The former Manchester City goalkeeper holds forth on his team’s chances
David James is eager for revenge when Mumbai and Kerala meet again at the latter's home ground
Having lost to Mumbai City FC in the first leg, Kerala Blasters FC’s player cum manager David James is eager for revenge when the teams meet again at the latter’s home ground on Wednesday. The former Manchester City goalkeeper holds forth on his team’s chances.
Your team failed to score against a weak Delhi Dynamos side, How do you think you will fare against Mumbai FC?
We played some pleasing football in our last couple of matches but were found wanting while converting our chances. We are working on this aspect as we prepare to take on Mumbai FC.
You must be wary of Anelka’s striking powers. It must be a tough challenge for you to keep him at bay?
Anelka is one of the most talented strikers in the ISL. It will be a tough task for me. We have an effective defence in place and I hope they will assist me in denying Anelka any goals.
According to you which team have the best chance of winning the title?
It is very difficult to predict at this stage. But Atletico de Kolkata, Chennaiyin FC and FC Pune City seem to be the best teams. We are struggling to get goals at this stage.
But if we manage to have one good match, our team will become more competitive. I think we are in with an outside chance to make the semi-finals.
You seem to be enjoying your football as you have moved to coaching and media work in the game itself ?
Yes. I am very grateful to the sport of football which offered me a chance to earn while I enjoyed playing the game. I continue to enjoy being involved in the game and looking to improve my coaching expertise and my football punditry on television.
You became one of the oldest players at the World Cup in 2010 was this the highlight of your career?
Yes. I had to be patient in order to get opportunities at the international level as there were many good goalkeepers in England during my time. For several years, I was an understudy to David Seaman before getting my chance at Euro 2004 when I played all of England’s matches .
It is heartening to hear that outside your football career you were involved in doing charity work in Africa ?
In 2005, when I visited the African nation of Malawi, I saw the plight of the maize farmers there and just felt that I needed to help them. I set up the David James Foundation to help them develop more efficient production techniques.
(PMG/GROUPM ESP)
( Source : dc correspondent )
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