Pune: Fandom is one of the most intriguing aspects of the people's game given that there are several reasons as to why one supports a particular team. Of course, being from the same region or locality is a major factor in determining where your loyalty lies, but for the Indians, this isn't applicable in case of the European or more specifically, the Premier League clubs.
So what is it that gets them to cuss each time their team fails to win or thrust their fists in theair in jubilation when a goal is scored? What is it that they swear by their clubs or get heated debates with their pals if their club is insulted?
If you do speak to some fans in India, one realizes that primarily the attraction to a particular club is because of the playing style, the players they have or have had, their manager whom they absolutely worship with the necessary paraphernalia each weekend, an event in history when the club was very successful or even a memorable victory.
Thus, you suddenly had a lot of Chelsea fans after the Roman Abramovich revolution with Jose Mourinho at the helm, there were a lot of Arsenal fans who were bamboozled with the famous ‘Invincibles’ or every next football fan being a Red Devil following the 1999 treble.
Success is very much a key factor if you notice which maybe the case in recent results or something from the past; precisely why some of the European fans brand the rest of the world and in particularly the Asians as "plastic fans." Of course, you may come across a Stoke or West Bromwich Albion fan but that’s a rare case, an exception to the rule.
So the decoding formula is to win matches, play a particular brand of football, have players who are skilful and talented enough to catch the audience’s attention.
"I don't want to compare any other club's fan base with us. But what I do know is that there will be a place for Blackburn in the hearts of Indians soon,” said Venkatesh Rao, the owner of Blackburn Rovers FC, on Thursday.
Yes, Blackburn will certainly touch the hearts of those present at the Balewadi Sports Complex who saw some of the team's star names interact and play with the U-16's and sign autographs for the fans.
It may even get some more to take notice of them given that their exhibition match is being telecasted LIVE in India.
But if Blackburn does want to have a fan base in India, they need to get the results in the Premier League and not merely by playing Pune FC.
And to some extent, the owners have made it evident in their own statements to the press when Balaji Rao said," And perhaps the visit now could not have been better timed. The club is riding on a high after its big win over Arsenal, and the players are eager to share the glory with their Indian fans."
The Lancashire based club wants to share their success with the football fans in India following the 4-2 victory over Arsene Wenger's Arsenal.
It's those kinds of results that shall give or provide them many more opportunities to connect with fans in India and eventually win a "place for Blackburn in the hearts of the Indians."
Of course coming up with an academy, a few football clinics here and there in the country would bring them to notice and will be appreciated, but for those things alone to help them win over the fans is probably asking for too much too soon.
A 3-0 victory on Friday or even a 15-0 wouldn't get them anywhere if they continue to plummet down in the league and it can't get any worse given their current scenario – 19th spot.
Agreed and that the honour and privilege of being the first Premier League side to play in India is historic, but it wouldn’t get them anywhere if they continue to fight the relegation battle.
While Jose Mourinho cited a quote from Albert Einstein to inspire Real Madrid ahead of the Champions League semi-finals against Barcelona, here is another quote from the same “chap.”
"You need to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else."
Isn't this relevant for Blackburn?
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