Morientes open to coaching in the ISL
Former Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes has revealed he’s open to the idea of establishing a coaching career in India.
The 40 year-old La Liga ambassador expressed the possibility of a move during an event inaugurating the Spanish league’s sixth overseas office in India. The three-time Champions League winner suggested that India is a “great destination” for him and his family.
Morientes became a manager shortly after he hung up his playing boots, taking over the reigns of Huracán Valencia CF. In an exclusive interview with Goal, he said:
“Undoubtedly, I would like to continue coaching. In India, why not?,” expressed the 40 year-old on the prospect of rebooting his coaching career in the subcontinent, after he was sacked from the position he held at CF Fuenlabrada in the Spanish Segunda B division team.
The La Liga winner further expounded:
“Now that the level of football is getting better. It (India) is a great destination for me and my family. I would be happy to come here and I am open to all proposals.”
Morientes has also been successful with the national side, scoring 27 goals in 47 appearances for the Spain.
On quizzed why Spanish footballers seek a career haven in India, the Cáceres-born star revealed logically, “What attracts the Spaniards is undoubtedly because the Indian league (ISL) is evolving. It is a way of continuing your football career in a country where football is increasing in its level.”
India hold Saudi Arabia to a 3-3 draw in the U-16 AFC Cup
India managed to salvage a last gasp draw in the Under-16 AFC Cup against Saudi Arabia.
Captain Suresh Singh Wangjam struck in the injury time to help India come from behind and hold Saudi Arabia to a 3-3 draw in a Group A match of the AFC U-16 football championships.
India enjoyed a 2-1 lead in the first half through strikes from Aniket Anil Jadhav and Aman Chetri in the 5th and 23rd minute respectively.
Saudi Arabia scored through Aldhuwayhi Abdulaziz in the 34th minute before substiute Albrikan Feras Tariq N found the net twice in quick succession in the 82nd and 83rd to put his team up.
Last minute penalty helps #IND hold #KSA #KSAvIND #AFCU16 #BackTheBlue #StarsofTomorrow https://t.co/2qQ48c0plr pic.twitter.com/B5FM1x3ozc
— Indian Football Team (@AiffMedia) September 18, 2016
But the home side kept pushing forward and tried their best to find the equaliser and were awarded a penalty in the injury time which Suresh Singh Wangjam scored to split points.
There was added drama before the end of the final whistle as Saudi keeper Abdulaziz Almalki was sent off for abusing the referee.
Both the teams opened their account from Sunday’s draw and kept their chances alive for a place in the next round. Saudi Arabia play UAE on September 21 while India face Iran the same day.
