The system behind success of Spain’s passing game figured in discussions as the AIFF Coaches’ Seminar kick-off at Navi Mumbai, near Mumbai. Dutchmen Rob Baan and Wim Koevermans, appointed technical director and newly-appointed head coach for India respectively, touched upon the relevance of Spanish dominance for Indian football.
According to Baan, India can learn at various levels. “We can learn from Spain about the utility of educating players at all levels. It takes years to build a structure but once it is in place, it becomes easier for a country to move on the path towards success,” he said. Before making a presentation to 75 coaches from I-League clubs and football academies on the seminar’s opening day, Baan also referred to the ‘Indian style’ of play. His point was that ‘Indian style’ would evolve from consensus between experts and coaches. “We can’t teach one style and state that this should be the way India plays. Our effort is to work together with coaches and create a style, so that we have a common agreement,’ said Baan, revealing that the seminar will revolve around three points — Youth Development, Coaches Education and Referees Education.
The seminar is an AIFF initiative, the first interaction with Indian coaches for the new foreign panel (Baan, Koevermans and Australian Scott O’Donnell, designated AIFF Academy’s technical director). “We are looking to use coaches education to work towards deciding an Indian style of play, so that youngsters are brought up on the same idea, not different styles in different states,” pointed out Baan.
Koevermans remarked, “Spanish players are small and gifted, how many tall players are there in that side? We also should try to find a style which suits the talent,” said the Dutchman, hinting that in future, smaller-made players who are quick on the ball also stand a chance, along with taller players. Bhaichung Bhutia, one of the guest speakers on Monday, focussed on cohesion between players and coaches.
Keywords: AIFF Coaches’ seminar
