The marquee players of the inaugural Indian Super League, while miles ahead of the rest skill-wise, have found it difficult to master the tough Indian conditions.
Mumbai City FC’s Freddy Ljungberg is indefinitely sidelined with a hamstring injury and Kolkata’s Luis Garcia, too, has missed a game.
Chennaiyin FC’s Elano Blumer, however, is facing no such problems and the creative midfielder has already played 329 minutes of football in Chennai’s first four games.
The former Brazilian World Cupper, who has notched up five goals and one assist, is “physically prepared” to play every game.
“I am preparing myself to be available for all the games. Physically it is not easy but I try to use my experience on the pitch and perform even when I am a little tired,” Elano said. Being the youngest marquee signing perhaps also works to his advantage.
The player, once identified as a sour apple by the then Manchester City management, is a perfect team-man here, always providing a helping hand to the junior players and dropping deep, whenever needed, to help his defence.
“I try to give my best to the team no matter where I am on the pitch. When we don’t have the ball I try to push back and defend as well,” he said.
“My first job is to give my best, but yes I do try to talk to other players and help them out. Every player has been impressive, both in terms of attitude and hard work. All are willing to learn and improve.”
The Brazilian credits the camaraderie among the players for Chennaiyin FC’s early success, despite the limited pre-season training.
“I think the main reason behind it (our success) is that the Indians and foreigners have a great understanding on and off the pitch,” Elano said.
“We are a like family here and it helps when you have leaders like (Mikael) Silvestre, (Bernard) Mendy, Bojan (Djordjic) and Marco (Materazzi).”
