Deshi Bhaktawer
Interview ~ Primedia Broadcasting 14/10/10
How long have you been there? How long are you planning to stay?
Bhaktawer: I left home on the 26th of August and went to Spain, for just over four weeks on
a training camp. We arrived in Kolkata eleven days ago.
What have the pre-season been like for your team?
Bhaktawer: It's been exeptionally tough, it's really, really hard. You know, the Spaniards do
everything by the book and by the clock. But it's been a great experience - working with
guys like Luis Garcia and Borja; people who have played for Real Madrid, Barcelona and
Liverpool. It's absolutely brilliant.
How did you get involved with them?
Bhaktawer: I got a call back in July, middle of July. I was on the highway, got a call and was asked if I was keen to go to India. And very unlike me, I said "Yes, I would," without realizing it was for four months. That's how it all started.
Deshi, we know the Indians have good cricket. How good is the football?
Bhaktawer: The coaches I'm not really sure off. I think some of the players are obviously getting big money here. I don't think the professionals would get out and spend their time here if they weren't getting paid very well. In my time I've got Josemi, who won the Champions League with Liverpool, who got to Champions League semifinal with Villareal, and people like this I don't think would have come here for "small change."
With their population and resources, do you think India can be a power within football?
Bhaktawer: The idea of this competition really started with the idea of development. Every single team that is involved in this league has a team leader academy plan, and that's why Atletico Madrid got involved. They own 25 % of Atlético de Kolkata and that's where the time comes in. But it's mainly for the academy. I think in the next coming years India want to develop into a football mansion.
What's it like working with Antonio Lopéz Habas?
Bhaktawer: He was very good. He's a Spain with unbelieveable experience.
Link: https://soundcloud.com/primediabroadcasting/bhaktawer-talks-about-life-in-the-indian-super-league
