Indian Football Team: Whom to Blame After Disappointing Show in Bahrain

India played two matches on the tour losing both against Bahrain and Belarus. Although experts consider India's lower ranking as the primary reason for their defeat, the defeat could have arisen from poor training. Indian footballers play just 20 matches in a league which is remarkably less as compared to a standard footballer in Belarus who plays around 40 to 50 matches. 

Why is Indian Football in a Weak Position?

The existing system in India is highly accommodating when it comes to football players in the country's premier league. Footballers here reportedly receive “proper five-star facilities” which should have contributed to their overall well-being and professional success. If we compare India to Belarus, the latter is not exposed to such privileges. In January 2021, a set of new regulations were placed in Belarus that limited the maximum fixed monthly salaries, bonuses, and other remuneration for footballers of major league clubs in the country.

The decision naturally rendered Belarus footballers poorer in terms of finance. Because it affected several top footballers, the move invited a lot of criticism. Despite such difficulties coupled with the fact that it is smaller in size than India, Belarus has exhibited higher quality performances. Likewise, the football system in Senegal is also short of certain facilities but their players are well-trained. They play competitive football a lot with every player completing more than 25 matches a season. It is only natural for them to improve. 

Is Coach Igor Stimac to Blame?

Igor Stimac is believed to have made numerous changes in football tours played by India. He initiated a few alterations in the Belarus outing as well. A total of seven changes were made to the team that played against Bahrain. It didn't affect the results whatsoever. The back end of the team has been a constant source of worry for the coach. The recent matches played against Belarus and Bahrain didn't exhibit any improvement in the team despite making use of ten defenders in 180 minutes available. Likewise, the midfield and attack side also lacks power. In the Bahrain tour, India could amass only a header by central defender Rahul Bheke. 

With regard to India's poor performance, Stimac remarked, "International football is more demanding especially when we are playing higher-ranked teams. There is a huge difference in the energy levels. I understand the players are mentally exhausted from staying in a bio bubble for long. But I want my players to get used to such energy levels of playing in international football." Hence, the India team needs more practice in terms of the number of competitive matches credited to a single footballer every season. There is no better way to improve their training than playing competitive matches.