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CHENNAI: A proven leader and one of Indian football’s most decorated defenders, Pritam Kotal continues to add new chapters to his illustrious career. Having won almost everything in domestic football, from the I-League to the Indian Super League, the veteran is now embracing a new challenge with Chennaiyin FC, where his role has shifted from leading seasoned professionals to mentoring a young core.Comparing his leadership roles at Mohun Bagan and Chennaiyin FC, Kotal highlighted the contrast in team dynamics. “They are two different teams with different roles and expectations. At Mohun Bagan, the squad is full of experienced players who know how to handle situations. But here at Chennaiyin, we have a lot of young players,” he told TOI.“Chennaiyin were lacking in some places and that's why they brought me here. My role now is to guide them, how to behave on the field, how to play.
The responsibility has changed, but the aim remains the same: to win trophies and become champions.”On picking the best among the current crop of defenders, Kotal refrained from naming just one. “It’s difficult to compare. I have played a lot with Sandesh Jhingan, so our understanding was very strong. I would also mention Rahul Bheke,” he said.He also praised 21-year old midfielder Maheson Singh Tongram who is playing alongside him at CFC.
“He is a different-level player. If he continues like this, he can soon be in the senior national team. He is humble, hard-working, and has a very bright future.”Chennaiyin have adopted a more possession-based, build-up style this season under head coach Clifford Miranda, something Kotal admits takes time. “When you start something new, there will be a lot of obstacles. The style is different, we are trying to build from the back,” he noted.He also drew a contrast with the style under former coach Owen Coyle. “Earlier, it was more simple, second-ball football. Now, it’s about building from the back and making decisions on the ball. It requires more thinking, but it will help players grow and adapt to modern football,” he explained, while urging fans to remain patient as he hopes CFC will do well in the upcoming games.For Kotal, the connection with Mohun Bagan runs far deeper than football, it is rooted in family and childhood dreams.
Growing up, representing both India and Mohun Bagan was always the ultimate ambition for the defender. Wearing the green and maroon jersey, he admits, meant more than just professional success.“Playing for Mohun Bagan was a dream. More than me, my father was proud,” he added.Kotal also revealed that he chose Bagan at a time when Dempo SC was one of the biggest teams in the country, a decision driven purely by emotion.“I came to Mohun Bagan because of my father. It was his dream. That love has been there since childhood, not because they won trophies, but because of what the club means,” he said.Reflecting on his famous long-range goal against Royal Wahingdoh FC in their I-League title winning campaign of 2014-15, Kotal admitted his role has evolved.“I used to play as a right-back, now I mostly play as a centre-back. So, scoring opportunities are limited from corners,” he said.
“But if I get a chance, of course I would love to score again.”Despite a trophy-laden career, Kotal holds his early successes closest to his heart. “The first ones are always special, winning the I-League with Mohun Bagan and the SAFF Cup, beating Afghanistan 2-0 in the final,” he said, despite also lifting multiple ISL titles, including one as captain.Having experienced some of the most passionate fanbases, Kotal chose not to compare but instead highlighted the bigger picture.
“In Kolkata, you are either Mohun Bagan or East Bengal from birth. But now, after ISL, every state has its own fanbase, Kerala, Chennai, Goa, Odisha. That is the biggest positive for Indian football.”Kotal, who previously played for Kerala Blasters FC, expressed concern over reduced fan turnout. He also admitted that the KBFC management could have managed the team properly when he was there.“It’s not good for football. Kerala always had massive support, but recently the numbers have dropped,” he noted.
“I don’t know the exact reasons, but the club should respect the fans. They are very loyal, whether the team wins or loses.”Kotal remains motivated to don the national jersey again. “The goal is still to return to the national team. I didn’t get enough game time earlier when I was in Kerala, but now I am playing regularly for Chennaiyin,” he said.“Selection is not in my hands, but I will keep improving every day. Everyone's dream is to play for the national team. It is still the same as before.”
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