27 September,2015 09:06 AM IST | | Amit Kamath
While many local players in the Indian Super League (ISL) seem to be in awe of their foreign counterparts, expect Chennaiyin FC players to be a little different, thanks to a certain Jose Mourinho
Marco Materazzi
While many local players in the Indian Super League (ISL) seem to be in awe of their foreign counterparts, expect Chennaiyin FC players to be a little different, thanks to a certain Jose Mourinho.
Marco Materazzi during the ISL event. Pic/Suresh KK
The Portuguese, who manages English Premier League (EPL) side Chelsea, is not involved directly with the Chennai franchise or even the ISL.
However, his philosophy of making each player believe he is he best is being inculcated in the team from South India
via his protege Marco Materazzi.
Mourinho (left) and Materazzi were also together at Inter Milan in 2010. Pic/Getty Images
"You should not be afraid of any opponent on the pitch, even if he is a world-class footballer. Whoever has the ball, have the confidence to tackle them. You are the best.
"This is the attitude that coach has been trying to inculcate in the dressing room," said Chennai midfielder Harmanjot Khabra, who is one of the six Indian players to be retained by the Chennai outfit.
âLearnt a lot from Jose'
"I have learnt a lot from Mourinho. This is one of those things. He is the best manager I have played under," said Materazzi, who played under Mourinho for two seasons at Inter Milan where the team won the treble (Series A, Coppa Italia and Champions League).
