Would be happy to talk to an interested IPL-styled franchise – Trevor Morgan Exclusive Part Two

East Bengal players and team manager Trevor Morgan (C) pose with their trophy after winning the 34th Federation Cup final football match against Dempo SC

You can read the first part of the interview here.

During his three-year spell at East Bengal, Trevor Morgan faced many challenges and was always under pressure to deliver trophies. But being the East Bengal coach, the one fixture that stood out more than any other was the big Kolkata derby against arch-rivals Mohun Bagan.

Morgan seemed to enjoy the pressure and tension surrounding the intense rivalry as he had an excellent record against Mohun Bagan (seven wins, three draws, two defeats).

As a player he has experienced many local derbies, in particular the rivalry between Bristol City and Bristol Rovers, having played for both clubs. So, according to him, where does the rivalry between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan rank?

“The biggest shame of the East Bengal – Mohun Bagan derby is that no one outside of India is aware of it. People are amazed when I tell them of the crowds that attend and of the passion involved. The build up to the game is something I know I will miss. For the Bengali supporters it’s the be all and end all, I have spoken to many supporters who would rather see us lose all the other games as long as we beat Mohun Bagan and that probably works both ways. That shows the importance of what it means. It is a great occasion,” he told Sportskeeda.

In part one, Morgan had revealed that going through the AFC Cup group stage unbeaten was his best achievement at East Bengal and the Englishman also guided the Kolkata club to the quarter-finals following a 5-1 hammering of Myanmar champions Yangon United in the round of 16.

The former Hull City development coach won’t be in charge of course for East Bengal’s quarter-final two-legged tie against Indonesian champions Semen Padang. Morgan believes the red-and-gold brigade are capable of reaching the semis but may find it extra difficult against West Asian opponents later on.

“Semen Padang will be a very difficult opposition, especially at home. If East Bengal can get a get a result away from home a semi final place will be within their grasp. The big test will come later on as the West Asian teams are very strong. If the other team has better players than you then it becomes very difficult to get a result,” Morgan stated.

Having spent three years in Indian football, Morgan got a fair idea about the state of the beautiful game in the country and reckons a lot of improvements were made at East Bengal both on and off the pitch.

“From East Bengal’s point of view I saw huge improvements in the players’ attitude and understanding of the job they do for the team. We just strayed a bit from the traditional 4-4-2 in Indian football and gave the players freedom to express themselves attacking but also to work hard out of possession.

“East Bengal have made a big effort to improve the facilities for the players with a new changing room and gym but the biggest problem for nearly all clubs is not having good playing surfaces to train or play on,” Morgan stated.

The Englishman believes East Bengal has improved both on and off the field

The 2012 FPAI (Football Players’ Association of India) Coach of the Year added that instead of complaining about the lack of infrastructure, getting the right people can solve that problem.

“Kalyani has one of the best natural playing surfaces in India, if it can be done there why not elsewhere? Everyone will say there is a lack of infrastructure, but with the right people in charge and good planning this can be overcome and Indian football will get the benefit from it,” he opined.

In recent times, besides Armando Colaco, no other coach has been able to remain at one club for a long period. The lack of stability has been seen especially at Kolkata clubs but Morgan reckons it all comes down to the results.

“I spent three years there and the option of a fourth was my decision to turn down, winning will always be the key to how long we have in a job. If I was unsuccessful in my first season I have no doubt I would not have been offered a new contract. I understand that it is football,” the 56-year-old said.

The former Birmingham City and Exeter City striker however believes support from the club management is mandatory and undue interference doesn’t help the cause.

“We all have different ideas of what being a professional is, as long as everyone has the same ambitions and we all pull in the same direction there will be no problems so I think that when the officials employ someone to do a job they should leave them to do it and do nothing more than give them their support and backing, it is when the people who employ you try to impose their power and ideas that the problems begin. Every coach needs support from the people above them otherwise the job becomes extremely difficult,” Morgan commented.

The majority of East Bengal fans would have still preferred to see Morgan continue as the head coach but the three-year association has come to an end so where does his future lie now?

“My plans will always be determined by someone else; if I am offered a job I will look at it and think about it. I am at this time just taking some time out to spend with my family, who I have seen very little of over the past three years,” he replied.

Morgan is open to returning to India but as per his last contract with East Bengal, he cannot join another I-League club for one season. However the former striker would be eligible to take charge of a franchise at IMG-Reliance’s proposed IPL-style tournament and Morgan admitted that he would be happy to speak to an interested franchise.

“I would be open to returning to India but as I say that will not be my decision. I would first of all have to be offered a position. I have heard about it (IPL-style tournament) and if a franchise was interested in my services I would be happy to talk with them,” he said.

Finally, we asked Morgan’s advice for any new foreign coach in India and his words could be useful for his successor Marcos Falopa, who was unveiled by East Bengal on Tuesday.

“Come with an open mind, have no preconceptions, accept it for what it is and then try to change what you feel should be changed. Listen to other people’s opinions but be your own man, make your decisions and stand by them,” he concluded.