MARGAO
Derrick was speaking on the sidelines of the Reliance founded Youth Sports Football tournament which got underway at Government Village School grounds, Ambelim on Wednesday.The All India Football Federation (AIFF) along with Football Sports Development Ltd (FSDL), organizers of the ISL have decided to run the two leagues concurrently from November to April with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) too giving assent the move. But from 2018-19 one longer league is expected to take shape.
"The thing that is happening now will help the home grown footballers. Earlier when the Indian Super League was followed by the I-League, players used to play under various styles depending on the coach of a team. Now the players know where he belongs and which style his club wants," the former India defender said.
Having coached Mahindra United (now defunct), Vasco Sports Club, Pune FC, Salgaocar FC, DSK Shivajians and recently Churchill Brothers Sports Club, Derrick had served for a long time with the I-League before jumping onto the ISL bandwagon. He said the Reliance Youth Sports National Programme was a good opportuntiy for Under 16, Under 19 and Colleges to show their football talents, skills and progress in football.
Derrick further disclosed that last year three youth from the programme were selected in the draft and one was chosen and the aim was to do well. "This is a good concept for budding footballers," he added.
Derrick, who donned India colours from 1984 to 1991, said with the increase of ISL teams from 8 to 10 more Indian players will get a chance to showcase their skills and added that the Indian football is moving in the right direction.
On FC Goa confirming their participation in the Goa Pro League, Derrick said: "We wanted to promote Goan footballers and be the supply chain for FC Goa in the ISL. We have a developmental squad where 85-90 per cent of the players are Goans. So the focus is clear."
Derrick said he wanted players with certain attributes which suit his style of play. "We worked accordingly," he signed off.
