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NEW DELHI: Recently, Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri made history by becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in the Indian Super League (ISL).
The Bengaluru FC captain scored a penalty kick, bringing his total to 64 ISL goals and surpassing Bartholomew Ogbeche, thus adding another remarkable achievement to his stellar career.
This goal not only provided Bengaluru FC with crucial momentum against Mohun Bagan but also highlighted the enduring legacy of a player who recently retired from international football, finishing with an impressive 94 goals in 151 appearances for India.
As the national team faces the challenge of filling the void left by Chhetri, former Manchester City and Chelsea player Terry Phelan—now the sporting director for I-League 2nd Division team South United FC—offered his insights during an exclusive discussion with TimesofIndia.com.
Addressing India’s drop to 126th place in the FIFA rankings and the search for the next Sunil Chhetri, Terry, with his extensive experience, provided thoughts on the future landscape of Indian football.
Regarding Indian football’s situation, especially with India’s FIFA ranking at 126th, what are your thoughts?
Well, it essentially points to a clear strategy from the All Indian Football Federation (AIFF). There is a defined pathway that they are pursuing, and we’ve all observed their roadmap.
Arsene Wenger recently visited India as part of a FIFA initiative aimed at enhancing Indian football, particularly by providing top-tier education that will benefit clubs, academies, and coaches alike.
However, when we analyze Indian football as a whole, it’s important to delve deeper. Continuity and cohesion are essential. Despite the existence of numerous academies and football clubs throughout India, and the functioning of district associations, there needs to be a collective effort to determine how we can improve and where improvements can be made. Discussions about Indian football have been prevalent lately, but the results have been lacking.
A new manager has taken charge, and it’s crucial that we allow him the necessary time. As I mentioned earlier, FIFA is coming in, and hopefully, the AIFF can establish talent centres—perhaps four or five across India—while increasing the number of technical directors, game managers, and football development managers across district associations to scout and refine talent.
I’ve traveled extensively throughout India and documented talent at every turn, but are we truly nurturing this talent to the extent we should?<brto change? When will it change?
We have been in this situation for quite some time now. I firmly believe that the AIFF will hold the solutions. However, if we aim for the advancement of football, we must focus on establishing national talent centers, appointing technical directors, and enhancing local and district associations to promote the sport.
These entities can evaluate clubs, assess players, analyze youth performance, study games, and refine the scouting system, which is essential.
If our goal is to progress further, we must first compete in Asia before thinking about Europe, South America, Africa, and beyond.
We need to establish ourselves as the top in Asia prior to contemplating competition with Europe and others.
How will India discover the next Sunil Chhetri?
Sunil has played a crucial role in Indian football, particularly for the national team. He has been an extraordinary asset. During several discussions while working on TV, he mentioned, “If I had known what I know now when I was younger, I might have had the chance to play in Europe.”
The All India Football Federation will have a scouting system in place, but what we truly need are top-tier strikers. Crucially, we should focus on nurturing individual talent rather than solely aiming to build teams that win trophies.
The emphasis must be on fostering individual players to thrive in club football first, with the hope that they can eventually progress to the youth national teams. Nonetheless, only the All India Football Federation, along with its coaches and scouting system, can truly grasp this need.
Many Indian fans feel that the ISL offers such high payments that players are reluctant to move abroad. What are your thoughts on this?
This indeed presents a dilemma, does it not? I often say, ”If you aspire to become a better footballer and reach your full potential, consider going abroad to experience different play styles and return with success stories.”
Countless children and their parents are eager to explore opportunities abroad to understand the experience firsthand.
Players are earning well in the ISL, which is perfectly acceptable as they need to support their families and have diligently earned that income.
However, to compete globally, players might need exposure to more challenging leagues with a greater number of matches. They should be playing against the best of the best.
What steps do you think Manolo Marquez should take to steer the Indian team back to success?
This is always a challenge, particularly when a manager has been in position for five years. When a new manager steps in, he must assess everything that preceded him.
He will have his own methods and coaching staff, which can complicate matters. I’m unsure how that will unfold.
Perhaps this situation will allow the AIFF more time to seek a candidate suited for elevating the team. It’s essential that he approaches this matter with an open mind, fostering strong team cohesion and engaging the players with his strategies. That is vital.
I can’t dictate his actions; he is a seasoned professional familiar with Indian football. He’ll have insights into the players he desires and those actively engaged in the ISL, which is advantageous.
He’ll be watching numerous matches, providing him with a clearer perspective. Ultimately, though, he will require time, patience, and robust support during this transition.
Sunil Chhetri’s ISL Milestone: Former Premier League Star Terry Phelan Talks Future of Indian Football
Sunil Chhetri: A Beacon of Indian Football
Sunil Chhetri, the captain of the Indian national football team and a prolific forward for Bengaluru FC, has made significant contributions to Indian football, particularly in the Indian Super League (ISL). With a remarkable record, including five goals and three assists during the last season, Chhetri continues to be a key player as he approaches his milestone achievements in both club and international football [[1](https://www.indiansuperleague.com/players/forward-19150-sunil-chhetri-profile)].
Chhetri’s Journey in the ISL
Since the inception of the ISL in 2014, Sunil Chhetri has been a cornerstone of Bengaluru FC. His journey in the league has been marked by:
- Consistent goal-scoring abilities that place him among the top scorers in ISL history.
- A leadership role that inspires younger players and elevates the team’s performance.
- Advancements in Indian football by showcasing skill, determination, and sportsmanship.
Terry Phelan’s Perspective on the Future of Indian Football
Former Premier League star Terry Phelan has been vocal about the evolution of football in India. With a career that includes stints at clubs like Manchester City and Wimbledon, Phelan brings a wealth of experience to the conversation about the future of Indian football.
Phelan’s Insights
Phelan has highlighted several aspects that can drive Indian football forward:
- Youth Development: Investing in youth academies is crucial for nurturing talent from a young age.
- Infrastructure Improvement: Enhancing training facilities to meet international standards will aid player development.
- International Exposure: Encouraging Indian players to gain experience abroad can elevate the overall quality of the game in India.
The Role of ISL in Shaping Indian Football
The ISL has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Indian football. Here’s how:
- Attracting Talent: The league has attracted both international stars and domestic talent, raising the game’s profile.
- Increasing Popularity: With growing viewership and fan engagement, the ISL is becoming a key player in global football.
- Financial Investments: Increased sponsorship deals and investments are making the league more competitive.
Benefits of Chhetri’s Legacy
Sunil Chhetri’s achievements have far-reaching implications for Indian football:
- Inspiration: Chhetri serves as a role model for aspiring footballers, demonstrating that success is achievable through hard work.
- National Pride: His performances have instilled pride among Indian fans and promoted football as a popular sport in the country.
- Grassroots Movement: Chhetri’s visibility has contributed to the rise of grassroots football initiatives, encouraging youth participation.
Case Studies of Rising Indian Football Stars
Several young Indian players are making waves in the ISL, inspired by Chhetri’s journey. Below are a few notable examples:
| Player Name | Current Club | Position | Age | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rahul Bheke | Bengaluru FC | Defender | 29 | ISL Winner 2018 |
| Liston Colaco | ATK Mohun Bagan | Forward | 23 | Emerging Player of the Season 2021 |
| Akash Mishra | Hyderabad FC | Defender | 21 | Best Young Player 2022 |
First-Hand Experience: Training with Legends
Many young players in India have had the chance to train with experienced professionals, including Chhetri. Such experiences are invaluable as they:
- Provide insights into professional training regimes.
- Allow younger players to learn advanced techniques and strategies.
- Encourage networking opportunities within the football community.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Footballers
For those looking to follow in the footsteps of legends like Sunil Chhetri, here are some practical tips:
- Stay Committed: Consistency and dedication are key to progress.
- Seek Feedback: Learning from coaches and more experienced players can provide crucial insights.
- Embrace Teamwork: Football is a team sport; being a good team player is essential for success.
In Summary: The Road Ahead for Indian Football
The future of Indian football appears bright, with players like Sunil Chhetri leading the way. As former Premier League star Terry Phelan suggests, focusing on youth development, improving infrastructure, and fostering international connections will be essential for the continued growth of the sport in India.
With the ongoing support from fans, players, and stakeholders, Indian football is poised for a transformative journey that promises excitement and success in the coming years.
