Welcome to the exciting world of Indian Super League! Tonight, we’ll delve into the intense battle for the top positions and the fight for the remaining spots in the playoffs. But before we get into the on-field action, there’s some off-field drama brewing at the AIFF that needs to be addressed.
Mohun Bagan Surges Under Habas’ Reign
The return of Antonio Lopez Habas, the most decorated coach in ISL history, has completely transformed Mohun Bagan. Remember their December slump with three consecutive losses and a quick exit from the AFC Cup? Those dark days seem like a distant memory under Habas’ leadership.
“He’s brought back the energy we were missing,” says Aramando Sadiku, one of Mohun Bagan’s key players. Habas has a personal score to settle, having lost both the ISL title and shield to Mumbai City before his previous departure in 2021. You can bet he’s determined to rewrite that story this time around.
So, what’s the secret sauce behind Habas’ success? It all boils down to balance. The return of Joni Kauko has been instrumental in solidifying both the attack and defense. Kauko’s influence in the midfield is undeniable, filling the void left by Carl McHugh’s departure. Let’s not forget the attacking firepower of Mohun Bagan – Jason Cummings, Dimitri Petratos, and Sadiku form a lethal trio, with all three players ranking in the top 10 scorers’ list. Their dominant performance against Kerala Blasters is a testament to their offensive prowess.
Foreign Influence and Financial Muscle
As Coach Carles Cuadrat of East Bengal rightly pointed out, foreign players can significantly impact an ISL team’s performance. Mohun Bagan exemplifies this perfectly. Their foreign contingent, coupled with the resurgent form of Indian regulars like Manvir Singh, has made them a formidable force on the field.
Habas’ approach is also a key factor. Unlike his predecessor, who emphasized possession-based control, Habas isn’t afraid to cede some possession to the opposition as long as his team scores goals. And their financial muscle allows them to keep players like Hugo Boumous on the bench, a luxury not many teams can afford.
The Fight for Playoffs: A Wide-Open Race
While the top positions are a tense battle between Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City, the remaining two playoff spots are wide open. Every team, except Hyderabad FC (who finally secured their first win) is still in contention. Kerala Blasters are in a strong position, needing just three points from their remaining games to book their place. Interestingly, even the newly promoted Punjab FC has a shot at making the playoffs, which would be a remarkable feat for a first-year team and potentially offer hope for Mohammedan Sporting, the dominant force in the I-League.
A Dampener on the Excitement: AFC Cup Disappointment and AIFF Drama
However, the overall ISL buzz is dampened by Odisha FC’s recent elimination from the AFC Cup. Historically, ISL teams haven’t fared well in Asia’s second-tier competition, with the inter-zonal semi-finals being the furthest they’ve reached. This pales in comparison to Bengaluru FC reaching the finals in 2016 or the earlier success of Dempo and East Bengal.
Furthermore, the drama brewing at the All India Football Federation (AIFF) casts a shadow on the exciting on-field developments. Just after giving president Kalyan Chaubey a clean chit, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) stepped in, demanding proof from AIFF’s former legal head who made serious allegations against Chaubey.
Broken Promises and Missed Opportunities
This situation stems from a broken promise. Chaubey assured national team coach Igor Stimac of a chartered flight to Abha in Saudi Arabia for a crucial match. Despite issuing a press release confirming this arrangement, the reality was far from ideal. The team ended up flying in separate flights, compromising training time and creating unnecessary stress for the players.
An AIFF executive committee member questioned Chaubey’s approach, suggesting it would have been better to discuss the feasibility of a chartered flight before making a public commitment. This isn’t the first time Chaubey has made promises his federation hasn’t kept. Last year, a media release announcing a partnership with Indigo raised eyebrows, only to be denied by the former legal head.
Looking Ahead: Balancing On-Field Brilliance with Off-Field Stability
As the ISL season reaches its climax, fans are treated to some enthralling football. The tight race for the top spots and the battle for the remaining playoff positions keep everyone on the edge of their seats. However, the off-field drama at the AIFF threatens to overshadow this excitement. The AFC’s intervention and the string of broken promises raise questions about transparency and leadership within the federation. These issues need to be addressed promptly to ensure a healthy and flourishing football ecosystem in India.
Here’s what we can hope for:
A Strong Conclusion to the ISL Season: We can expect a thrilling finish to the league stage, with both the top two and the remaining playoff spots still up for grabs. The upcoming matches will showcase the best of Indian football talent and hopefully leave fans exhilarated.
A Clear Resolution at the AIFF: Transparency and accountability are crucial for the AIFF to regain trust. A thorough investigation into the allegations and a clear communication strategy are necessary to move forward. The focus should be on supporting the national team and fostering the development of football in India.
Improved Representation in the AFC Cup: The recent AFC Cup performance highlights the need for a stronger showing from Indian clubs in continental competitions. Investing in infrastructure, player development, and strategic planning can lead to greater success in the future.
Indian football is on an upward trajectory, and the ISL plays a significant role in that progress. However, for this momentum to be sustained, a collaborative effort is required. The AIFF needs to address the off-field issues, clubs need to prioritize player development, and fans need to continue their unwavering support. With all stakeholders working together, Indian football can truly claim its rightful place on the global stage.
So, stay tuned for the final stretch of the ISL season – it promises to be a nail-biter! We’ll also keep a close eye on the developments at the AIFF, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes the growth of Indian football.
