan for the national team a clear desire to professionalise things. What convinced me was also personal. I'd always told myself that one day, I'd repay Algeria for what my parents gave. My father worked hard for this country. This is my way of honouring that. That Algerian flag on your chest — what does it represent to you? It means everything. Algeria is the story of my whole family: great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, cousins… It's historical, cultural, traditional, spiritual. It's in my blood and my children's too. As dual nationals, we know what our parents gave up crossing the Mediterranean. And we know that our heritage starts with the soil of Algeria. You've grown up between two cultures. Has that influenced the way you manage multicultural squads? I've never imposed anything. I've never arrived anywhere like a conqueror. I always come in with humility, aiming to understand first. Whether I was in China, Russia or the U.S., I always made the effort to understand the people, the culture, the way of life. I never wanted to show up as a bossy outsider. There's a level of respect you owe the people who welcome you, who pay you, who trust you with their teams. The key question is: how do you create unity between local players, dual nationals, and staff? You do it by never treating one group as more important than another. Is your mission in Algeria about preparing for the upcoming WAFCON — or building something long-term? We've long underestimated our potential. The hardest part was convincing top-level players like Ghoutia Karchouni, Marine Dafeur, Chloé N'Gazi, Inès Belloumou, and Lina wasn't enough to say, 'Come, it's an honour.' Of course, it is an honour. But for this generation, that's not enough. They need a real project. I couldn't just sell them a dream. I had to show them what kind of team we want to build, the objectives, the vision. And I believe they don't regret joining us. We're not heading to WAFCON as favourites. I told a journalist that we're 'outsiders with a plus.' You are in Group B with Nigeria, Tunisia, and Botswana. Your thoughts? Nigeria are the benchmark. I had the pleasure of working with Asisat Oshoala in China she's a friend now. Nigeria aren't just Africa's best; they're among the top 10 in the world. Botswana impressed me at the 2022 WAFCON. They're solid, well organised. If we're not disciplined, we'll struggle. African coaches are improving every year. Tunisia are similar - disciplined, technical. In this group, I believe the most mentally resilient team will make the quarterfinals. Have you implemented any specific mental preparation with your team? People often ask about mental coaches. For me, the best mental coach is the head coach with his staff. Mental preparation doesn't happen in the moment. I've been mentally preparing these players for two and a half years through tactical discipline, technical work, and a constant drive to improve. Every session, every conversation, every minute is a chance to build mental strength so that our players feel focused, fulfilled, and ready. Is the pressure different in international football compared to club management? When there's a big objective a WAFCON, a final, a Champions League the pressure is always the same. But in club football, you've got time. Over a full season, you can correct early mistakes. With national teams, it's all or nothing. Qualification is often harder than the tournament itself. One mistake, and it's over. Most importantly, I want us to savour this moment. We might not remember the exact scorelines years from now, but we'll never forget what we shared. Finally, what message would you give to a young African girl dreaming of becoming a footballer? I would say: dreams are valid, and you must hold on tight to them. Be the best you can be because sometimes, that's the only way to stand out. And I'd say it's essential that we support all young African girls who have stars in their eyes. We must create the conditions for them to express their passion. Above all, let's take care of our daughters. Let's support them at every step of their journey. Football may just be one part of their life but it's a precious part.
BBC News
03-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'I'll fulfil any role Larne want me to do'
Larne head coach Gary Haveron says he will be happy to fulfil whatever role the club want him to do in the was elevated to the top job from his previous position as part of the backroom coaching staff at the Irish Premiership club in mid-December after newly appointed manager Nathan Rooney switched to become head of football because he did not possess a Uefa Pro has since successfully enrolled to undergo his Pro Licence training and is expected to resume his place as manager of the Invermen in the future."I'm more than happy to fulfil any role that Larne Football Club want me to fulfil," said Haveron."It's maybe difficult when you have to make tough awkward decisions [as head coach] but that comes part and parcel with the job."Nathan is obviously on the Pro Licence and I hope it all goes according to plan with him and I'll do whatever role Larne FC want me to do."Larne's domestic season to date has seen them lose to Glentoran in the County Antrim Shield final, exit the BetMcLean Cup at the semi-final stage to eventual winners Cliftonville and suffer a disappointing Irish Cup fifth-round defeat to Limavady European exploits in qualifying for the league phase of the Uefa Conference League have hindered their domestic progress as they have been forced to play catch-up with their Premiership failing to mount a significant challenge for a third successive Irish League title however, the east Antrim outfit remain well in contention for the runner-up spot which would secure automatic European qualification for next seasonHaveron's side are two points behind second-placed Glentoran with four rounds of matches still to play."This season has been full of positives. So many people have written us off over the course of the season and we still find ourselves in the mix for second place in the league," added Haveron, whose side are away to Crusaders on Saturday."Some people are saying it's been a disastrous season for Larne and we maybe didn't put enough pressure on Linfield, but we had so many games to catch up on it obviously ended up being detrimental to us."At the same time our season, if you offered it to any other team in the Irish League, they would have taken it."
The Independent
18-02-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Next Swansea manager odds: Buckingham wanted in Wales
Des Buckingham has only been out of work since December but he is the favourite to replace Luke Williams as manager of Swansea City. The former Notts County manager was sacked by the Championship side on Monday after a 3-1 defeat by Stoke City left them 17th in the Championship table. Despite sitting eight points above the relegation zone, after losing seven of their last nine games the Swans board acted now to prevent that points gap closing. Football betting sites make Buckingham the even-money favourite ahead of caretaker boss Alan Sheehan and former Swans boss Russell Martin. Buckingham was sacked by Oxford United before Christmas after 13 months in charge of the U's, a decision many felt was a harsh one after he guided them back into the Championship for the first time in 25 years. He led them to promotion from League One via a play-off final victory at the end of last season but left the club one point clear of the relegation zone. He previously coached at Stoke City, Wellington Phoenix and the New Zealand U20s and U23s before taking charge of Mumbai City in the Indian Super League. He won the Indian league in February 2023 after an 18-match unbeaten run and was voted Coach of the Year by the Indian Players Football Association. Easy option with Sheehan? Alan Sheehan is second favourite with betting sites, after being placed in charge on an interim basis, for the second time. He will work alongside coach Kristian O'Leary and goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson, ahead of Saturday's home game with Blackburn Rovers. The decision was not a popular one though with many Swans fans despite him winning three of his seven games in charge last time around, when he took charge after Michael Duff left the club. The former Luton Town and Southampton coach has his Pro Licence and has been linked with a range of jobs over the last 12 months. Martin to return? Russell Martin left Swansea in 2023, to join Southampton so it's easy to see why bookmakers would have him amongst the favourites for the role. He only left St Mary's in December so whether he is ready for a return to action yet remains to be seen as does whether he would see the move as a backward step after managing in the Premier League – albeit not very successfully. He took charge of the Swans 99 times, winning 36 games and losing the same amount as he led them to 15th and 10th place finishes. England duo in the reckoning Ryan Lowe and Rob Edwards have been linked with every job going since they left Preston North End and Luton Town respectively. Lowe might be a good move, after all, he knows the division well after three years with Preston and he also has managerial experience at Bury and Plymouth Argyle. Edwards is a former Wales international but would come to south Wales having only recently been sacked by the team that now occupy the division's bottom spot. Two outsiders in the market are former England internationals Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney, who might have a tough job convincing the Welsh fan base that they are the right people for the job. Gerrard, who is 20/1 to take over, is unemployed after leaving Saudi club Al-Ettifaq at the end of last month. He is also 10/1 for the Blackburn job after manager John Eustace left to take over at Derby and also fancied to re-take the Rangers job if under-pressure incumbent Philippe Clement does finally get the boot. After two years in Saudi, he might prefer a club closer to home or even a break from the rigours of management. Rooney is another name on betting apps at 33/1, but just like Edwards he was sacked by a team below Swansea so is unlikely to be seen as an improvement. Please gamble responsibly When having a bet, it's vital to practice responsible gambling. Betting can be addictive and it's important to stay in control of your betting. Never treat gambling as a way to make money, never bet more than you can afford and when the fun stops, stop. Gambling sites offer punters tools, like deposit limits, profit and loss trackers and self-exclusion options, to help them stay in control. But if you ever feel like you need help or advice on gambling addiction, don't hesitate to contact one of the charities or organisations below.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Next Swansea manager odds: Buckingham wanted in Wales
Des Buckingham has only been out of work since December but he is the favourite to replace Luke Williams as manager of Swansea City. The former Notts County manager was sacked by the Championship side on Monday after a 3-1 defeat by Stoke City left them 17th in the Championship table. Despite sitting eight points above the relegation zone, after losing seven of their last nine games the Swans board acted now to prevent that points gap closing. Football betting sites make Buckingham the even-money favourite ahead of caretaker boss Alan Sheehan and former Swans boss Russell Martin. Manager Best odds Bookmaker Des Buckingham 1/1 BetVictor Alan Sheehan 6/1 Betano Russell Martin 8/1 Parimatch Ryan Lowe 12/1 BetVictor Rob Edwards 12/1 TalkSport Bet Alan Tate 12/1 BetVictor Gary O'Neill 14/1 BetVictor Steven Gerrard 20/1 TalkSport Bet Wayne Rooney 33/1 Parimatch Buckingham was sacked by Oxford United before Christmas after 13 months in charge of the U's, a decision many felt was a harsh one after he guided them back into the Championship for the first time in 25 years. He led them to promotion from League One via a play-off final victory at the end of last season but left the club one point clear of the relegation zone. He previously coached at Stoke City, Wellington Phoenix and the New Zealand U20s and U23s before taking charge of Mumbai City in the Indian Super League. He won the Indian league in February 2023 after an 18-match unbeaten run and was voted Coach of the Year by the Indian Players Football Association. Alan Sheehan is second favourite with betting sites, after being placed in charge on an interim basis, for the second time. He will work alongside coach Kristian O'Leary and goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson, ahead of Saturday's home game with Blackburn Rovers. The decision was not a popular one though with many Swans fans despite him winning three of his seven games in charge last time around, when he took charge after Michael Duff left the club. The former Luton Town and Southampton coach has his Pro Licence and has been linked with a range of jobs over the last 12 months. Russell Martin left Swansea in 2023, to join Southampton so it's easy to see why bookmakers would have him amongst the favourites for the role. He only left St Mary's in December so whether he is ready for a return to action yet remains to be seen as does whether he would see the move as a backward step after managing in the Premier League – albeit not very successfully. He took charge of the Swans 99 times, winning 36 games and losing the same amount as he led them to 15th and 10th place finishes. Ryan Lowe and Rob Edwards have been linked with every job going since they left Preston North End and Luton Town respectively. Lowe might be a good move, after all, he knows the division well after three years with Preston and he also has managerial experience at Bury and Plymouth Argyle. Edwards is a former Wales international but would come to south Wales having only recently been sacked by the team that now occupy the division's bottom spot. Two outsiders in the market are former England internationals Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney, who might have a tough job convincing the Welsh fan base that they are the right people for the job. Gerrard, who is 20/1 to take over, is unemployed after leaving Saudi club Al-Ettifaq at the end of last month. He is also 10/1 for the Blackburn job after manager John Eustace left to take over at Derby and also fancied to re-take the Rangers job if under-pressure incumbent Philippe Clement does finally get the boot. After two years in Saudi, he might prefer a club closer to home or even a break from the rigours of management. Rooney is another name on betting apps at 33/1, but just like Edwards he was sacked by a team below Swansea so is unlikely to be seen as an improvement. When having a bet, it's vital to practice responsible gambling. Betting can be addictive and it's important to stay in control of your betting. Never treat gambling as a way to make money, never bet more than you can afford and when the fun stops, stop. Gambling sites offer punters tools, like deposit limits, profit and loss trackers and self-exclusion options, to help them stay in control. But if you ever feel like you need help or advice on gambling addiction, don't hesitate to contact one of the charities or organisations below. NHS Help GambleAware Gamblers Anonymous We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
