PANAJI:

watched India’s matches at the Asian Cup 2019 with more than just passing interest.

Assistant to Carlos Queiroz with the Iran national team, Oceano, 56, was given the task of scouting Iran’s group opponents and monitoring their progress. But the Portuguese coach was tempted to look beyond, particularly group A where the hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India were attracting big crowds.

Oceano maintained an eagle eye on India’s performance and the man who coached India captain

during his time with Sporting Clube de Portugal, or Sporting Lisbon as they are commonly known, was left mightily impressed with the India striker.

“I saw a much more mature player, still with great ability and quality. His leadership skills were there for all to see,” Oceano told TOI in an exclusive interview.

Chhetri is now at the peak of his prowess but the 34-year-old is still blighted by his failed foreign stints. His time with New York Kansas City in the United States and Sporting Lisbon was disappointing, although having coached him, Oceano, a former Portugal midfielder, offers his sympathies.

“He was on an par with the players. He trained every day and competed for a starting position like all others. One issue that he faced was that he didn’t play often enough, as he deserved, in the B (reserves) team. The B team policy was to give playing time to younger players,” said Oceano, who made more than 400 appearances for the club and coached the senior team too.

Chhetri was 27 when he landed in Portugal, and with time running out, decided to return home after it became clear that he wouldn’t get a regular first-team spot.

“I always felt, and still believe, that Sunil has the ability and character to compete in the top-tier of the Portuguese league, or elsewhere. As with all players, they need the right opportunities,” said Oceano, who was incharge of the Sporting reserves.

Chhetri’s decision to cut short his European dream in 2013 came as no surprise to several who followed his career, including Oceano.