German World Cup–winning legend Lothar Matthäus, currently in Kolkata as ambassador of the Bengal Super League (BSL), delivered a frank assessment of Indian football, praising its talent and passion while stressing the urgent need for better youth coaching and long-term planning.
ISL Controversy Clouds Indian Football
Matthäus’s visit comes at a turbulent time for Indian football. The 2025–26 Indian Super League (ISL) season has been put on hold, following a breakdown in negotiations between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and FSDL (the league’s commercial organiser) over the expiring Master Rights Agreement (MRA). Eleven ISL clubs have formally requested that AIFF take the matter to the Supreme Court, warning of a looming governance crisis. The players’ union, FIFPRO, has also raised concerns about player contracts and career stability, while AIFF maintains its legal approach is guided by counsel advice. This backdrop highlights structural issues in Indian football, from governance to grassroots development.
“India Needs Better Coaches — Not Just More Players”
During media interactions and academy visits in Kolkata, Matthäus repeatedly emphasized that India’s footballers have raw talent, but progress is limited without high-quality coaching from the grassroots.
> “Indian football needs better coaches in its youth system to uplift its status,” he said.
“Talent is not the problem here. The right teachers are.”
He drew comparisons to smaller nations, such as Cape Verde, that have achieved international success not because of size, but due to structured youth systems and strong coaching.
Steps to Unlock India’s Potential
Matthäus outlined three key measures for Indian football to flourish:
1. Invest in youth coaches
Training should go beyond former players, focusing on modern techniques and tactical education.
“Better coaches create better players,” he stressed.
2. Prioritize grassroots development
Academies must emphasize technical skills, decision-making, and tactical intelligence from a young age.
3. Provide exposure abroad
He encouraged sending Indian youngsters to European clubs or academies.
“Even a handful of Indians playing abroad will transform the national team’s confidence.
Hope Amid Challenges
Matthäus noted visible improvements in professionalism and organisation compared to his earlier visits but warned that the national breakthrough will only come when the foundation is strong.
“India has raw potential waiting to explode. Fix the coaching, and the results will follow.”
Even amid the current ISL controversy, Matthäus remained optimistic, calling India “a future force in Asia” if long-term investments in coaching and youth development continue.
> “You cannot change football overnight. But you can change it over 10 years with the right plan. India is capable of that.”
As he continues his Kolkata engagements, Matthäus’s presence has sparked meaningful conversations, urging stakeholders to focus not on short-term fixes, but on building a solid coaching and youth infrastructure that can sustain Indian football for decades.
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