Since the inception of the ISL, Indian football has started to make further connection with European top-flight clubs to collaborate and take the country’s system forward. Despite being an under-achiever in this sport, there are efforts being made to ensure the Indian national side starts taking strides towards a change.
The same was affirmed by Spanish giants Villarreal’s president Fernando Roig, who has noted that India has taken massive steps towards a change and acknowledged that the growth is happening at spectacular pace.
The club president noted that India is turning out to be a great investment for the future, and those who decide to put their money on the development of this footballing circle, will only find good results in the future.
“India has a huge potential. The country is really developing at a spectacular pace with some very good players coming through. I’m sure if we can develop football (in India), it won’t be just good in footballing terms, but for India as a whole. So, for those of us who can invest in football in India, it will result in collective good,”
he said in an interview with Hindustan Times.
Roig added that India will make massive contribution to the sport in the coming years. Some of Europe’s elite competitions are watched in great numbers in this part of the world, and over the years, La Liga have made some pretty clear changes to ensure sub-continent fans can witness the action.
“Anything that is doing good and is promoting the sport in a healthy way is very good for the country. I know we are only talking about football here, but India is going to make an important contribution to sports itself.”
There has been a massive structural change that came in the Indian footballing sector, which earned them the right to host the U17 FIFA World Cup in 2017. They will also be hosting the U17 Women’s World Cup and the AFC Women’s Asia Cup, which are all great steps taken towards a massive change.
However, Roig added an important perspective that real change can only arrive by nurturing small clubs and young players effectively. He insisted that there must be more top-quality football academies and training facilities to arrive in the country.
He also added that the finances should be handled well, and the national side must achieve a proper mix of youth and experience before they can voyage on bigger dreams. A platform has been laid for a massive change, but plenty of things are left to be done.
The next edition of the Indian Super League will kick-start on November 19. The first game of the season will see ATK Mohun Bagan and Kerala Blasters locking horns against each other. Having started with eight teams, the league has expanded to 11 sides, and there are more to come in the future.
Roig also spoke about recent success of Villarreal, who managed to lay hands on their first-ever major trophy, having finished runners-up in the league before in 2007/08. They defeated Manchester United on penalties in the Europa League final, which was their manager Unai Emery’s fourth Europa title.
According to the president, this is their greatest-ever spell in club history. They are currently level on points with United in the Champions League, and are favorites to qualify to the Round of 16.
Although their league position isn’t promising right now, with Emery’s side sitting 13th on the table. Roig expressed hope in turning things around this season.
