S. Venkatesh

New Delhi: Indian football captain S. Venkatesh Monday came out in support of beleaguered coach Sukhwinder Singh who received flak from the AIFF after the team’s recent performances.

“I think Sukhwinder should continue. How can you expect anyone to deliver results in 10-20 days’ preparation,” Venkatesh said on the sidelines of a press conference to announce a deal between AIFF and Zee Sports.

He said: “In 1998 he (Sukhwinder) did a fantastic job against UAE, then no one said he was bad and now in just 2-3 matches you judge his performace!”

Deal signed

The AIFF and Zee Sports Monday signed a ten-year deal for exclusive telecast for all domestic and international football matches. The channel will telecast a minimum of 70 live matches in a year.