Aaryaman Vir: India will make it to FIFA WC 2022.

India has a dismal ranking in world football. But there is one youngster who believes we can make it to the World Cup in 2022. Youngest Indian to be FA approved to become a coach, his experience at Liverpool's Inspire academy makes him pursue exactly that. Aryaman Vir talks to iSport.in

What is the most basic and immediate requirement for football to grow in India?

Firstly, professionals in the governing body. AIFF needs some really committed people to handle things in the country. No part-timers and businessmen who treat football just as a hobby should be allowed to take important decisions in the game. We need talented professionals who know that their decisions are going to make a difference to the game’s development.
Secondly, coaches at the grass-root levels to work with players on a regular basis. Grass-root levels would consist the age group of 9-14.

How was ur experience in the UK? which important people did you get a chance to learn from?

I went to a private academy in Liverpool called 'Inspire academy.'.There I worked with Gary Lewis, a director and a FA tutor who works and trains other coaches also. He plays a major role in the coaching license process too. I was the youngest guy in the whole group. They made me very comfortable and it was easy for me too since I have been to the UK a few times. I learned new insights into the game. Perspective changes once you look at the coaching style there. It is a completely different view-point than one India.

What is the cornerstone of the thesis that India will make it to 2022 World Cup?

The cornerstone would be creating a virtuous cycle for the game in India. That would happen by recruiting coaches at the grass-root level and good ones, not those who sit under a tree and ask the players to run around the ground, which will hurt them and not develop them. In fact, it might stunt their growth. These players should form u-16 and u-18 teams and eventually win tournaments. Better players would make better teams and eventually the press should be attracted towards the game if we start winning tournaments. Exposure to the public about these exploits is vital. This will generate incentives from corporates, who will buy rights, get affiliated with clubs and sponsors and get money into the game. With money better training equipment will be bought, better coaches would be hired and stadiums will be maintained.
If this cycle will repeat till 2022, we will be able to produce some good teams at club level and an excellent team at national level and hopefully make it to the World Cup.

Does climate play a major role in the state of pitches in india or is it simple negligence?

Not negligence. Climate is not a factor at all. Countries like Brazil, Argentina and Chile are all beating the extreme climate they face and still have some great pitches. The main reason is type of grass which grows here is different than that in Europe and South America which is of better quality and softer. But no one is interested in importing it and on top of that there is a complete lack of technical know how. Grounds men are only rolling and cutting the grass here. They do not know the difference between a normal grounds grass and a pitch meant for playing football. Government rents grounds to fairs and festivals and other private events like marriages which results in a complete deterioration of the pitch.

Who is your favourite player and why?

Xabi Alonso, because he has an amazing range of passing. 3 weeks before his transfer to Real Madrid, I bought his jersey!!

Which is your favourite club and country?

I am a Liverpool fan and my favourite national team is the Netherlands. They always play attractive flowing football.

Is the FIFA ranking the biggest hurdle in getting a work permit for Indians to play in European clubs? It happened with Sunil Chhetri.

It is a hurdle and the best way would be to improve the quality of the game and start climbing the rankings so that our players can be exported all over the world to play and get experience.

Is there one Indian player you would like to mention who is capable of playing In Europe?

Sunil Chhetri….he was outstanding in the Nehru cup and scared the goalkeepers out of their wits!

Is Bob Houghton the right man to manage the Indian team?

He is a very good coach, but I cannot say much since I have not worked with him. We have to remember that the manager is not very important but it is the players and infrastructure which matters. Once we have these, we can think about intricacies such as how influential the manager is.

Is cricket overshadowing the game?

Definitely. It is because we are winning so much in the game and the press attention the team generates through winning!! If we will win more matches against bigger teams in football, then it would be the same for football too.

Of course the government should invest more money on football, but in which segment?

Training programs, seminars and tutoring centers are the areas of investment. They should start giving out licenses to coaches. They should be able to attract more professionals in the game on a full time basis.

What do you have to say about the league structure in India?

It is good structure since many teams can make a quick rise into the elite division. But 10 lakhs a year to maintain a team in the elite division is a lot of money and many good clubs and players fizzle out due to lack of money in the game. The league should think about becoming more lucrative.

Homegrown players or imports?

I think importing players is good since the players get to know a new culture of playing and are exposed to their experience. It is not a big problem here since the core is usually Indian.

Your message to Indian footballers

Do not get disillusioned with the state of things in India about the game. Work hard and improve. You will get a chance to shine. If not here, then abroad but keep playing!