Former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia feels that not all foreign coaches are very strong tactically and even Indians can make good strategy provided they have the necessary skills to guide the team. Ignoring the argument whether the current Indian coach, Croatia’s Igor Stimac, was the ideal strategy for the senior team, Bhutia told IANS, “Not all foreign coaches are bad and also not all foreign coaches are great. Same is the case with Indian coaches.
“It depends on what coach (and) you play under at what time. I was lucky enough to get to play under one or two foreign coaches who were as good as Bob Houghton. Similarly, I have played under some foreign coaches who were not good enough. Same is the case with Indian coaches. So, you can’t really differentiate,” he said.
“So let me end it this way, I have played under some foreign coaches who were not that great and also played under some who were amazing.”
The former striker, who has seen ups and downs in Indian football, the change from Indian coaches to foreign coaches and the transition from the I-League to the Indian Super League (ISL), felt that although Indian coaches are better suited to players, the climate and the culture of the country , it is the technical expertise that keeps foreign coaches ahead.
“Yes, they (Indian coaches) know the players, the conditions better, but at the same time (they) need to be very strong tactically, which they might not be able to do,” Bhutia said.
Bhutia, however, said the chairman of the Technical Committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) was best equipped to take a decision on whether the coach should be an Indian or a foreigner.
“It is in that position as the chairman of the technical committee to decide whether to be an Indian or a foreign coach,” Bhutia said.
The ace footballer felt that whoever coaches the side – Indian or foreign – must also have knowledge of the side and local conditions, which is important.
“It is very important. I think the coach should have a thorough knowledge of the tactical side of football, the local conditions (Indian conditions) and the Indian players. So, it is very important.”
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