Wim Koevermans, the India coach, stated that the standard of football played in the country’s top division league has certainly improved. With the Dutchman conducting the first Professional Coaching License Course in Mumbai ahead of the 2013-14 I-League season where six I-League coaches were in attendance, certainly there has been a difference in the manner in which teams approach games.
“I think credit must go to a lot of coaches in the I-League who are already changing the game at the moment. I think things are well organized and so we see some good football. I don’t see a lot of kicking of the ball without any reason. A lot of good football is being played from the back to the midfield. Defending has become better so I think we are moving in the right direction. You don’t see those crazy scores anymore like 9-0 or 10-0 and that’s a good sign,” he told Goal.
The former High Performance Director with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) wants good training facilities for the I-League teams.
“I also think everybody understands that in order to build your team, you need good facilities as well. So as I know since a lot of the coaches are in the pro-license course, they want to have good training facility. You cannot prepare your team in the best possible manner if you train them on a ground without lines. We need to have good training facilities and a lot of clubs need to have access to that.”
With regards to the upcoming international friendly against Bangladesh next month, Koevermans didn’t assure that the IMG-Reliance players who have managed to secure a loan move to an I-League club would be recalled into the national squad based on reputation alone.
“I am scouting the players and they also need to have a good form to come into the team. Majority of the players found clubs and I am really pleased for them. It gives me the opportunity to have a look at them. But still they need to show good form as well.”