Yan Law. (TOI Photo)

KOLKATA: After a successful tenure as the head coach of Punjab FC in the I-League last season, India’s youngest AFC ‘A license’ coach Yan Law is gearing up for a new challenge as the head coach of Mohammedan Sporting Club (MSC).
In an exclusive chat with TOI, the 27-year-old opens up on the reason behind joining MSC and much more.
Excerpts:
With the I-League qualifying tournament coming up, MSC have started dreaming. A big challenge for you ahead.
This is the best chance MSC has to get promoted. The format is new with fewer teams, games and with promising players in our team, I am confident. The new management is also working hard, investing. I was happy and excited when I got the offer. A club like MSC deserves to be in the I-League.
What made you choose MSC?
I had offers from other clubs but at present I was sitting idle at home with nothing happening in football. So I thought this is a good time to get involved to and do something and help a club. Helping another club from Kolkata reach I-League is something I wanted to do.
Are you aware of the club’s financial crisis?
During this tough time, all players, fans and everyone involved should stand by the club, that will show how passionate one is. This will be a difficult year for not just MSC but others as well. It is a matter of survival now, so the best possible way is to support and stand by the club.
What are the targets you have set?
Look, if I can help MSC qualify for I-League, within 15 days the tournament starts, this will be massive. The preparation and everything will be perfect. Besides this, I am really looking forward to the Calcutta Football League (CFL), as it has been ages since MSC won it.
MSC have signed a few promising players. Are you happy?
I have seen the team list and I am very happy. With Willis Plaza and Eze Kingsley coming, it is a bonus. They are both proven players and they know Indian football and Kolkata very well, that will help a lot.
Regrouping the squad for training after this long lay-off is vital ahead of this crucial meet. What are you planning?
At least six to eight weeks is needed for a good pre-season. A new squad and a new coach will come together so it will take some time to get used to things. Match fitness might be a problem and getting them in shape will be a challenge.
You are into coaching at such a young age, who do you look up to and follow?
I have a combination of so many coaches whom I like and follow. I love Marcelo Bielsa’s style and he is someone I really look up to. Pep Guardiola‘s possession football strikes me, Juergen Klopp’s counter attacking play, Alex Ferguson‘s man management, Jose Mourinho‘s defensive organization. I read a lot about these coaches.