Football: Over 250 people apply for job of India's coach
What's the story
The Indian football team has played well since quite some time and despite the heartbreak suffered in the AFC Asian Cup 2019, the future looks promising. After Stephen Constantine's exit as the manager of the team, the vacant coach's position has found several takers at the moment. The position has attracted over 250 applications that include some top European names. Here's more.
Applicants
Some big names including Sam Allardyce have applied
Reports state that the AIFF is not going to get carried away by big names. The focus will remain on someone who can fit into the system based on the team's requirements. But there is a lot of excitement regarding some big names. Italian Giovanni De Biasi, Sweden's Hakan Ericson, France's Raymond Domnech and Sam Allardyce have supposedly applied for the post.
Information
Coaches from all quarters have applied
Apart from the big names, several people with no proper credentials and licence have also applied for the job. The deadline for the applications ended on March 29. Coaches from the Indian Super League and I-League have also put forward their names.
Quote
Technical committee to to interview candidates
A source close to the AIFF told PTI, "The big names doing the rounds need not necessarily fulfil the criteria of the AIFF. Early next week the concerned committee will make a short-list and the candidates would then be interviewed by the technical committee."
Leading name
Former Bengaluru FC coach rumored to be prime contender
Former Barcelona assistant coach Albert Roca was appointed by Bengaluru FC for two seasons (2016-18). The report adds that he is believed to be the leading name in contention for the job. Several national team players favor him as the head coach. His past connection with the Indian football set-up at club level could help him. Roca has also been highly successful with Bengaluru.
Information
A look at Roca's achievements
Under Roca, Bengaluru appeared in four finals in his two seasons at the club. Bengaluru made the final of the AFC Cup (2016), Federation Cup (2017), Indian Super League and Super Cup in 2018. His team won the Federation and the Super Cup titles.