After leading Mohun Bagan to their first title this season by winning the local Kolkata league, Coach Karim Bencherifa speaks on the same and the upcoming I-League.
How would you summarize your time with Mohun Bagan so far?
Karim: It has been a wonderful time, things were smooth; healthy environment and working atmosphere is based on respect and professionalism and that is exactly what’s happening around the club. Also I enjoy my working time on daily basis with the wonderful players not only as professionals but as good human being.
Did you expect at the start of your new tenure to win the Kolkata League? Or has it surprised you?
Karim: From the start I had no doubt that we will be among the top sides and we will compete for the championship. On the other hand when I accepted the challenge to coach Mohun Bagan, I knew I am in a result orientated club which mean all is done to be number one and anything below that isn’t accepted.
As a foreigner, what do you make of the passion surrounding the Kolkata derby against East Bengal, or what they call as the 'BIG Match'?
Karim: It is simply amazing! The passion, the love of the game, the build up day before the match... its unique, its 'tasty' and ‘spicy’! I was involved in two derbies and I enjoyed both of them especially that we won the first one and we got the league in the second.
How different has your time been so far from the one spent at Churchill Brothers?
Karim: Football is the same everywhere but the working environment is different, each club has its own culture so it is very much different in the sense of set up and functioning. But from my position as a coach I enjoyed my work in both clubs; both set of players are wonderful and quality, both club's officials did support me and took care of me so no complain what so ever.
If I ask you to pick some of the best teams you had to face from the Kolkata League they would be…
Karim: We had many tough games; East Bengal with the top quality players they have, Mohammedan with their attacking fire power. The team that impressed me most is George Telegraph; very fit, organized and play quality football.
Last year too Mohun Bagan won the Kolkata League but when on to perform poorly at the start of the I-League. What are your plans to avoid the tumble?
Karim: We cant compare as there is a different set of players with different ambitions, we have a lot of youngsters who are hungry to prove and the likes of Bhaichung and Baretto are more exited than ever for success, so we have enough ingredients to perform. The team will have two days rest following which we head to Jamshedpur for a camp till September 21st. We will do the final preparation in our home ground at Mohun Bagan club.
Injuries have enshrouded the big teams in Kolkata this summer. Any Players crocked right now?
Karim: Kolkata league took its toll on the players - the harsh weather, heavy grounds and tight schedule of games did harm badly many players, and we paid also the price for that by having many players suffering different kind of injuries. One of the objectives of the camp that I schedule next week is to recover all the injured players to be fully fit at the start of the I-league.
It seems that you have been able to use the 'magic wand' at Mohun Bagan as well as you did at Churchill Brothers. What's the secret?
Karim: You know only hard work make the 'magic wand' and only hard work give more luck... but as I always repeat that there no secret, only good communication between all parties involved in a club, respect, professionalism and hard work. But most credit should go to the players of both teams for the honest effort to help the clubs to glory.
Kolkata is known to have a history of officials who interfere in the team selection. Did you encounter this?
Karim: During my career, I built a reputation based on respect of the official’s good working relationship with players and a professional collaboration with the media. My contract with Churchill Brothers as well as Mohun Bagan was based on the sense that I took full responsibility of the team on the field (selection, tactics, choices, scheduling...). My job is based on principals. I know where my responsibilities start and where it ends. This does not mean that I have a closed mind minded as I am always open to discussions with my staff and any idea that I see beneficial for the team is incorporated. I take it and the final decisions in the technical area of the club are mine.
Any advice for the Kolkata fans who have recently indulged in violence...
Karim: All what I have to say is the Kolkata fans, in general, are wonderful as they support their team with style. Of course as everywhere there is a small section that goes over the limit sometimes and it has to stop. Indian football is improving on and off the field and the fans have to follow, for this you need volunteers to start organizing and educating the fans through fan associations and meetings so the cheer will be more colourful and united. It would also avoid any nonsense activity.
