Marco Materazzi is in town and all geared up for the Hero Indian Super League challenge. In this exclusive chat, the Italian talks to us about his ‘player-manager’ role at Chennaiyin FC and how he is set to coach the Indian contingent. The World Cup winner also talks about coping with the weather conditions and gives us an insight into his relationship with Jose Mourinho.This is your first managerial assignment although you will also figure as a player for Chennaiyin FC. How excited are you about it?For me, it is a great opportunity to train footballers. It will be the first time and I will give everything to help my players to achieve victories. Will your emphasis on the management part mean that we may not see much of you as a player? How do you plan to combine these two responsibilities?I will be the manager first and let the players have the opportunity to express themselves on the pitch. But at the same time, I’ll be ready if I am needed.How are you and the other foreign players going to cope with the heat and humidity of Chennai and other Indian cities during the ISL?It will not be easy to adapt to the humid heat of some cities where we will be playing. It became apparent during our initial practice matches and it will be more difficult for players who are not used to playing in this sort of environment. But it will be a good test. "To win the title, you need heart, energy and technique."Marco MaterazziWhich Indian players have impressed you and what are your expectations of them?I did not expect to find such a level in my top Indian players. They work hard and want to learn and this, above all to me, is the most important attribute. I will not name individuals because I believe in the entire squad. For me, they are the best Indian players in the ISL.Going back to your playing days, who are the players that you felt were difficult to play against the most as a defender? Ronaldo was special for me because he could combine the technique with his great power. It was impossible to mark him when he was playing well.You are obviously a hero in Italy for the 2006 World Cup win for scoring during regulation time and in the tie-breaker...I always speak for the group and for me. It was a great satisfaction scoring two goals in the final of the World Cup but without my teammates I could never have won alone.You have a high impression of Jose Mourinho though you did not get much playing time under him at Inter Milan. Why? It’s because he's a real person who says things in the face. When you are not playing, it becomes difficult. But you cannot play angry. He is also an honest man.Which of the teams looks interesting to you in the ISL, and how will you counter them and win the title?I think the team to beat is Mumbai City FC. We will do our best to compete with them. To win the title, you need heart, energy and technique.You are making your first foray into football management. Did you always know that you’d be a manager?When one goes through the coaching badges, it’s normal for that person to have the desire to become a football manager. The important thing is that I make the most of this opportunity that has come my way and prepare myself for a successful managerial career. Finally, tell us one personality or managerial trait that you’d like to borrow from Jose Mourinho?The seriousness and the sincerity.
