Kottan's 6-month ambitions

George Kottan arrived here yesterday to take charge of Abahani with the target of guiding them to success in the upcoming Federation Cup and the Bangladesh Premier League.

The 69-year-old Austrian, however, said he has no idea about the current team which lost to Chittagong Abahani in the final of Independence Cup earlier this month.

“I have come to know about the current squad from [Satyajit Das] Rupu, who told me that this time the squad is better than the last season. I have six months in hand and I think I can give it to Abahani and Bangladesh football,” said Kotton before conducting his first training session at the club ground in Dhanmondi yesterday.

Under the guidance of the Austrian, Abahani finished fourth in the league last season. However, he left the country before the end of the league to join FIFA's Goal project. This time he hopes the Federation Cup and Bangladesh Premier League will be completed within six months.

“I love this country and whenever I am called, I don't want to miss the chance. Hopefully I will finish the league and other tournaments in six months as champions,” said Kottan, who guided Bangladesh national team to triumph in the 2003 SAFF Championship.