Getting to the root of it

Celtic FC is synonymous with football in Scotland. The Old Firm Derby between two of the biggest clubs in Britain -- Celtic and Glasgow Rangers -- is an epochal part of European football. The Bhoys, as they are known, were the first British team to win the European Cup – now the European Champions League – and have one of the biggest fan followings in the world.

So, when three coaches from Celtic showed up for a coaching programme for the Mahindra Youth Football Challenge, it was obvious that the visibly happy kids, going under their tutelage, were going to be in good hands. Mark Reid (Senior Football Development Officer and Youth Academy Coach), Chris Hendry (Football Development Officer) and Robert Glen (Academy Goalkeeping Coach) took some time out to speak to Deccan Herald. Excerpts…

They say grassroots is the way to go with countries like India. Do you agree with that and what has been your experience so far in terms of talent at grassroots level here?
Reid: I have coached in so many countries around the world and what has struck me each and every time is that each country is different. So you have to go about with your coaching by adjusting to the country you are in. In Japan it is different from Australia or as it is different in North America compared to India. But I will say this, (working at) grassroots is essential for any country to prosper in any sport, particularly so in football.

Because it is such a team-oriented game. From what I have seen so far, talent here is pretty good. The kids are quick to pick up the philosophies that we bring in and you can see there is an immediate change in the way they think about football.

But is a period of just one month enough to make a difference?

Reid: We are not here to change the landscape of Indian football. We are here to contribute in whatever way possible and help a little in the progress (of the game). I agree that it is a short period. But what we are looking at is that the philosophies that we have put together will hopefully be carried on after we have left. We have made sure that we coach the coaches so that they can carry forward what we have been doing in the time we are here.

What is the difference that you have seen here in India compared to other countries?

Glen: We all know cricket is the number one sport in the country. So football has a long way to go to catch up with cricket in terms of visibility and the number of kids playing the game on the streets. I remember it was in many ways similar in Australia. Football was way below cricket, rugby and Australian Rules football. Initially that was a problem. But the difference between India and Australia is that the kids in that country had someone to look up to. Someone like a Tim Cahill or a Harry Kewell who are playing in big leagues in Europe. That is something that is missing here. It helps when you have someone to look up to, it immediately gives kids the motivation to do well.


A well known coach recently said that for India to be successful in international football, they need to look at physically bigger players. What is your take on that?

Hendry: I don’t agree with that at all. Each footballing country has their own culture. Look at Brazil, you do not associate them with big players and they are the most successful team. Among Asian teams, Japan has small-built players but they are an outstanding footballing side. In Japan, right from when the baby is out of the womb, the kid is taught technique, technique and technique. So it is just a matter of finding the right balance and making sure that you play to your strengths and not worry about anything else.

Glen: Just to add to that. Look at Barcelona, they have small, tiny players and they are the best side in the world. In the English Premier League, for instance, Chelsea are big on the physical side and use their power and strength to good effect. But you also have a team like Arsenal who are a small side, but they play the best football in the country. What is needed in India is technique. If you have good technique, then the rest of it can be made up with hard work. And add that with good coaching, then you are guaranteed to move forward.