AIFF to keep faith in Constantine through SAFF & WC Qualifiers, but the walls are closing in

THE AIFF is putting its trust on Stephen Constantine to carry out the duties of the national team's coach, at least for now.

The British coach, who is currently on his second spell as the head coach of the Blue Tigers, has had a tough time on the job recently, as India suffered 5 back-to-back defeats in the second round of the 2018 World Cup/2019 Asian Cup joint qualifiers. Even though they finally tasted victory by defeating Guam 1-0 in Bengaluru earlier this month, they are still placed firmly at the bottom of the group and have no chance to progress to the next round. 

While a section of the AIFF wants Constantine sacked, AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das has revealed that the British coach's job is safe at this moment. Speaking to PTI, Das said the time is not right for letting go of the coach,

"We have SAFF Cup coming up and then there are home games against Turkmenistan and Iran in March. So, we will see how it goes till then... there is still an opportunity for us to qualify for the Asian Cup. That is something we should try for, and that is our focus."  

The SAFF Cup, which will be held in Trivandrum from 23rd December onwards, has long been a litmus test for the national team's coaches, and many gaffers have been given the sack for failing to win this tournament. It will perhaps be the last chance for Constantine to turn the tide of officials' favour in his favour. 

There is, however, a section of fans and officials that wants to see Constantine given more time. They point out the fact that the Indian team went into most of their World Cup Qualifier matches under-prepared; especially last month when ISL forced the cancellation of all of the national team's preparatory camp ahead of two vital away matches against Turkmenistan and Oman. Earlier, before facing Iran at home, Constantine had wanted to play at least two friendly matches against strong Asian opponents to prepare; but AIFF could arrange for only one match, that too against lower-ranked Nepal.

India's World Cup Qualifier campaign comes to end on 29th March with a home match against Turkmenistan. If by that time Constantine fails to evoke positivity amongh the top AIFF officials who want him out, we may see India playing under a new coach in the Asian Cup third round qualifying play-offs.