Chennaiyin FC has not had the best of starts to the second season of the Indian Super League with just two wins from five matches. But the team’s co-owner Abhishek Bachchan is not perturbed.
In a chat with The Hindu here on Friday, the film star spoke about fan response, grassroots programmes and the role of celebrities in promoting non-cricketing sports.
How would you rate Chennaiyin’s performance so far?
Not an ideal start, but it’s just the beginning of the season. We opened at home and had four away games. Now we are back with a string of home games and hopefully we can turn things around. I am happy with the boys and they are gelling well.
Any specific areas you would like to improve?
There are no areas of concern. I like the way they play. The defence is good, and the midfield is coming together well, which is crucial especially for the formation (chief coach) Marco (Materazzi) uses and the forwards are doing well and even someone like Fikru who is coming from an injury is doing well.
How has the team evolved from the first season?
We have picked up from where we left off last year in terms of quality and I have seen huge improvements especially in our local players we held on to — be it Balwant, Jeje or Jayesh — and I see a huge amount of growth in their capabilities.
Are you involved in player recruitment?
Absolutely!
Has there been an increase in fan response?
Yes. Our barometer was the first game and we had 7,000 more than last year. I am told we are sold out for Saturday’s match so I expect it to increase. Last year we averaged about 25,000 in a 29,000-capacity Nehru stadium and in a city that has not been traditionally associated with the sport.
Do you think the mix of celebrities and sportspersons is a must to popularise leagues, especially for non-cricketing sports?
Not at all! As a team owner if my celebrity status helps put the spotlight on a sport that’s great. Did I employ it in kabaddi? Absolutely! I wanted to establish it and be part of that sporting revolution. But at the end of the day a sport has to stand on its own and the presence of an actor in the stands won’t make a lot of difference if the sport is not exciting.
What are your suggestions on improving the product?
The main focus is on the grassroots programme and we are investing heavily in that. That’s going to bear fruit in five to six years time. You will see more local players; our assistant coach Vivek Nagul is handling it. We have reached out to 10,000 children across the State and hope to have more players coming from our youth academies.
Your views on being a team owner. Any enduring memories?
It has been rewarding, and from being a passionate football fan to managing a team has been great. The city is close to my heart and the fans have taken ownership of the team and the people of the city and the State have been welcoming.
The moment of the ISL for me was our first home match in the inaugural year and to see my dad, Rajini ‘uncle’ and Sachin Tendulkar sitting together watching my team play was great.
