‘To make it big,Odafe should leave India’

“Odafe is a special talent,he is a world-class player. I would advise him to get out of India if he wants to make it big. I am sorry to say this but India is not the right place for talented players,” he said.

“Where is the infrastructure and facilities? I have coached in Saudi Arabia,UAE besides in my home country (Serbia) and there are so many things lacking in India,from the stadia to youth development,” said the Serbian.

Zoran became the first foreign coach to win the I-League title but he is unlikely to continue as he does not share the best of relations with some of his staff. Zoran said Churchill could be the team to beat in the AFC Cup provided the club management retains the current players and take in one more foreigner. “This side can do very well in the AFC Cup. They are a bunch of talented players but all of them should be retained and maybe sign another foreigner,” he said.

Asked about Odafe’s reported problems with two earlier coaches Karim Bencherifa and Emeka Ezeugo,Zoran said he had no issues with any players.

“A coach had to understand the difference in persona and role in the team of each player. They have to be treated differently. I don’t know why earlier coaches had strained relations with players.

“Odafe had to be treated differently. My aim was to establish a harmonious relationship with the players and among the players,” he said.