I am no replacement for Mendoza: Succi

In the meanwhile, the reigning champions signed 34-year-old Italian striker Davide Succi. The striker joined Chennaiyin after the expiry of his contract at Italian Serie B team Cesena. According to Succi, he signed up for the Indian league for a new experience. “I needed a new experience, and when Marco Materazzi approached me to play for Chennaiyin FC, I accepted it immediately. India is improving in football and India has a great future in football,” he said on Tuesday. 

Chennaiyin FC has not had the greatest of starts to this ISL season, drawing a blank in the wins column. Chennaiyin drew their first match against former champions Atletico de Kolkata and failed miserably against Delhi at home. However, Succi said team isn’t losing any focus. “Coming from last year we have a very strong base. But we need to focus more and play as a team. This league is very unpredictable; we were leading in the first match but after the 85th minute penalty it all changed in a matter of minutes,” he added. 

The striker cleared the air on being touted as a replacement for Mendoza. “I have seen Mendoza play, he is a great player and want to congratulate him for all what he has done for Chennaiyin FC. But I am not a replacement for any player. I am Davide Succi. Marco also hasn’t put any pressure on me he has asked to me to do what I can do and play with my skill,” he said. 

Indian football has been making rapid strides as the Indian players are being exposed to internationals with rich experience and greater technical ability in the ISL. “The roles of players in European football are more defined. In India those roles are not defined that well. This is something which Indian players can improve upon. The youngsters in ISL are very open and are willing to learn from more experienced players. They have to improve in their focus level and mentality,” Succi added.