Kolkata, India – Santosh Kashyap, a respected figure in Indian football, recently shared his thoughts on the struggle of the national team to rise on the global stage. Kashyap, who applied for the men’s national coach position among 170 hopefuls but was not shortlisted, believes that even a top coach like Pep Guardiola might face significant challenges in elevating Indian football.
Kashyap commented that the issues in Indian football run deeper than coaching alone. He stressed the importance of grassroots development, infrastructure, and consistent player development programs. According to him, without these fundamental changes, a renowned coach cannot bring the desired transformation.
“Hiring a big-name coach without fixing the foundation will not help,” Kashyap said in an exclusive interview. “We need proper academies, scouting, and investment in youth training to build a pipeline of talented players. Only then can a coach like Guardiola truly make a difference.”
The AIFF recently sought applications for the national team coach role following the departure of the former coach. Among the 170 candidates, Kashyap’s name was not shortlisted, signaling the intense competition and high standards for the position.
Indian football has seen mixed results in recent years with the men’s team struggling to secure a consistent place in Asian tournaments and failing to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. Kashyap pointed out that many promising players lack adequate exposure to elite-level competition, which slows their development.
Fans and pundits have often voiced hopes that attracting a celebrated coach like Guardiola could revolutionize Indian football. Yet Kashyap warns against setting unrealistic expectations without addressing structural flaws.
“Pep Guardiola is one of the best coaches in the world. But even he will struggle without support systems in place,” he noted. “We need long-term planning, investment, and patience from all stakeholders to truly improve.”
The debate highlights the critical crossroads Indian football faces as it prepares for upcoming qualifiers and tournaments. For sustained success, experts agree that a combined effort of infrastructure, coaching, and player nurturing is essential.
Key areas to focus on for Indian football’s success:
- Development of proper academies and grassroots programs
- Building a strong scouting network
- Consistent investment in youth training and infrastructure
- Providing players exposure to elite-level competition
- Long-term planning and patience from all stakeholders
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