Panaji: Indian football has caught the attention of some of the sport’s most recognizable international names. Former Liverpool stars Robbie Fowler and Harry Kewell are among 170 candidates who have applied for the role of head coach of the Indian men’s national football team, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed.
This year’s applicant pool, while smaller than the 291 entries received in 2023, features several high-profile coaches with experience at the top levels of world football. The AIFF has been on the lookout for a new head coach following the departure of Igor Štimac in June, after a string of underwhelming performances.
Big Names, Big Ambitions
Robbie Fowler, who managed clubs such as Brisbane Roar and East Bengal in the Indian Super League, is seen as a charismatic leader with a deep understanding of attacking football. Meanwhile, Australian great Harry Kewell, currently managing in the UK and part of Celtic’s backroom staff under Ange Postecoglou, brings European experience and tactical acumen.
Their interest signals growing international regard for Indian football’s potential, especially with the nation pushing for greater visibility on the Asian stage.
Strong Global And Domestic Contenders
Joining Fowler and Kewell on the list are several notable international names. These include Caio Zanardi, former Brazil U-17 coach; Jordi Vinyals, ex-head of FC Barcelona’s reserves; and Roel Coumans, part of Australia’s 2018 FIFA World Cup coaching staff.
Also in contention are Aritz Lopez Garai, currently managing Mauritania, and Peter Segrt, who has coached Afghanistan, Maldives, and Tajikistan.
From within India, the list features a mix of familiar names with a proven domestic track record. Former national team coach Stephen Constantine, as well as ISL veterans Antonio López Habas and Sergio Lobera, have submitted applications. Other Indian hopefuls include Khalid Jamil, Staikos Vergetis, Sanjoy Sen, Andrey Chernyshov, and Santosh Kashyap.
Next Steps In The Selection Process
The AIFF’s technical team, led by national team director Subrata Paul and technical director Syed Sabir Pasha, will now review all applications and prepare a longlist for the AIFF’s technical committee. The shortlisted candidates will then be interviewed, with a final decision expected ahead of India’s next AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying fixtures.
India is aiming to appoint a coach capable of delivering both results and development, with a long-term view toward World Cup qualification and elevating the national team’s global standing.
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