Fancy being head coach of Indian men’s football team? There is an opening. But...
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It is official: the All India Football Federation is seeking a new head coach for the senior men's team. And how desperate are they to find a replacement for Manolo Marquez? Check your socials. You'll most certainly find applications for the role of head coach posted on AIFF's social media handles.
If you are one of the football fans who has long nurtured the dream of coaching the national team, this might be the most incredible opportunity. Just email your resume to hr@the-aiff.com.
But wait a minute, you may not get past the initial screening because the job requirements are quite demanding. To start with, the candidate must have a 'minimum of 10-15 years of coaching at the elite youth and senior level'.
Having an AFC/UEFA Pro licence or equivalent is a must. Experience as a head coach with any first team will get preferential treatment, and prior working knowledge in World Cup and continental championship qualifiers is an added advantage.
Then there is a long list of responsibilities, including the primary role, which is to 'select, monitor and prepare' the senior team. In addition to managing the national side, the head coach will be required to "provide advice to the Secretary General and the Technical Director in respect of technical matters generally".
The Indian football team is at a low ebb, having last won a competitive fixture in November 2023. There was a 3-0 friendly win over the Maldives in March this year, which was famous for the return of Sunil Chhetri from retirement.
Since then, Team India have lost two of the last three fixtures, without scoring. Most recently, the Men in Blue lost 0-1 to Hong Kong in a third round qualifier for the AFC Asian Cup.
Ivan Vukomanovic, former head coach of Kerala Blasters, said that the situation with the Indian team was so poor that even stalwarts such as Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho won't be able to get things back in order.
So while being the head coach of the Indian senior team could be the dream of many, it is not a hot seat that many would want to be in. Hope Team India find a suitable candidate.