Akbar Nawas: Many local lads will make it to national team next season

The Chennai City FC head coach is currently stuck in India due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Chennai City FC’s Singaporean coach Akbar Nawas has been unable to move out of India due to the nationwide lockdown. However, he is not anxious about the current situation and instead is using his time productively. The coach is reading, analyzing the game and also sharing tips with his players through video calls.

Speaking to PTI, Akbar Nawas said, “It is tough not being with the family, but I have to make best use of my time and not think too much on the current situation. I hope to join my family soon. My club, the Singaporean consulate in Chennai and the e-FRRO office are assisting me on this."

Nawas has been fairly successful with the Chennai-based club, having taken over the reigns in March 2018. Thereafter, he led the team to a title victory in the 2018-19 I-League season. This time around though, they are placed seventh in the points table with 21 points from 16 matches. The coach further elaborated on how he is spending time during this period.

He stated, “I try to read as much, watch football videos and movies on Netflix as well. We have video call sessions on WhatsApp. I have spoken to a couple of our players on how they can improve based on their last few games and how we are going to train if and when we restart. But, the most important thing is for them to stay home and stay safe apart from keeping themselves healthy.”

Nawaz reflected upon the present campaign in which Mohun Bagan have been declared the champions of the I-League. He elaborated on Chennai City’s overall performance too.

The 44-year-old explained, “We played well actually throughout the season, barring only results which should have gone our way. But, that's football I guess. In some games we could have easily garnered the three points. This team is very hardworking and our game has improved along with being unpredictable when we play. We managed to change systems and still maintain our style of play. What was told to them during training, they did it in the game and that was pleasing.”

Despite a relatively underwhelming season, Chennai City managed to earn a hard earned 1-1 draw against the league winners Mohun Bagan in early March. Back in January, they had gone down fighting in a 3-2 defeat against the Mariners. Akbar Nawas spoke on that and also regarding the future of the club.

He observed, “We played exceptionally well (against Mohun Bagan). Many of the local lads will make it to the national team when we play next season, I am sure they have improved seamlessly. This is the start of a legacy for this club, a start of great things to come. You will definitely see a team that is raring to go next season, having learnt the lessons from the previous two seasons, both on and off the pitch.”

The I-League is currently suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak. There are doubts over whether the competition can be concluded properly or not.