by
MUSCAT: A new Championship, a new Captain. Senior Team India striker Jeje Lalpekhlua feels Captaincy hasn’t changed him at all. “It never can,” he insists. A day ahead of India’s Championship opener against Lebanon, the Mizo boy spoke his mind out on his new responsibility, the new style of play and his experience of playing for the Senior India side. At the same time, he lavished huge praise on Chief Coach Arthur Papas. EXCERPTS:
How has life changed after being named India’s captain for AFC U-22 Championship?
Change — what is that? (Jeje bursts into laughter). I had earlier led India in the U-19 Championship. A footballer’s life doesn’t begin and end with captaincy. My life hasn’t changed either. I have always stayed committed to my country’s cause and this time too, it’s no different.
The moment he finishes, Jeje’s room partner Lalrindika Ralte with a mischievous grin, adds: “He is the Big Boss now.” And both burst into laughter.
Is Captaincy an added responsibility or a burden?
It depends on how one looks at it. To me a true captain is someone who leads off the field. As a Captain, you need to set an example and when Head Coach Arthur Papas announced it in the team meeting, I felt very excited. I have been lucky enough that I already enjoyed a great rapport with each of my team members.
You are a regular member of the Senior India side. Do you look upon yourself as a Senior in this U-22 squad?
You must be kidding. Despite my brush with the Senior India side, I’m still a learner. I’m very comfortable in this U-22 squad as there are so many old batchmates who are playing alongside me. There’s Gurpreet (Sandhu), Abhishek (Das), Dika (Lalrindika Ralte), Manandeep (Singh), Deepak (Devrani), Ravi (Kumar), Vishal (Kumar), Prathamesh (Maulinkar) with whom I’ve played since the U-19 level and with the Indian Arrows.
Dika, sitting next joins in. “If there’s anyone who deserves to lead India, it’s Jeje. He’s a disciplined guy and can set an example for us all,” he quips.
What do you bring from the Senior India side to this squad?
The discipline and the experience! At the senior level, there are so many stars but they never threw their weight on me. That was a huge learning experience for me. I want to walk the same path. I’m a Senior and a Junior at the same time.
Arthur Papas has been stressing on a new style of play since he took over. What’s your take?
The benefits of the new style of play will reap fruits in the future. He has been stressing on possessional play and the build-up often starts from defence. It’s not that we adjusted to the style on the first day itself but we have been flexible and have settled down fast.
Dika added: “During the initial phase, instinct prompted us to play the manner we have been sticking to for the last few years. But Arthur has been patient and supportive.”
How do you rate Papas as a Coach?
He’s sharp, energetic, caring and an intelligent person. He explains with passion and instills a sense of self belief among the players. He’s very clear in what his priorities are.
Dika nodded. “He’s a no-nonsense man. He has implemented some rules within the Camp and he leads from the front. His sessions are fun and enjoyable.”
