Chennaiyin FC's Harmanjot Khabra, the versatile mid-fielder who had caught the eye in the first edition of Indian Super League, has had a season of fluctuating fortunes, not very dissimilar to his club's form. From being praised by Italian legend Marco Materazzi before the first game of the season that he is capable of playing in Italy, to earning multiple suspensions for rash on-field decisions, and then re-establishing himself in the midfield to help Chennaiyin reach the semis, it's fair to say ISL 2015 has been a roller-coaster ride for the 26-year-old from Punjab.
After the season-opener against Atletico de Kolkata (which ended in a narrow 2-3 defeat for Chennaiyin), Firstpost wrote that Khabra played like a dream, operating as a deep-lying playmaker and completely controlling midfield. Getting ready to face the same opponents in the semifinals first leg in Pune, Khabra spoke to Firstpost about the ups and downs of this season, playing the 'home' leg in Pune, his myriad suspensions and the experience of working with Marco Materazzi.
What is the biggest positive for you, personally, from this season so far?
The first ten games we were not consistent. Now we are glad that we have matched last year’s performance by reaching semifinals, but that’s not enough. We want to go all the way, that’s why I don’t want to say what the positives from this season are right now.
You are one of the players spending their second season with Chennai. What do you think has changed from the 2014 season at the club? What are the differences this year compared to last?
So I think the biggest difference is that we have had more quality (in terms of players) this year than last year. If you see the age of the foreigners also, we probably have the youngest set of players in terms of average age. So yes, quality-wise we are better but sometimes in football what you have on paper is not enough. We found that out in the first 10 games.
Chennaiyin FC's Harmanjot Khabra in action against ATK in the season opener. ISL
But winning four games in a row shows our quality. We are the first team in ISL to put together a four match-winning run. Now we have to prove ourselves in knockout stage. At the end of it, hopefully we’ll be able to say that last year we were the semifinalists, this year we are the champions.
You have spoken about your chemistry with Raphael Augusto. But with his injury, how do you see your role changing in the team? How do you think Chennai will cope?
Many people will agree that Raphael Augusto has been one of the best players in the league. Not just in terms of his performances, but in terms of technique and quality. So it’s always difficult to replace a player like him. But sometimes in football it is like that. I am sure Raphael is also hoping, even though he’s not here, that we will win. Maybe that’s another reason for us to go out there and win it for him, because he has been instrumental in us reaching here. I am sure the coach will have his tactics, but whoever plays will have to give everything they have got.
What kind of a footballer do you describe yourself as? What, in your opinion, defines Harmanjot Khabra as a footballer?
I am a player who gives everything for the team. That’s the way I can describe me. But I am sure people like Marco (Materazzi) and the other staff would be able to give you details about my style but it won’t be right for me to say that.
You are seen as a versatile footballer in the midfield - what is personally your favourite role to play?
That’s the thing. People call me versatile for a reason, because to be versatile I cannot have a favourite position. I like playing in midfield, I like playing in defence if needed. If that’s one quality I have over others, then I have to show that every time I get a chance to play.
How was the mentality in the dressing room when Chennaiyin was going through a bad run of form?
Yes obviously, when the results was not going our way the morale was down. But even then, starting from owners and even the kit boys, they always believed that we could still do it. The only thing that mattered was we were still mathematically in it. Even if you recollect the games against Atletico de Kolkata and NorthEast, we felt that we deserved more from those games. So the performances were there. It was all about getting that one win, that gives you the confidence and that’s what happened with us (against Kerala Blasters).
You have been suspended multiple occasions this season, but Marco Materazzi has brought you back into the team straight away repeatedly. What was the conversation like between you and Materazzi during those suspensions?
Yes, not just Marco but even the owners, my team mates, everybody associated with the club – I felt bad for everyone. It is important as a footballer not to think too much about what happened in the previous games, then you stop playing your natural game. Obviously I have to be more responsible. Marco did speak to me, but some things should just remain between the player and the coach. The crux was that I have to be more responsible on the field and play with the team in mind.
What are your thoughts on playing the home leg at Pune - the venue of your crucial win a few days back? Does the lack of home advantage bother you?
We are all disappointed that we are not playing in Chennai. We call it Namma Chennai in the dressing room for a reason. That is our home. The fans, the Super Machans, will be disappointed we are not playing there. But this is the toughest decision the club has had to take for unavoidable reasons. But now we have a reason to play for them, and win for them even more.
Hopefully the next time we are in Chennai, we will be there with the ISL trophy for the fans.
It was a heartbreaking loss in the semis last year. What do you think Chennaiyin FC need to do to go all the way in ISL this year?
It becomes a knockout competition, so it is a fresh start. The players who were there last year will have learnt that we need to be focussed from the first kick. We will try to do just that, play every minute that it’s like our last in the league. The first target is to win the first leg and then hopefully we go one better than last year.
What does it feel like to play under Materazzi's coaching? What is the standout aspect that you have learnt from him?
I remember Materazzi saying in the ISL Media Day before the season that he expects a lot from me. Generally, the conversations I have had with him last year and this year gives me great confidence as a player.
That is why I feel even more responsible when I get suspensions, I was very unhappy that I let him down and let the club down. It’s a great honour and every day is a new experience under his coaching. I would like to thank him for giving me the confidence and hopefully be able to repay his faith.
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