Nicolai Adam was confirmed as the head coach of the India under-17 football team by All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Thursday. The German fought off competition from compatriot Bernhard Lippert and Dutch coach Wim van Zwam to secure the job.
Adam will take up the reins from April 1 as he is currently engaged with the Azerbaijan under-19 side. The UEFA Pro Licence coach is renowned for leading the team to the confederation’s Elite Group. Adam had previously coached the under-17 and under-16 Azerbaijan sides as well.
In addition to coaching duties, the 39-year-old has previously worked as the International Football Development Advisor for German Football Association (DFB) and UEFA Head of Coach Education in Azerbaijan.
Adam will have the privilege of leading the home side in the 2017 under-17 World Cup. His master-level education in sports science with specialisation in performance diagnostics and injury prevention will be an added incentive for the Indian youngsters.
Adam arrived in Goa last week to begin negotiations with AIFF. He even watched the Coca Cola Cup under-16 final between Jharkhand and Goa.
