Former Chelsea academy coach Lee Johnson appointed India's under-19 head coach

Stephen Constantine (L) with Lee Johnson

Lee Johnson has been appointed as the head coach for the Indian under-19 team. He will also be the head scout and the assistant coach for the senior team. The 34-year-old has a vast working experience despite his tender age.

Johnson has worked for the Chelsea FC Academy for six years. He even coached the youngsters in the Crystal Palace Academy for another five years.

Prior to taking up the reins with the Indian youth team, Johnson was working as the Technical Director of Rwanda football. He was also the head coach for the country’s under-17 football team.

National team manager Stephen Constantine worked with Johnson in Rwanda and said that his addition will be immense.

“Lee brings a whole lot of valuable commodities with him. What we require is a full understanding of how young players need to learn,” Constantine said.

“Lee has been fortunate enough to work for two big Clubs in England and has also had the opportunity to witness top Football Coaches in action.”

Constantine revealed what work Johnson will undertake while in India.

“In addition to his duties as U-19 National coach, he will also be the National team scout and the assistant coach of the National team.

“We have worked together in Rwanda and have known each other for the last three or more years and his value addition will be immense,” Constantine revealed.

“We have got the potential to do good things”

Johnson pointed out his prior work experience which would help him with player development in India and explained how he hoped to contribute to Indian football.

“I worked with the Chelsea FC Academy for six years and also at the Crystal Palace FC Academy for five years,” said the new Indian U-19 team coach.

“In such a big country you need to find them in order to further enhance the national team squads. I will be traveling to I-League matches and also youth games to identify potential players for the future.

“We need to make sure that everyone understands what we are trying to do, and it's all for the benefit of Indian football. We have got the potential to do good things and be successful,” he concluded.