IndianFootball.Com Interview: N.P. PRADEEP

Keralite Naduparambil Pappachan Pradeep, better known as NP Pradeep, was one of the heroes of India's Nehru Cup triumph in August and is seen as one of the future stars of Indian football.
Our Dubai-based correspondent Jerry Joy had a chance to meet up with India's "Steven Gerrard" after one of India's training session at Ahli Club in Dubai. During the training session NP Pradeep scored a marvellous goal with his trademark thunderbolt, about 30 yards away from the goal.

First of all Pradeep, congrats on the Nehru Cup victory!

Thank You.

What has been your most memorable moment of your footballing career to date?

It has to be the Nehru Cup victory undoubtedly and my goal during the final is something which I will never forget.

Let's start off on the domestic front. What do you feel are the chances of Mahindra United in this year's Professional league?

I feel we do have a good chance but there have been a lot of changes to the team so it will take some time for us to gel together. Hopefully everything should fall into place by the time the league starts.

Last year majority of the public tipped Mahindra United to win the league but Mahindra finished 6 points behind eventual winners Dempo SC. Any reasons for the same?

Last year we had six Indian players in our team. But in the last 3-4 match due to injuries to a few key players and the luck factor not going our way, resulted in losing or drawing a few matches which we should have won easily.

There were rumours doing the rounds that you might join newly promoted Viva Kerala for the coming season. Could you throw some light on that?

Actually a few of my close friends also called me up and asked me the same questions but no one had contacted me from Viva Kerala during the transfer window.

What is your opinion about the newly formed Professional League?

It is a step in the right direction and let's hope it helps in propelling Indian football to higher heights.

Recently there has been a lack of footballing heroes for the Kerala public after the fading away of the star striker IM Vijayan but you have caught the imagination of the people back home. What do you feel is the reason for the dearth of players coming through from Kerala and playing at the national level?

I feel there are basically two reasons. If we look at the NFL for the past few seasons there has hardly been any Kerala clubs playing. This is one of the major reasons why new players find it difficult to showcase their talent. Another reason has been the reduction in the number of national level tournaments in Kerala in the past 5-6 years.

Pradeep, you have played under three coaches during your time with India - Sukhvinder Singh, Nayeemuddin and Bob Houghton. Do you feel any perceptible difference between the coaching styles of all three?

All 3 are good coaches and are unique in their own way.

What is your opinion on Bob?

I feel Bob Houghton is a person who gives more importance to team work and unity above individuals. Bob Houghton gives importance to the team as such and considering his previous coaching credentials with teams like China I feel lucky to work under such a renowned coach.

You have been playing in different positions for club and country. Do you feel that this could hamper you in the long run and do you have any preferred position?

Actually I started off in the midfield while playing at the junior level, played at the wing back position for SBT while last season I played in the midfield for India and Mahindra while this year it is back to stopper back for Mahindra.
I do not have a preferred position as such and I do not feel my game will be affected but on the other hand I feel it adds different aspects to my game.
I am willing to play in any position as long as the team benefits from it.

Thank you Pradeep It was pleasure talking to you and best of luck for the qualifiers!

Thank you.

the interview was conducted by Jerry Joy (September 2007)

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