• Even though the I-League is a new competition, the team understand what it takes to win. Our key goal is to remain in the first division and build a team who compete for cups. I’ll be able to evaluate goals better once I’m with the team and have seen our competitiveness.

Any particular plans of initiating things?

• Pre-season is a time for building, not maintaining. To win, players must be willing to work with discipline and passion. Players who are not of that nature will have a difficult experience. Those who thrive in that philosophy will win. My job is to create a winning culture.

You and India’s national coach, Bob Houghton, have worked together for the MLS back in 1995-96. Are you looking forward to sharing ideas?

• Houghton and I had some interaction in the first year of MLS when he coached my former club Colorado Rapids. Working on a club and the national team go hand in hand. Coaches must work together to prepare and develop players to win cups at the club level and then to represent country. I look forward to seeing Houghton again.

Where will this Indian stint stand in your coaching career that includes names like Carlos Valderrama and Colorado Rapids?

• I have coached in Brazil, Guatemala, Iceland and throughout the USA. I believe the current stint will be the most exciting and challenging footballing and cultural experience of my career.