Malappuram ∙ ‘I have come to Kerala many times. People here are well known for their love of football. But this is a shame’. No one else is saying. Former Indian coach and current coach of East Bengal, Stephen Constantine.
He criticized the lack of planning and non-preparation of infrastructure for the teams going to the Super Cup. He had reached the Kottapadi Stadium at 7 last night for the team’s training.
“Is this light enough on the training ground for a tournament like the Super Cup?” Who will say peace if any of my team members get injured playing in this dim light. Not a single line is marked on this field. Don’t say there is no system to even draw a line on the field. Only one training ground for 8 teams. Is this the quality of this tournament? If you invite someone to your home for a meal, it is your responsibility to ensure that there is food in the home.”
“Yesterday I had to travel for hours to Kozhikode and back to the team’s accommodation in Pulamanthol for a 5-minute press conference. Not even a bottle of water was prepared there for us who came to the Kozhikode press conference. Was it necessary to travel so far? Couldn’t the press conference be held in Manjeri itself where the game is being held? This is the condition of the field now that we have come to practice. No one from the local football association is here. I have been to football tournaments in many countries. “I have never had such a bad experience,” Constantine said to Manorama
East Bengal’s match is against Odisha FC at Payyanad Stadium tonight at 8.30 PM. Many teams have complained about the lack of infrastructure for the Super Cup. There is a requirement to have an ambulance outside the field where the teams practice. This is to get the players to the hospital quickly if they get injured. But the ambulance was not out when East Bengal were training yesterday. When I inquired, I found out that the ambulance left the place before the team arrived.
English Summary: East Bengal coach Stephen Constantine slams Super Cup organisers
