As Muthoot FA gears up to participate in the prestigious Next Generation Cup in the UK, the team finds itself at a pivotal moment in its journey. Competing against the youth development squads of Premier League teams presents a unique challenge and an invaluable opportunity for growth.
In an exclusive interview, Coach Anees shares insights into the team’s preparation, the significance of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL), and the future of youth football in India. He discusses the challenges faced by the team, the development of young talents, and the broader goals of the Muthoot FA academy system. This conversation offers a glimpse into the dedication and vision driving Muthoot FA forward as they step onto the international stage.
Excerpts:
Let’s begin with the RFDL Championship, which captured everyone’s attention. How did Muthoot FA approach the tournament, finishing third and reaching the semi-finals? What key factors contributed to the team’s success?
The real thing is boys’ ambition and the real thing is management support to form such talented boys to compete in a tournament like this, and the chance to train the boys every day, which is very important. That really impacted our performance, and we did qualify to participate in the Next Gen Cup.
You’ve faced challenges with player availability, traveling with 18 players. How does Muthoot FA’s approach to promoting academy talent differ from clubs like East Bengal or Punjab FC? How tough will it be facing Premier League teams in the Next Generation Cup, and what are you most looking forward to?
I’m very positive that whatever challenges we face, the boys who have travelled here will gain valuable experience. They are not lacking in technique or talent; they are very good. The only thing they lack is a bit of experience, but they will definitely gain that by playing against these tough teams from the Premier League. So, definitely, I am planning, and the team is planning, to compete against them.
You talked about the gap between youth development and senior-level play, with RFDL potentially bridging that gap. How do you see the RFDL Championship, with its 56-team regional tournament structure, impacting youth development in India? How important are tournaments like these for youth development?
Yes, of course. In my many interviews, I’ve mentioned that the introduction of RFDL is a game-changer in bridging the gap. There was an untouchable area between the senior and junior levels where players weren’t getting enough training to compete. Now, players have a well-structured tournament and league system, including regional tournaments, zonal tournaments, final tournaments, and the Next Gen Cup. All the clubs and academies in India are very serious about this, and it’s helping youth players in India have good competition throughout the year.
Within the team, there are notable players that everyone is looking forward to, like Sohail and Arjun. Who are the players you’re most excited about? Who do you think will take up this challenge and come out with flying colours?
Of course, definitely Nandu, Naveen, Anas Rahman, and Arjun are key players. But apart from them, all the players are important and have a beautiful future in Indian football if they focus on their development. They can definitely move forward.
You mentioned the importance of not just focusing on the end result but on the process, which is crucial for any academy. Can you talk about your association with Muthoot FA, the setup of the academy with teams at different age levels, and the overall thought process behind Muthoot FA?
I’ve been part of the academy since its founding, training the boys along with other coaches. The first thing we wanted was stability in the academy. We weren’t rushing to achieve results. Now, we have a good facility at the Process Sports Complex, with a gym, swimming pool, and nice football field, along with facilities for the boys to rest, train, and study. The setup is there; now the boys only need to concentrate on their development.
As a coach, you’re guiding these young players not only in skills and tactics but also in mental toughness. How do you go about developing mental toughness in these young players?
The main issue our youth players, especially those from Kerala, face is a bit of struggle in some aspects when they go outside Kerala. Now, with more matches against teams from outside, they are developing self-belief. Mental toughness is becoming a part of their game. I’m a bit tough during my halftime talks, which helps instill some of this toughness. We’re definitely seeing results from these efforts.
Lastly, how rewarding is it for you to coach a youth team and see them grow and develop? How do you feel about the progress and the journey so far?
Everything is rewarding for me. Being with these young players and being here is a reward. I have a lot of years left and don’t need to rush things. I might move slowly, but I want my academy and my players to progress quickly. The management also needs to be quick to support the team’s success. Every day is about empowering Indian football, and we all have a responsibility to move it forward. One day, we will be successful. But we still need to improve our facilities, especially compared to the football fields here in the UK. We need more training fields in India for the boys and coaches to implement their ideas.
So, you’re saying that from the grassroots level, we need to consider all these aspects. Hopefully, through initiatives like RFDL, the Next Gen Cup, and Muthoot FA Academy, we’ll see progress soon. Best of luck to your team, Anees. It was lovely talking to you. That was Anees, the Muthoot FA coach. Muthoot FA, Punjab FC, and East Bengal will be in action at the Next Generation Cup starting August 1. Thank you.
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