For Mahindra United, the past two I-Leagues haven’t been up to the expectations that the club had earlier lived up to. The team was more into a rebuilding process but however under a new coach in a new season, the Jeepmen are looking forward to retain their lost glory.
“We aim to finish in the top three this season,” said N.P. Pradeep, the Mahindra and the national team midfielder.
“We desperately want to play in next year’s AFC Cup.”
Pradeep struggled to find a regular place in the starting line-up last season. He is an attacking midfielder but was quite often seen in a role of a defender. Pradeep looks forward to play in his regular position.
“It will be good to play in a position where I belong more.”
The Kerala star has high hopes from his new coach David Booth and believes the Englishman has already had a big influence in the team.
“Players feel good when they are constantly backed. He (Booth) has been doing a great job. The team morale is high and we have been putting a lot of hard work in the training. The juniors will also be getting their share of chances this season and this is motivating them as well,” added the 25 year old.
Pradeep sustained a forearm injury in his right arm during India’s Nehru Cup triumph and this is a worry for Mahindra as he is still a doubtful starter in their first I-League encounter next week.
“Yes, the right hand is still a worry. I have been training hard but taking precautions as well. My doctor has said that there is still a minimum of 10 days before I recover completely,” said the 2007 Nehru Cup hero.
Mahindra United play their first I-League match against the Durand Cup champions Churchill Brothers on October 1st, at the Cooperage stadium, Mumbai.
source: Goal.com
From the archive. First published on footballkerala.com on Thursday 24 September 2009, restored from the site's 2012 database. Text as originally published.