Interview: Florent Malouda hopes Delhi matches Kerala's enthusiasm in next home game

(Image courtesy ISL)

Runners up at the FIFA World Cup to go with pretty much every trophy deemed massive in club football, to say that Florent Malouda has had an illustrated career will be an understatement. The French playmaker has been to the zenith of the sport and beyond. In his latest expedition too, in the second edition of the Hero Indian Super League, he has been superb. Creating chances aplenty and spreading magic with his left boot, the smiling veteran of many-a-battles has adapted brilliantly to his latest playground.

His team, the Delhi Dynamos have responded brilliantly too. Currently second in the table, the franchisee coached by Roberto Carlos seems to be a transformed unit from last unit and much of the credit for the same has been attributed to the way Malouda has played and controlled the rest of the attack.

Ahead of their next fixture vs North East United FC, which also happens to be the team’s first home game after almost three weeks, SportsKeeda caught up with the talisman. In an exclusive tete-e-tete, he opened up about the league, his team Delhi Dynamos and the way forward for Indian football in general.

Excerpts:

Hello Florent, you guys seem to be doing really well in ISL this season; how would you gauge the team’s performance so far?

To be honest I am not pleased yet. There is so much we can do as a unit- there are so many areas where we can improve upon. Staying focused is the key here; there have been positives but we are taking it one match at a time and all that matters right now is beating North East day after.

Inspite of the wins, the Dynamos have scored sporadically. Is that something that you are concerned about?

Not really; you see, we are creating a lot of chances, its only about time that most of them start going on.

Also we are defending really well as a unit. So as long as we score more than we concede, it works for us.

Malouda has dazzled in a more defensive role

You have been played in a more attacking role here. Have you been comfortable with that?

I have always done this, play all over the field and try and adapt to wherever I am made to play. This is no different thus. Roberto thought me playing in a more central role would be good and that is what I have moulded myself in to.

Now that you have played in India for almost a month, what are your thoughts about the footballing set up here?

I think India has a lot of potential. With the massive population, I am sure the national team will eventually be a force to reckon with.

The ISL according to me thus is a great start, it will build interest at the grassroots and more and more people will take to the game.

And the Indian players, how has it been playing with them?

It’s been really good. People like Shouvik and Robin have impressed immensely. Even the others, since we have been living together and gelding well as a unit, they have now learned how to communicate and are taking added responsibilities.

Having said that, there is obviously room for improvement. I keep repeating that to all of them too.

A final word on the tournament and your upcoming matches?

I am struck by the organisational splendour of ISL, its amazing. I hope it grows from strength to strength.

The crowd support has been phenomenal wherever we have gone, Kerala, especially was really nice. I am hoping in our home game against North East, its even better!

Please come over Delhi!