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Molina crucial to ATK’s shot-stopper puzzle
KOLKATA: The only time an international goalkeeper managed an ISL team was in 2014 and David James took Kerala Blasters to the final.
KOLKATA: The only time an international goalkeeper managed an ISL team was in 2014 and David James took Kerala Blasters to the final.
Atletico de Kolkata’s Jose Molina, who has played nine times as goalkeeper for Spain and 189 games for Atletico Madrid, almost echoed former Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi who once said he didn’t know that to be a good jockey, you first needed to be a horse. After ending the first three answers with variations of hoping for a winning start, Molina, 46, said it didn’t matter as a coach whether one had been a striker or a shot-stopper. “I learnt a lot when I was a player and I am trying to teach some of that. I think, no, I am sure that I have prepared well for my role (as a coach),” said Molina.
International goalies usually take charge of goalkeepers at a club or the national team after retirement. Or, become pundits or football administrators. This season, there isn’t a team in the Premiership, La Liga, Serie A and Bundesliga helmed by a former international goalie.
For the third season, ATK will have new goalies and a lot could hinge on whether Molina’s experience helps him choose the right man for the job. Should Molina opt for Mohun Bagan’s Debjit Majumder, he can play an extra foreigner in the outfield. But with injured central midfielder Otentse Nato doubtful, Molina may use an Indian next to skipper Borja Fernandez as defensive midfielders and opt for Spanish goalie Dani Mallo, 37, because Majumdar played only 129 minutes for Mumbai City FC in ISL2.
ATK will also have to adjust to the pitch, going into their opener with only one training session there. Speaking after Molina, Chennaiyin FC coach Marco Materazzi, who trained there on Saturday morning, said he was happy with the ground. Defender Dhanachandra Singh is doubtful due to injury while Italian striker Davide Succi is suspended.
NORTHEAST WIN OPENER
GUWAHATI: NorthEast United FC rode on Katusumi Yusa’s 55th minute goal as they edged past Kerala Blasters 1-0 in the first game of the Hero Indian Super League’s third edition.
