NEW DELHI: In this concluding part of the exclusive interview with www.the-aiff.com, Nicolai Adam, Head Coach Indian U-17 Team for the 2017 U-17 FIFA World Cup scheduled to be held in India in 2017 speaks on the forthcoming AFC U-16 Qualifiers, his assessment with the boys, AIFF’s association with DFB and much more. EXCERPTS:

India have been clubbed with powerhouses Iran, Bahrain and Lebanon in the AFC U-16 Qualifiers. Your thoughts on the draw.

As U-17 and U-19 Coach of Azerbaijan I have played a couple of matches against Iran. They are in general a good Footballing Nation and start as the favorites especially as they host it.

AIFF is soon going to launch an Under-15 League. How much of that would help India’s cause?

It’s a very good initiative. We also need to have U-13, U-11 and U-9 Leagues in every single State in order to develop Football.

All developed Countries have competitions for 10 months and that’s where India lose out.

Though it’s too early – but could you give us an assessment of the boys whom you have with you?

Some of the new guys have a hard time to develop to the sessions as we train twice every day. There’s no place for any excitement at the moment. We have to make them work hard. There’s no time to dream.

And it’s also not just about physique. It’s also about the psychological aspect. You need to be hard and harsh as you have to make up for the lack of Football education which they haven’t received in their early childhood.

How much has the co-operation with DFB been useful?

The co-operation with DFB has opened doors for us. One part of our plan for 2016 is, to play versus various youth Bundesliga teams in Germany. It will guarantee us highly competitive matches on top level and it will also be the best economically.

By Nilanjan Datta,
AIFF Media Team