East Bengal coach Subhas Bhowmick, who played a crucialcatalytic role in scripting the club's success story in the recent ASEAN ClubChampionship, said a combination of positive attitude and modern andscientific approach was needed to improve India's soccer standards.
Bhowmick, who returned home along with his charges to atumultuous welcome last night, urged the All-India Football Federation, thestate associations and other clubs to follow the lead given by East Bengal andtake necessary steps to take the country forward in the game.
"What we must have is a positive attitude and amodern and scientific approach. Somebody had to make a start. East Bengal hasdone it. Now it is for the soccer administrators and other clubs to keep up thetempo," Bhowmick said in Kolkata.
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However, he also cautioned his club not to rest on thelaurels of the Jakarta triumph. "We are the pathfinders. But the club mustnot stop here. Then the efforts that have been put in so far will gowaste.
"I am sure if all those involved with the gamecome forward, India's soccer standards will go up. In the long run, suchpositive thinking will percolate down to all sporting disciplines," hesaid.
He said Indian footballers were technically sound, but lacked the requiredmental attitude and physique.
"With the right kind of attitude we cangain success. The country has made tremendous advancement in other spheres, sowhy can't we improve in football?" he asked.
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Regretting that Indian clubs played very fewinternational tourneys, he remarked "Why should such a large country as oursonly turn up in pre-World Cup and Olympics and then sit idle lamenting the poorresults?
"The more tournaments we play, the more will beour chances of succeeding. And one success will lead to another."
Giving credit for the ASEAN Cup success to his players, Bhowmick said"My role was only that of a guardian. I feel proud with the way theyplayed".
PTI
