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Aizawl FC are aiming to make it big in the forthcoming edition of the I-League 2021-22. As the former champions gear up for the season, Head Coach Yan Law spoke about their preparation, life in a bio bubble, character of the players, the aim, and much more.
How do you plan to improve on last season’s performances in the I-League?
I think last season was unlucky for us. I joined the club after five matches had already been played, and did not get the opportunity to have a proper pre-season with the players. This year I am fortunate to have a pre-season with them. I hope it is going to help us to perform well. We hope to play an attractive style of football which is enjoyable for the fans to watch, and we will give our best on the pitch as well.
How has the team prepared ahead of the tournament? Have you played any friendly matches recently?
The whole team has been part of a bio-bubble training camp for the past 45 days. This has helped the players in getting used to each other, and to build an understanding on and off the pitch as well. The players have been working hard to prepare themselves physically for the tournament, but there has been an emphasis on preparing them mentally as well.
This season, I can see a lot of change in the character and personality of the players. It will stand the team in good stead. We have played a couple of friendly matches. These matches have helped us understand the best combinations on the field, and how we can use our best players in different systems.
What are the objectives of the club going into the new season?
Like any other team competing in the League, we aim to top Group A. We are going in with the right mentality to achieve our objectives, and hopefully, it will be a fruitful season for us.
There are a lot of young players in your team. How do you think they can make an impact in the I-League?
I think that our current squad is a fantastic one, with a blend of youth and experience. The youngsters bring a lot of energy to the team and help us play the kind of football that one likes to watch. The I-League is a very good platform to showcase their talent, and we hope that they will impress football fans across the country. They have a bright future, and I hope that they will represent the country someday.
The players will be in a bio-bubble in Kolkata for around four months. How big a challenge will this be for them, and how do you plan to cope up with it?
Most of the players that are here have had the experience of living in a bio-bubble. It is a tough challenge mentally, but we have to adapt to it. We are very fortunate that the AIFF is organising the I-League in such difficult circumstances. The lads have now understood what we are going into once we reach Kolkata.
Who are the teams that have impressed you the most ahead of the new season?
Many teams have impressed me ahead of the new season. I have seen teams play in their respective state leagues, which we, unfortunately, did not have. They have competed in the Durand Cup, as well as the currently ongoing IFA Shield. However, I believe that no team in this competition is superior or inferior, we respect each team and we will go in with that mentality for each game.
