JOIN USIndian coach Stephen Constantine on Wednesday named Arnab Mondal as the captain of the national side for the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup Group D qualifier against Oman to be played at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Thursday.
Addressing the media during the pre-match press meet, the Englishman said that he was looking for a person who can be his ‘carbon copy’ on the field. “He (the captain) needs to be a carbon copy of myself in terms of attitude, work ethic, fighting spirit and discipline. Those things are of paramount importance when I look for a captain,” said the 53-year-old.
“I want somebody on the pitch who would do and say what I would say if I was on the pitch. You want somebody that you respect and we have four such individuals in the side at this point. I respect them all immensely and I think they have all given and are going to give the Indian football a lot. I want the players to take ownership. It’s their team as much as mine. It’s about them and the players need to understand that they will be held accountable and responsible as much as I will be,” he added.
Mondal, who plays for East Bengal in the I-League, will take the captain’s armband from goalkeeper Subrata Pal who has had a difficult time under the bar for his league side Salgaocar FC.
The 25-year-old East Bengal defender made his international debut against Tajikistan in September 2013. He has played 12 internationals.