New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) Robert Baan, the newly-appointed technical director of the All-India Football Federation (AIFF), said Wednesday that India should develop their own style instead of following his native Dutch style.
Baan, 68, a former technical director of the Australian team, said it would be very difficult for him to replicate in India the Dutch style, a kind of total football, and the country should develop their own distinct style.
‘India and the Netherlands are two different countries. A small country, we are yet ranked No.2 on the FIFA ladder right now. In comparison, India is huge and I don’t think what worked for us will also work for India. We have to find a system that can work in India,’ said the former assistant coach of the Dutch national team.
Baan said he would be watching I-League matches to spot talent.
‘It will be very difficult for me to comment on the talent here. I have watched a few matches and will file a detailed report on my impressions in a couple of months. The assignment is a challenge for me — a challenge to assist and develop the game in India and take it to a higher level,’ he said.
The Dutchman will be preparing a masterplan and a curriculum for the National Youth Development programme and for the establishment of an Elite Academy with Regional Academies all over the country.
