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A top AIFF official had claimed that celebrated Spanish footballer Xavi Hernandez was among the applicants for India men team’s coach’s job.
Xavi Hernandez (left) and Pep Guardiola (AP Photo)
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has admitted that the job applications for India men’s football team head coach post from Spaniards Xavi Hernandez and Pep Guardiola weren’t genuine. A top AIFF official had earlier claimed that the legendary Hernandez, a world cup winner with Spain, has sent his application for the role.
Meanwhile, the federation has shortlisted three candidates for the job left vacant after the Manolo Marquez’s exit.
AIFF hasn’t revealed the names though but it is widely believed that Khalid Jamil, currently the head coach of Indian Super League side Jamshedpur FC, is the leading candidate.
“The AIFF received an e-mail furnishing the applications from Spanish coaches Pep Guardiola and Xavi Hernandez. The authenticity of their applications could not be confirmed, and it has since emerged that the e-mail applications were not genuine,” the AIFF stated in a media release.
One official, who wished to remain anonymous, stated on Friday that Xavi’s application could not be processed as the AIFF did not have the resources to hire his services.
It is understood that the IM Vijayan-headed Technical Committee has also shortlisted Englishman Stephen Constantine, who has previously coached India, and Slovakia’s Stefan Tarkovic.
Constantine has coached the Indian team in two phases earlier, while Tarkovic is the most decorated among the shortlisted candidates, having managed Slovakia during the 2020 Euro Championship, where his team beat a fancied Poland side that included Bayern Munich legend Robert Lewandowski.
“Following comprehensive discussions and a rigorous selection process, 10 candidates were selected for the committee to review, after which the TC shortlisted three,” the release stated.
“Given the immediate needs of the national team, it is advisable to recommend three coaches from the shortlisted pool for final consideration,” former India skipper Vijayan was quoted as saying in the release.
“Other prominent applicants, many of whom are highly qualified international coaches, will be considered for long-term strategic roles in the future,” he added.
National Team Director Subrata Paul, also a former India skipper, emphasised the importance of selecting a coach with an understanding of Indian football.
“This is a very important moment for Indian football, and we are committed to appointing a coach who not only brings technical expertise but also understands the unique style, culture, and dynamics of Indian and Asian football.
“We believe such a coach will be able to connect with our players quickly and effectively,” Paul stated.
With PTI Inputs
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital…Read More
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital… Read More
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