Chinese Taipei coach is all praise for Constantine

Gary White, who last visited India as the coach of Guam in 2015, labels the Intercontinental Cup as a ‘gold mine’ opportunity for youngsters.

The Chinese Taipei coach looks forward to the Intercontinental Cup.

Chinese Taipei head coach Gary White believes Indian fans create a dynamic atmosphere during football games, which is a boost for any visiting team. Ahead of the Hero Intercontinental Cup, the Englishman lauded Stephen Constantine — the India coach — for escalating the standards.

“Stephen (Constantine) and his staff have done a commendable job to get to where they are at the moment, the potential is limitless for Indian football in the future,” said White, who last visited India as the coach of Guam in 2015.

“I still remember the poster which they put up in the India-Guam match in Bengaluru. It was the largest-ever poster ever created for a football match. I remember they were colouring it out under the stadium stands when our players helped them to roll out the canvas,” he added.

Talking about Chinese Taipei’s chances in the tournament, he added, “As the dates for the tournament do not fall in the official FIFA international calendar and due to our senior players being actively involved in the middle of the China Professional League season, we have been unable secure our full regular senior player squad.

“But where there is adversity there is also massive opportunity to grow, this has become a gold mine opportunity for us. We will bring a younger team that will be preparing for the Asian Games in Indonesia in August.”

Chinese Taipei will take on India at the Mumbai Football Arena on June 1.