Frankly, it was a shock to most Indian football fans when reports emerged of the sacking of Nicolai Adam as the Indian U-17 coach. Contrary to the popular belief (that Nicolai Adam was sacked due to the results with the national team), the German was sacked as the players and members of the staff had complained to the AIFF about his methods.
After a meeting with AIFF President Praful Patel, he agreed to step down as coach. But, that leaves the AIFF with a huge decision in their hands, and the least amount of time to make a decision, ahead of probably the biggest footballing event in Indian history.
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There are a lot of questions, without a lot of time to answer them. Recently, Praful Patel clarified that they’re looking for a coach as a replacement and would want him to take over by February. Keeping the fact that the new coach will have around 6-months to put his ideas through, we make a list of possible candidates for the same.
#1 Abhishek Yadav
Abhishek Yadav is currently the COO of the Indian U-17 World Cup team, and he reportedly led the negotiation between the AIFF and Nicolai Adam at the initial stage of the debacle. He has been with the U-17 squad almost throughout their time with Nicolai Adam, and also travelled with the squad as they went to Germany.
Additionally, he was responsible for scouting most of the youngsters, hence will know their strengths and weaknesses inside out. The former Indian international has made real headway as AIFF’s Head of Scouting, but with eight months to go to the tournament, it might allow the smoothest of transition for the youngsters if the former striker takes up the role permanently.
#2 Renedy Singh
Renedy was surely the best midfielder of his generation, and probably of the last two to three decades in Indian Football. Since his retirement, he has diligently kick-started his coaching career and was the Assistant Manager id Indian Super League franchise Pune City FC, first under David Platt and then under Antonio Habas.
Perhaps more importantly, the Indian colts would have watched Renedy Singh play in his prime for the inspirational player he was. Undoubtedly, along with Sunil Chhetri and Baichung Bhutia, the Manipur midfielder is one of the most identifiable names in Indian football.
Also, he has the international pedigree, being part of the Nehru Cup and AFC Challenge Cup winning team. He will perhaps be the most identifiable candidate for the youngsters to look up to.
#3 Derrick Pereira
With a very impressive CV of promoting young talent, he has an experience of over 16 years of management at the top level in India. That is of course, after a playing career which saw him play for a period of approximately 20 years.
He managed a team full of youngsters last season with DSK Shivajians and was nominated for the Football Players Association of India's (FPAI) Coach of the year award, which he won in 2012 managing Pune FC. A tactically astute manager known for his attacking style of play, he can add real value to the position.
#4 Syed Sabir Pasha
It is quite surprising that Syed Pasha is not as much of a household name as he should be in Indian football circles. His acumen for the game is evident when he stepped up to the press as the Asst. Manager of the Indian Super League franchise Chennaiyin FC.
Possessing an AFC Pro License, he was previously in charge of the AIFF Elite Academy team in 2015, when the team were the eventual champions of the U-19 Youth League. Perhaps if he had played in one of the hotbeds (Kolkata, Goa or Kerala) of Indian football during his playing career his ability would be more appreciated.
Spending 4 months with a World Cup winner is relevant experience, right?
#5 Ashley Westwood
This might be the most curious inclusion in the list, also probably the most difficult target to bring to India. But, here is my argument, Penang are bottom of the Malaysia Super League. He might turn it around, but will he turn down an opportunity to create history at a nation where fans adore him (at least the majority).
Also, he has the track record of working well with youngsters. He has shaped the likes of Udanta Singh, Malsawmzuala and Shankar Sampingiraj, which is as impressive as it gets. Add to that the fact that he worked with Eric Harrison at Manchester United, and that makes a perfect recipe.
