Exclusive: Interview with Michael Chopra
1)First of all, thanks for the interview. Can we expect to see Michael back in India anytime soon?
I’ll be coming to India in July as I have made a lot friends there and it will be great to catch up. I’ll also be speaking to some of the club owners.
2)You came very close to winning the league with Kerala Blasters in the inaugural season. How disappointing it must be for you and the rest of the squad?
I was devastated as I came within an inch of winning the trophy with Kerala Blasters. Still to this day I don’t know how their goalkeeper made that save.
3) How demanding is the Indian Super League physically? The league will be longer in the second season that should be a relief for the players?
I would not say it was too demanding as we had a squad of 28/29 players so it gave everyone a chance to play some football, and I believe it’s how you use the squad that matters.
4) Do you think Indian players have got what it takes to play in the European leagues?
Yes, when I first joined the squad we had players who were not committed as they should be, but after a couple of weeks you could see their effort and work rate they put in to make themselves better. There were some great players in the Indian Super League, and they need to just believe in themselves.
5) Do you think more European footballers would want to come to India after the success Indian Super League had in the first season?
Yes, definitely the Indian Super League was a huge success, and you just need to look at the names it attracted last year. The players want to come back this year.
6) The Indian national side recently lost to Guam in the World Cup qualifiers. What do you think made the difference?
I think the main difference was quality. I watched them play against Oman, and it was a totally different team against Guam. The players have a chance to make history by getting Indian to a World Cup, and I think many of them didn’t play to their potential.
7) Most of the Indian players are playing the I-league, do you think it’s one of the major reasons why the national side is not doing well? The lack of experience playing abroad is hurting the team?
I think there are many reasons why the national team is not doing well and yes one of the reasons is the I-league. The players are used to a standard of football they’re playing, and some of them need to come out of their comfort zone. You saw in the Indian Super League the Indian players had to raise their game and to be fair to them they did.
8) What would be your advice for Indian footballers to get better offers from abroad?
I think if they get an offer they should accept it as they might not get it again. That’s when they will test themselves to see how good they are.
9) There is no quick fix in football, but what are the immediate steps AIFF should take to improve Indian football?
I think the main thing is the facilities. In cricket India are one of the best in the world, and I believe they can do the same in football. There is no football facilities in India, and it all needs to change. With the Indian Super League it’s changing, but it’s not quick enough.
10) We saw a lot of American born players representing Guam and have played in the leagues in US. Do you think Indian origin players like you should be allowed to represent the national side?
Yes, everyone knows my views on this and if the government wants Indian football to grow they should change the rules. They have started Indian Super League to improve football in India, and if they can change the rules to allow OCI and POI card holders, it will only help to improve Indian football. The government needs to show the same desire that players like myself are showing to play for India.