Not discounting Dortmund, Hyderabad FC friendly game: Official

Kolkata, Aug 20 German Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund could take on Indian Super League club Hyderabad FC in a friendly in the near future as part of their new two-year club partnership with an option to extend for additional years with an extended scope until 2025.

Dortmund, which is renowned for its success and specialization in nurturing and developing young players will focus on building and supporting Hyderabad FC on its academy structure as well as guiding the club's coaches on coaching education.

The partnership will also include Dortmund's Aexpertise in technology to drive innovation; enhance connectivity between the clubs, and positively grow and expand its fan base.

During a select media interaction, Suresh Letchmanan, managing director of Dortmund in Asia pacific, said he is not discounting an opportunity where first teams of both sides lock horns in a friendly.

"I am hoping this will be a monumental opportunity to have Hyderabad first team and Dortmund. But we want to engage with communities. At some stage, we will be able to play a game there. I am not discounting the fact that at some stage we might look into this opportunity," Letchmanan said when quizzed by during the Zoom interaction on Thursday.

"It could start with maybe a legends game then a first team game, but that's not something we are taking right now. Hopefully it will happen some time soon," added Varun Tripuraneni, co-owner of Hyderabad FC.

"We are looking to develop youth programmes and develop youth," said Letchmanan.

"This is an organic relationship. There are two key aspects. One is to develop the youth program with Hyderabad FC and two, to bridge the relationship for potential fan engagement. We are not going to build the next superstar within a year. It's not realistic. We have dedicated professional coaches that will be on ground to assess talent and give them a chance to train in Dortmund. For our coaches to assess them, see how capable they are."

"It's a mid to long term partnership. There are partnerships which come and go. That's not our plan. We want to see this grow," he added.

Carsten Cramer, Managing Director of Borussia Dortmund said, "I am delighted to announce this partnership with HFC, which comes at a quite challenging time for all of us during this Covid-19 pandemic, as this partnership shows that sports and particularly football can unites people from all over the world and I'm grateful for the trust that the board of HFC has in us."

One year old Hyderabad FC finished rock-bottom in the 10-team ISL last season. This time, the country's top-tier league will be played in Goa due to the COVID-19 restrictions.Asked about the team's chances, Tripuraneni said he is hopeful they can challenge the top sides in the league which is starting in November.

"We are building a strong team. We did not have a great inaugural season. But we have got a fairly strong squad. Albert Roca is coming back to India and knows the league well.

"We have put in a lot of hard work in the last couple of months for the season. I just feel it's going to be a level playing field in a neutral venue.

"I have a good feeling about this season. We will do well and challenge the best teams in the league this year."

( With inputs from IANS )

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