By News18
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) initiated the search for a new head coach for the under-fire men鈥檚 national team on Friday, setting July 13 as the deadline for applications. Candidates must possess at least 10 years of experience and demonstrate 鈥渃ultural sensitivity鈥 among other qualifications.
This move follows the departure of Spaniard Manolo Marquez from the role. The 56-year-old and the AIFF mutually agreed to part ways after a series of poor performances by the team. Marquez had been in charge for just a year and still had a year remaining on his contract.
The AIFF stated on its website, 鈥淭he 鈥楬ead Coach 鈥 Senior Men鈥檚 National Team鈥 will report to the AIFF Secretary General and is accountable for the team鈥檚 performance in all matches and competitions it participates in during the term of the coach鈥檚 contract.鈥 The duration and remuneration for the new coach will be determined later.
鈥淭he Head Coach will work closely with the National Team Department, the National Team Director and the Technical Director, to strengthen the position and performances of the Men鈥檚 Senior National Team,鈥 it added.
A minimum of 10 to 15 years of coaching experience at the elite youth and senior level football is required. Preference will be given to those with experience as the first team coach (head coach) of a senior national team, particularly if they have coached in World Cup and continental championship qualifiers.
Candidates must hold at least an AFC/UEFA Pro license or its equivalent, along with experience as a football player, although not necessarily at the highest national level.
Beyond the usual requirements of being flexible, efficient, and resourceful, the AIFF seeks a coach with 鈥渟ound experience in the management of relationships; understanding needs, cultural sensitivity, and working with AIFF partners including media and sponsors.鈥
Who Can Be Next India Coach:
The new coach鈥檚 primary objective will be 鈥渢o ensure that the National Team wins the maximum number of matches and competitions it participates in.鈥
The appointee will report regularly to the AIFF Secretary General and the Technical Committee, and work closely with the National Team Department, the National Team Director, and the Technical Director.
Maintaining a 鈥減ositive working relationship鈥 with the AIFF President, Secretary General, Technical Director, Media, and other relevant administrative staff is also a key responsibility.
Marquez鈥檚 predecessor, Igor Stimac, had a particularly contentious relationship with the current AIFF President, Kalyan Chaubey, even accusing him of vanity.
The AIFF noted, 鈥淒uration (the coach鈥檚 tenure) and Remuneration can be decided during the interview period.鈥
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a presentation and/or interview.
With PTI Inputs