Fans should show patience in LVG: Robson

Man United’s longest-serving captain was in the city to inaugurate an artificial pitch at Powai

January 22, 2016 02:43 am | Updated September 23, 2016 02:12 am IST

KICK-OFF Legendary Manchester United captain Bryan Robson lets fly from the spot during a promotional event in the city. Photo: Rajneesh Londhe

KICK-OFF Legendary Manchester United captain Bryan Robson lets fly from the spot during a promotional event in the city. Photo: Rajneesh Londhe

Manchester United’s longest-serving captain, Bryan Robson, touched down on Thursday for the second time in India. He had earlier come six years ago as national coach of Thailand, which was getting ready for the 2010 Asian Games. The midfield ace, Global Ambassador for the Premier League club, spoke at the Hiranandani Gardens in Powai on various issues, including coaching offers from the Indian Super League (ISL).

Robson explained: “Two clubs got in touch with me through agents, asking me if I was interested in coaching an ISL team. My work with Manchester United meant that I could not give them four months, so I did not follow up.”

He added: “The ISL is known in England. Mikael Silvestre (ex-Chennaiyin FC player and former Manchester United striker) spoke about the crowds attending games and enjoying his experience. Peter Reid (ex-Mumbai City FC head coach) is a good friend and coached a team in 2014.” Silvestre and Reid were part of ISL 2014, but their respective clubs did not renew the contracts next year.

Dutchman Louis Van Gaal (LVG as he is referred to) is facing the heat for below-par performances by Manchester United under his charge. “In Louis Van Gaal is a case of rebuilding. He is working on strengthening the defence. I feel the basics are quite good in the squad under him. Manchester United needs to show more flair in attack,” said Robson, credited with 99 goals in 461 appearances for the club.

Manchester United fans should display more patience with the coach, he felt. “It takes time to settle down when a new coach comes in; Alex Ferguson needed time before the team started winning. He removed some players, and signed up new ones before things started happening,” said Robson, adding: “The midfield looks quite strong now, after LVG signed (Bastian) Schweinsteiger and (Ander) Herrera. Michael Carrick is also there; the team has more attackers who can push forward and also score.”

‘Go The Distance’ football pitch Bryan Robson was seen kicking a ball along a green patch amidst towering steel and concrete blocks. The ex-England midfielder tested the feel of the artificial football pitch at Powai.

Named ‘Go The Distance’ pitch, laid on a base of recycled rubber at Hiranandani Gardens, he felt the green patch was similar in appearance and feel to a mini-football pitch at Old Trafford, Manchester United’s home base, also laid on recycled rubber base made from used Apollo tyres.

Referring to the need for rubber base, he explained: “Artificial pitches were laid on concrete and sand base earlier. Now, rubber ball bearings are used in place of sand. It is safer for the players. Strain on the legs is lesser.”

Twenty tonnes of rubber from used tyres, equivalent to 220 tyres, was used.

Robson remarked: “The one we have at Manchester United is bigger; the rest is the same. In England, we have good facilities to play football and be healthy playing the sport. Now kids here can use the pitch round the year, in warm weather or rain.”

Apollo Tyres has tied up with Kick For All Academy for its maintenance.

Youth from local communities will have access to the artificial pitch to hone their football skills, said Satish Sharma, President, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, adding: “The pitch in Mumbai and the one in Chennai, created using end-of-life tyres, is proof of our commitment to sustainability.”

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