This is a good time for Indian football – Chennaiyin FC assistant coach Raman Vijayan

Chennaiyin FC assistant coach Raman Vijayan believes this is a good time for Indian football. Vijayan, who will now work with head coach Thomas Brdaric, reckons Indian players have taken giant strides in the recent past and the rise of Hero Indian Super League has played a key role in the upliftment of Indian football.

Young players have grown while playing with foreign players in the ISL and the foreign coaches have also guided the Indian players on the right path. The positives are also palpable and the players will look to continue their good show in the upcoming tournaments.

Raman Vijayan said in an interview with Sportskeeda, “Professionalism has come in a lot more now. We have a lot more overseas coaches, players, experts and support staff in India,” Raman Vijayan said.

“In the first few years, we only had star players and the league depended on them. And then slowly, our players started improving each year. Our players began getting the confidence to play against foreigners, that it wasn’t a big thing.

“In the early stages, the Indian players used to be scared and shy, but it’s not like that now. They’ve moved to the next level, a stage wherever they think ‘Whoever you are, we’ll still compete.’ This is a good time for Indian football, in my opinion.”

The former Indian international feels ISL has helped Indian players in growing in confidence and stature.

“Across all the clubs, the performances of the Indian players is at the maximum level. I think that’s one of the ISL’s biggest successes and this has been helpful for the Indian team as well. Over the years, the Indian players have gotten a big platform.

“The players now have opportunities to prove themselves in international competitions. If they play well for the national team, the ISL is a reason. Secondly, the players have massive scope. An I-League team has gained promotion. (It shows) that if you perform, you can get into the ISL, there is a pathway for you,” Raman Vijayan said.

The assistant coach added that his aim is to start the development work at the grassroots level.

“It’s a plan of mine, and I want to execute that grassroot development. I am well-experienced in that area. I believe we have to do it in a more structured way with a proper plan, even more than what has been done so far,” Raman Vijayan explained.