Coach education more important for Indian football, feels Ishfaq Ahmed

The KBFC assistant coach also spoke on the UCL favourites, Karim Benzema and more.

The UEFA Champions League semi-finals are set to begin on April 27. The four teams who have made it into the last four are Manchester City, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Villarreal. Prior to the fixtures, Sony Sports arranged an interaction with Ishfaq Ahmed. Ahmed is a member of the AIFF Technical Committee and is also the assistant coach at Indian Super League outfit Kerala Blasters. Here’s what the former footballer had to say.

Revenge for Real Madrid?

In 2020, Manchester City defeated Real Madrid in the round of 16. When asked if this is a chance for the latter to take revenge, Ishfaq Ahmed mentioned, “Well, usually you have this in the back of your mind when you lose against somebody. It can happen in the semi-final.

"Many times, Real Madrid has beaten a lot of teams also. But God has given them a chance. They have worked for it. It’s not a big deal that they lost against them last time. If they win, it will be sweet revenge. But it’s going to be a fabulous and fantastic match. There are two top teams playing and you don’t know who’s going to win this match because this is one match which is very hard to predict.”

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Benzema’s form will keep Real Madrid ahead of Manchester City?

Karim Benzema has already netted 12 goals in the Champions League this season. When asked if his form will keep Real Madrid ahead of Manchester City in the semi-finals, Ishfaq Ahmed quipped, “Definitely, he is one of the best number-9s in the world right now along with Bayern’s Robert Lewandowski. Definitely, he provides an edge. We have already seen because of his brilliant individual performances, Real Madrid have edged past PSG and Chelsea. He is a man in form. If he continues in the same way which I feel he will, he is going to be a very big threat to them.”

Chances of Villarreal

The Kerala Blasters assistant coach spoke on the chances of Villarreal defeating Liverpool in the semi-finals, “So far, they have been doing great. Consistency is the key. They are underdogs but now teams are ready for them (like how they play and other details). If you recall the last match, Bayern have to blame themselves because they missed some golden opportunities from handshaking distances. Liverpool has one of the most lethal striking forces in the world. I think that’s going to be a bit hot to handle for them (Villarreal). They have the chance because they have done it already but against Liverpool, I have my own doubts.”

Do Manchester City have a psychological advantage?

Manchester City lost to Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final a few days back. When quizzed if the same will result in a psychological advantage for City, Ishfaq Ahmed opined, “Well, sometimes when there are too many tournaments at your hand, it is really difficult to concentrate. Honestly, I feel Pep was already aware of it. Now, they have to concentrate on only two leagues – the domestic league and the Champions League.

"Some of their key players were missing against Liverpool in the FA Cup. If they have all their players fit again, they will definitely have a chance. If Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne are fit enough to play this match, which they should, then they definitely have a great team. They are not easy to beat. They will be a very tough and competitive team to beat.”

Injuries big setback for Real Madrid?

Similar to Manchester City, Real Madrid might also miss out on a few players in the semi-finals. When asked if the absence of these players will be a big setback for Real Madrid, Ahmed said, “I’m not sure if Marcelo’s absence will be a setback. They have players to replace him. Mendy was a part of the team last time and he played quite well. If you have good bench strength, you will definitely have an edge on any other team because they are very equal teams.

"Once you have a few main players injured, then if the game remains goalless or remains a draw towards the fag end of the game, then those substitutions can make a huge difference. I believe if they don’t have a full squad, it will be a bit of a setback for Real Madrid.”

Is Pep Guardiola the best in Europe?

When asked if Pep Guardiola is the best manager in Europe at this moment, the tactician quipped, “One of the best for sure. Carlos Ancelotti has already shown why he has won so many trophies. Regarding the younger generation, Pep and Klopp are one of the best managers around.”

Expecting an all-English final?

The mannerisms of Manchester City and Liverpool are keeping all doors open for another all-English Champions League finale. Ahmed however, also claimed of an all-Spanish finale too, “There is definitely. Both the English teams are really good teams and too strong. There is every possibility of an all-English final. I have no doubts.

"But Spanish teams have a good record against English teams. There is a chance for an all-Spanish final also. We have already seen Real Madrid – even they were 3-0 down, what they did against a strong Chelsea team at home. Villarreal has shown those to one of the top teams in the world and one of the top contenders for the European championship – Bayern Munich. I think there’s a 50-50 chance for both – all-English and an all-Spanish final.”

Unai Emery and the challenge for Liverpool

The 39-year-old commented on the Villarreal manager Unai Emery and the challenge on road for Liverpool, “Emery has already shown what he can do. He is in Villarreal right now, but he spent many years in PSG also. He had many good results out of which a famous one was against Bayern Munich. He is a good manager and will be aware of the threat Liverpool upfront possesses. They are really very fast and strong. I think Klopp will be hoping to score early because if you do that, Villarreal has to come out. That is the key against such kinds of teams. If you score an early goal, they will come out for an equalizer. That is where you have your chances.”

Benzema's form

Ahmed asserted on Benzema’s chances in going past Robert Lewandowski’s goal tally in the Champions League, “The current form itself shows it. He has been phenomenal like scoring hattricks, the late-winner against Chelsea. The best thing about him is that he is always there when Real Madrid needs him. With him, Luka Modric too. Both of them have been absolutely brilliant.

"Benzema is a huge factor. He is the one right now upon whom the Real Madrid fans, management and even the players will be looking up. If he clicks, he is going to be a match-winner. I have no doubt in mind that he will score and he will either equal the record of Robert Lewandowski or go ahead and score more goals if they qualify for the finals.”

Combination of Salah and Mane

A winger in his playing days, Ishfaq Ahmed commented on the combination of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, “They have one of the top striking forces in the world right now. The telepathy they have while passing (they don’t even look at their partner, they know they are there) shows the trust and understanding between them. They will be the most dangerous players for Villarreal. If they score a goal early, they will score more goals. They will be a huge factor in that game.”

Chances of Liverpool winning the Quadruple

Liverpool has a chance of securing the quadruple this season. The 39-year-old shared his view on the same, “As of now, they are already in a final. In the Champions League, they have a realistic chance to beat Villarreal. I am saying this because of their winning rate. Also, if you see the last few matches which they won pretty convincingly, apart from the Benfica game where they conceded. But we already knew that match was done and dusted when they beat them 3-1 at home. I think they have a real chance of quadruple. The dream is on. If any team can do it right now, it is Liverpool.”

More tie-ups between Indian and top European clubs

When asked if more Indian clubs should have partnerships with top European clubs, Ishfaq Ahmed stated, “Yes, in a way we can say that. But we have to strengthen our coach education programme so that we don’t rely on European clubs. At the grassroots level, players should get introduced to local Indian coaches; that is where we have to concentrate more. If European clubs help us in educating our coaches and coaching staff, that will be a great boost for Indian football.

Telecast

Watch UEFA Champions League 2021-22 (Semi-Final Leg 1) - Man. City vs. Real Madrid LIVE on SONY TEN 2 (English), SONY TEN 3 (Hindi) & SONY TEN 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels on 27th April 2022, at 12:30 am IST.

Watch UEFA Champions League 2021-22 (Semi-Final Leg 1) - Liverpool vs. Villarreal LIVE on SONY TEN 2 (English), SONY TEN 3 (Hindi) & SONY TEN 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels on 28th April 2022, at 12:30 am IST.

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