Tuesday 13 December 2016 17:09, UK
Steve Coppell says coaching Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters has been arguably the biggest test of his managerial career.
Ex-Crystal Palace and Manchester City boss Coppell has presided over a remarkable turnaround in Kerala's fortunes after guiding last season's bottom side to this year's play-offs.
After beating Delhi Dynamos 1-0 in the semi-final first leg, Coppell's side are within sight of Sunday's final ahead of Wednesday night's second leg in the Indian capital.
"Something like this is probably the biggest test in management full stop," Coppell told Sky Sports.
"I was given 16 Indian players who I did not know and we have 11 international players, some of whom had already committed to the club before I was appointed. I had a say in selecting only six or seven of those.
"Because I hadn't managed for a few years, this was a project that appealed to me and I thought I couldn't do any worse than they did last year!
"I was fortunate that I could bring a few people with me. [My assistant] Wally Downes has been terrific as has [former Manchester City] sports scientist Niall Clark and my goalkeeper and goalkeeping coach Graham Stack.
"The four of us have been a unit and we've been part of the collective effort that has helped us get to this stage. It was a difficult start to say the least and [after one point from our first three games] it was a gradual turnaround.
"We've had a couple of hiccups along the way but we have somehow managed to win games at the right times. But the ultimate test for us is Wednesday's second leg."
For the second time in four days Coppell will pit his managerial wits against Delhi Dynamos head coach Gianluca Zambrotta, who won the 2006 World Cup with Italy during his playing days.
"When we play at home, it is an advantage for us," Zambrotta said ahead of Wednesday night's must-win game for Delhi.
"To play in front of our fans is an advantage, and we are fortunate to have the second match at home and it is a good opportunity for us. I hope we are able to utilise this opportunity."
