Asian Cup 2019: India (Preview)

Boasting the second largest population on earth, India’s perceived lack of footballing heritage hardly waters down the pressure the national team faces upon travelling to the Asian Cup this January. A roller coaster of a World Cup cycle, from finishing dead last behind Guam and Turkmenistan in early qualification, to finish within touching distance of their best world ranking in their history, makes it difficult to accurately plot the mood against the lofty ambitions of the nation’s supporter base. Amongst it all, stands an Englishman weathering a heavy storm.

Stephen Constantine, a managerial cult figure at 52, who’s coached in several remote locations across the world, from Nepal to Malawi, from Rwanda to now his second stint as Indian head coach, has rarely been a man out of the spotlight. Ever willing to talk to the press, divulge wider opinions on the game, even straight talking on his relationships with individual players, his manner may be a breath of fresh air to the media, yet his relationship with players and the fans continues to sway in a gale.

The outgoing qualification cycle epitomised Constantine’s regularly oscillating reputation; starting poorly, before regaining hope, ahead of yet more turmoil. Considering the way modern football quickly disregards patience for those in the managerial hot seat, it’s astounding that the Londoner has stayed in his job throughout the last four years. It illustrates, if nothing else the trust in his ability from the hierarchy of Indian football.

Having had to navigate the early playoff rounds of qualification, beating Constantine’s former employers Nepal, to enter the main round of the draw, India collapsed in their bid to remain within World Cup consideration, a feat that remains the long-term goal of all involved in the country, but demonstrably a good generation or two behind reality. Losing 7 out of 8, including home and away reversals to Turkmenistan, India were left humiliated, having to run through the mill of an extra playoff round to keep their ship steady upon an Asian Cup pursuit.

Level going into extra time of the second leg, at home to Laos came arguably the biggest moment in their qualification. India hit six in 47 minutes, to emphatically cruise through, all despite 130+ minutes of uncertainty against a true minnow of Asian football. This reignited India’s run to the Asian Cup, blazing through a modest qualifying group that included Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar and Macau to secure their place in the Asian Cup. It wasn’t a pretty campaign, by any means, but the objective, stopping short of the primary goal of competing for the World Cup, was accomplished.

The last year, instead of simmering positively ahead of only their second Asian Cup campaign in 25 years, has proved anything but easy. Swipes in the media; at the standard of the I-League, the conduct of the Indian Super League, and at his employers for not sending a squad to the Asian Games in August, Constantine didn’t help his cause when he took an under 23 squad to the regional SAFF Championships, only to be left embarrassed in the final against Maldives, a tournament they should’ve comfortably won.

It’s becoming a trend in India’s recent history, concerning their perceived place in the world game. Thoughts ahead of qualification, weren’t merely at competing at the Asian Cup, but to qualify for the latter stages of World Cup qualification, and now again, a muted attempt at retaining their regional title was dismissed as an afterthought.

The progress of Indian football is gradually moving up through the gears; with the mess surrounding two simultaneous national leagues, looking to be coming to an adequate solution, yet the standard of play remains low. There continues to be no Indian national playing abroad, let alone in Europe, and their reliance continues to this day on the shoulders of outgoing legend Sunil Chhetri, with little in the way of replacements to step in if required, is concerning going forward.

Chhetri’s place in Indian football is close to being untouchable. The highest capped and leading marksman by a clear margin in the nation’s history, the influential striker has also had a large role to play off the pitch, instigating efforts to improve fan interaction and marketing of a sport that continues to play second fiddle to cricket. A bust up with his national coach however, that led to his captaincy being revoked in October, and a lack of fitness in November, leaves the side in limbo, fearing the worst for their prospects in the Emirates.

It all leaves a team divided; “Camp Constantine” vs. “Camp Chhetri”, leaving the legendary striker as the clear leader the most public of popularity contests. Calls for the removal of the coach had largely subsided going into the November international window, but come the end of the Asian Cup, no one will be surprised if Constantine exits stage left. An admission from the coach that India are left in a difficult place, if Chhetri were to miss out due to injury, was an honest take on the options he must work wonders with.

A positive that can be taken into the Asian Cup, is the raft of young players coming through, one area Constantine has been regularly praised for. Headlining the bill, midfield duo Anirudh Thapa and Vinit Rai, both under 21, are already adding bolster to the starting line-up despite their fledgling years. Already boasting 13 caps, since making his national debut last year, Thapa is an extraordinary talent that is worth keeping an eye on. Calmness in possession, impressive vision, with an improving attacking game, Constantine was even forced to field him as a false 9 against Jordan in Chhetri’s absence.

While this squad boasts interesting youth talent, some big game players, who have won club continental titles, expectations are starting to hit home that this is likely to be Constantine’s swan song. The whole Chhetri saga looks to have rocked the foundations enough, to see past failures come home to roost, a corner that this side looks incapable of escaping. With an even group, that consists of the hosts, India will look to their talismanic former skipper to drag them out of the deep one last time.

Key Men

Head Coach - Stephen Constantine (ENG)

Highly experienced English coach, who has managed in a range of locations, from Greece to Rwanda. Into his second stint as India head coach, has often picked up critics despite moderate successes, given his outspoken tendencies. His recent war of words with legendary striker Chhetri has divided the nation’s football.

Star Player - Sandesh Jhingen

Imperious central defender who has demonstrated experience above his years. can already boast of a blossoming career in India which has fed calls for him to move to Europe. Was the logical choice to succeed Chhetri in the captaincy debate, given his influence and impact on the team as a whole.

Under Pressure - Sunil Chhetri

Legendary striker, who remains one of few, that has been able to project football onto mainstream Indian culture. By far and away the nation’s highest scorer, the Asian Cup was set to be the 34-year-old’s defining moment, yet his feud with Constantine has provided doubts that the striker can wield the same influence.

Young Talent - Anirudh Thapa

A highly impressive young central midfielder, who makes up for his lack of height with a calm head and artistry in possession and from dead ball positions. Came to the fore upon conclusion of India’s qualification for the Asian Cup, but has quickly become a staple in Constandine’s side, and is likely to relish being in the spotlight of the world’s scouts come January.