Punjab FC head coach Curtis Fleming predicts rise of Indian football

CHANDIGARH: Punjab FC head coach

Curtis Fleming

, who tackled both Irish racism and the roughs and tumbles of English football and coaching career in life, is excited about his team's shape-up for the

I-League

.

The former Middlesbrough and Ireland defender emerged from a challenging upbringing to carve out a career across the waters. Famous for the statement 'My mum said, sorry but you are black', he secured a dream move to England at 22, made his Ireland debut at 27, and after more than 10 years in assistant and caretaker coaching roles, is managing Punjab FC at 51. In a chat with TOI about his new team and managerial career, Fleming also predicted the rise of Indian football.

Excerpts:

How has it been, so far, with the club?

Terrific, gratifying to be back on the grass and out training. I visited the club last season to educate myself a little bit about the league and its players.

How are the preparations for the I-League's coming season and what are your expectations?

We are acclimatising, getting the Covid-19 tests done, which is part of the new normal. Apart from it, we are settling into our fitness and practice routines. So far, it's a calm build-up to January, as we don't need to be flying now. I need an injury-free squad for the tournament. We're a new club, a new entity, who must start with small steps towards future success. We should learn as much as we can and be competitive.

Every coach has a different philosophy. Tell us about yours

I like attractive, solid football.

What kind of football can we expect from Punjab FC this season?

We want to play from the back, and with intensity. I want my players to enjoy and express themselves.

Tell us about your coaching stints in England and its lessons?

I've had a long career in coaching, and was lucky to be associated with some excellent clubs. I have learned to trade and be comfortable in my skin. I want to coach a first-level team. I have coached Queens Park Rangers, Crystal Palace, Middlesborough, and worked with talented players such as

Wilfried Zaha

and Adama Traore in the Premier League, which taught me what I want to do and the style I want my team to pick. My outstanding coaches included Terry Venables (England and Barcelona), Stephen McClaren, Ian Holloway, and Tony Pulis.

How has your Ireland and Premier League experience helped you as a coach?

Being a player and a coach are different things. When you're a player, it's about staying ready to play, while as a coach, you've got 30 people to prepare. The good players I see I add to my coaching style. Sometimes you have to take time, engage where you want to be, what you want to do, and where you want to coach. When this opportunity came up, I accepted it for Punjab FC's future vision, of building a successful club in six years.

It's your first stint as a head coach outside Britain? Why did you pick India?

I am just so excited. Football in India is only going one way-up. It's going to go through the roof, and I'm just happy to be on the roller coasters.