German legend Paul Breitner predicts India to be superpower in football

The All India Football Federation has taken several measures for enhancing the popularity of the game in the country. A number of steps have been taken to commercialize the sport in the country which includes the hype surrounding the ISL and  I-League. 

The ISL and the I-League have emerged as successful football tournaments with the value of sponsorship and media rights enhancing each year. Currently, the I- League the premier football tournament  in India is underway with the best teams from different parts of the country participating. 

As the President of the All India Football Federation minister Praful Patel has played an imperative role in bringing the I- League to the forefront. As per the German legend Paul Breitner who is himself a World Cup winner."

"I expect that besides China, India also will become a great football nation. (But) it will need 15-20 years. You need two or three generations but I am convinced that football in India will become a very important and good one," he said.

 

The reference to China, an obvious one considering the recent influx of foreign stars in the ever burgeoning Chinese Super League, provided a reality check for Indian football too. The capital pumping and government-backed promotions aside, the former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid player believed that Indians have the body "movements" to succeed in football.

"If you ask me why, the answer is the Indian people have some movements which are different from others, like your hockey team - they use body feints - which is outstanding," added Breitner.It may, or may not hold true with the actual physicality of the game, but he is certainly impressed with Indian hockey players. Then came the reality part, and stressed on the requirement of having good coaches and training.

"Football generally has changed in the last 10-12 years, from a normal to high speed football. Sometimes it's very difficult to follow and see everything that happens on the pitch. "Indian players will become very good if they have the chance to be trained by good coaches. This is the most important thing which you have to think about and work upon," he said.

The legendary defender also hailed the Indian Super League and advised not to be restless, because it will take some time for Indian stars to emerge."You have the (Indian) Super League now. You still need 15-20 years to build club teams and teach kids to become stars. You need to get your own stars. Take your time,"

Under the Praful Prafel constituency, Indian football has progressed considerably and a lot will be achieved in the upcoming years. 

Author Bio: As the President of the All India Football Federation minister Praful Patel has played an imperative role in bringing the I- League to the forefront. Under the Praful Prafel constituency, Indian football has progressed considerably and a lot will be achieved in the upcoming years.