Manager Harm van Veldhoven promises to bring exciting football to Delhi Dynamos FCDelhi Dynamos FC manager Harm van Veldhoven is a no-nonsense man with a very clear and defined set of objectives. This becomes apparent in any conversation with the tall and articulate gaffer.Given the reputation of the Dutch as exponents of free-flowing football, there are huge expectations that the 51-year-old van Veldhoven will put his nation’s guiding principles into practice when he shepherds Delhi Dynamos FC to potential glory in the forthcoming Hero Indian Super League (ISL).And the Dutch-Belgian official does not disappoint with what he promises. “My teams always play an exciting, attacking brand of football,” says van Veldhoven, in an exclusive interview to indiansuperleague.com over the phone from New Delhi. “We build from the back and move the ball very quickly in midfield. I always tell my team, do not rest on your laurels once you have scored, go for another one.”But will that not leave his team defensively vulnerable? “I agree that the other teams will find some gaps in our backline when we are pressing forward, but if we follow our game-plan, we will probably outscore them,” he states confidently.He is however quick to inform that his style of play will not be “kick and rush, mind you,” but “a fluid brand of football”.Van Veldhoven is happy with the team he has assembled after the two drafts and the other signings Delhi Dynamos FC have made. “I am very happy with the squad I have got. There is an excellent mix of players,” he avers. “We have some quality internationals who have had the experience of playing in Europe and some really great Indian boys who I am sure will do well. The drafts went very well for us. We got what we were looking for.”And surely, Alessandro Del Piero is the icing on a very delicious cake? “When you have a world class player in your squad, one who has achieved so much in his career, you cannot be anything but glad,” van Veldhoven says. “I have had the chance to speak to him about his role in the team and the challenges that lie ahead of us. I can tell you that he is very excited and cannot wait to begin.”A versatile footballer in his playing days, van Veldhoven has played as a striker, midfielder and also defender (albeit, very rarely) and has coached in Belgium and the Netherlands, winning second division titles with SK Lommel and FC Brussels besides a cup with the former. He is excited to be part of the ISL. “It is a matter of great pride for me to be associated with a league that is probably making history in India, being the first of its kind. I feel that my experience and everything that I have learnt shall be very useful in shaping our season. We have a great bunch of players and hopefully, we will be able to deliver,” he reiterates.Van Veldhoven was overwhelmed by the welcome he received on his arrival. “I was given a surprise of sorts when I arrived in Delhi. Everybody was so welcoming, warm and enthusiastic,” he enthuses. The eagerness in his voice suggests that he cannot wait to get started.So, what should the fans of Delhi Dynamos FC expect when they come to watch their team? “A good, attacking game, during which, hopefully, they shall have a chance to cheer many times because of the many goals we shall score,” he signs off with a warning to his rivals.
