Congrats Armando It is a proud moment for the Goans in particular and football lovers and enthusiast in India. The mantle of coach of India football team has fallen on Armando after the displacement of Bob Houghton. Armando has led the Dempo Team for 4 wins as the Champions Aof National league and surely this is no mean achievement .That Dempo Management, however, reluctantly made his services available at the National level is to be appreciated, as they consider broader objectives to narrow , selfish interests The tenure of 4months as the interim coach is to short to either plan strategies and winning format or evaluate his effectiveness But the honour and trust is bestowed upon him as all India coach with measured optimism .Bob Houghton did try his best by giving them International exposure, which is bound to enrich their skills and experience. In Portugal, where they were pitted against the I II III division teams and performed miserably ,rather disgracefully. It shows the standard of Indian football .People are talking of the expenditure of about 7 crores and are inclined to think it is a waste with nothing to show It is not a right attitude however Armando as the new coach should not be compared to Bob and expected to work miracles. He was successfully handling a cohesive ,well knit Dempo outfit and enjoying full support and confidence of his Management and a free hand to take the decisions It is believed that India team is aging with Baichung Bhutia,Sameer Naik ,Chetri, Mahesh Gawli besides nursing serious injuries Knowledgeable people in Football are of the opinion, that Armando must have a say to introduce young and promising footballers, keeping long term perspective Alberto collaco was sour about the lack of infrastructure facilities, finance and oblique approach and having to rely upon tested theories Experimentation alone is the key to progress and failures should not be stumbling blocks to radical thinking. Armando will certainly be limited at this level with the constraints, which have been faced by his predecessors in novelty of approach, or applying his successful skills and methods that produced enviable results for Dempo team His team of trainers in Marcus Rebello, Savio Madeira are expected to lend him a helping hand and make his short tenure a happy and satisfying experience. we wish you all, the best in volunteering to take up the challenge against all odds and are confident of your abilities and belief to do a good job. Keep it up , Goans and football lovers extend to you their support and good wishes This experience is a feather in your cap that you will cherish as an achievement irrespective of the out comes or criticism or praise. Keep your focuss.. Nelson Lopes Chinchinim9850926276
