Bernard Mendy and Abhishek Das: new found friendship.Ahead of the start of the inaugural edition of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL), the teams have had to quickly build a cohesive unit from players who are playing with each other for the first time in their careers. Despite their short time together, Chennaiyin FC defenders Bernard Mendy and Abhishek Das have showcased the team spirit and camaraderie in their camp at an event here to mark the official launch of their jersey. The pair have struck up a friendship despite potentially having to compete for playing time, and their rapport was on show as they traded laughs and jokes at each other’s expense during an exclusive interview with www.indiansuperleague.com. Former Paris Saint-Germain and Hull City full back Mendy was quick to dispel the notion that the two face a straight shot against each other for a spot in the starting line-up. “We might not play in the same position. Abhishek can play as left-back or right-back, and I can play as centre-back,” explained Mendy.For his part, the 23-year-old Das is delighted to be spending time with a player who has amassed over 400 caps while playing in the top leagues of Europe. “Bernard is sharing all his experience with us, and we’re happy to have him in our team,” enthused the Kolkata-born full back. “He’s a great professional. We’re all learning a lot from him. It will help us a lot.” Over the course of their training sessions, Das has forged a strong bond with his colleague. “Bernard is like an elder brother to me,” said the Tata Football Academy graduate who has represented the India under-23s. “He’s friendly. And even though he’s a top European player, he’s a humble person.” When asked whether he has tried to model his game on any player in particular, Das professed to being a student of the game in general. “I watch a lot of football and try to learn,” he said. This desire to improve is one of the things that has impressed Mendy, along with the Indian’s considerable natural talent. “When I came here and I saw Abhishek, I said ‘wow, good player’,” said the 33-year-old former French international. Mendy also paid tribute to his fellow defender’s work ethic, “He trains very hard. And now, he’s improved. He’s progressing.” Although both players’ first duty is to prevent a breach of their citadel, Mendy emphasised the need for defenders to contribute to attacking play. “A modern full back needs to play as a defender as well as a forward. People look to you to assist and score goals,” he explained.In this regard, Chennaiyin FC are in safe hands. Mendy made his name in Europe as an enterprising full back and once scored a wonderful solo goal for Hull City at Old Trafford against his childhood favourites Manchester United. The Frenchman has confidence in Das’ attacking ability, claiming that “he can assist, and he can score”.The rollicking duo are all set to prove the adage that ‘attack is the best form of defence’ during the ISL.
