The year 2024 has been an eventful one for the Indian men's football team but all for the wrong reasons. The year began with the high octane AFC Asian Cup campaign, where the odds were completely against India. Asking for a win in the continental showdown was an ambitious demand, given all the three opponents (Australia, Uzbekistan, and Syria) pooled in India's group were ranked much higher. However, what was more disappointing was the Blue Tigers' inability to score a single goal in those three matches.
Moving forward to the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where India were clubbed in a relatively easier group (Lebanon, Afghanistan, and Qatar), but the show was far from convincing, and it eventually led to the sacking of Igor Stimac, the former head coach of the team.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) appointed Manolo Marquez as the new head coach, with his first assignment being the Intercontinental Cup. India played their first match against 179th ranked Mauritius last week but the wait for the first win in 2024 extended as the team engaged in a dull goalless draw. While fans were certainly disappointed with the outcome, former India goalkeeper Subrata Paul in an exclusive chat with Moneycontrol.com expressed there's no reason to worry.
"Nothing to worry about because this is a transition period and Manolo (Marquez) just joined as a chief coach in the national team after long period with Igor Stimac. This was only his first match and Manolo is right person to take our country forward," said Subrata, who has 67 Indian caps under his name.
"He needs time, I think after one year or after two years how our team performs, how he builds our team, that is the main thing. I don't look for short term goal, football is a process and you need time. So, give little time to him and I will ask the football fraternity of our country to have little patience, trust our players and our coach," he added.
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Marquez is serving as a dual coach. Apart from handling the responsibility of the national team, the Spaniard is also in charge of FC Goa and will completely take over after this season. So when asked to Subrata to share his thoughts on the same, India's former No. 1 said: "AIFF has taken this decision. As a honest football fan of our country I have no issue until my country is performing well. Our federation have thought something, I don't know everything inside out, there may be some reason. But it is not my concern, my only concern is I want to see my country play good football, show character, qualify for the Asia Cup. That is the only concern. Who is playing, who is doing double job, triple job, I don't mind. We have to focus on positive and we will reach our goal."
Sunil Chhetri set a standard
Meanwhile, the clash against Mauritius was also the first time India played without the talismanic striker Sunil Chhetri, who announced his retirement from Indian football earlier this year. His absence in front of opposition's goal was clearly missed as India managed just one shot on target throughout the 90 minutes. Subrata appreciated Chhetri's decision to call it quits and picked three names, who he believes could go on to become the next stars in Indian football.
"I really appreciate the decision Sunil (Chhetri) took because everyone has to stop somewhere. And Sunil set a good example for the juniors, he set a standard. In India we have many talented players, who can fill his boots but it needs time. Sunil Chhetri became Sunil Chhetri after playing for 15-20 years, this is not a one day, or one or two year process.
"We have many players like Manvir (Singh), (Lallianzuala) Chhangte, Sahal (Sahal Abdul Samad), we have to trust them. Give them game time, keep faith on them, like everyone had faith on Sunil. Let them play 20-30 matches, we will definitely find a new striker for Indian football," he said.
Subrata Paul has joined Woxsen University, Hyderabad, as an Executive Fellow. He will support the institution in developing a strong sports culture, starting from the education level, and will also assist in advancing sports consultancy at the University across various areas as needed.
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