An Indian Super League (ISL) win followed by consecutive semi-final appearances made Albert Roca feel confident about his knowledge of Indian football. By 2024, he believed his ability to adapt had significantly improved since his arrival as the head coach of Hyderabad FC in 2020. While holidaying in the Canary Islands, Roca applied for the Indian national team’s coaching position after Igor Stimac’s departure. “It was a dream come true,” he expressed.
Challenges Faced
However, his tenure with the national team ended in mutual agreement with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) recently. In eight matches as the India head coach, with five of them against lower-ranked FIFA countries, Roca achieved one win, four draws, and three losses.
“My time with the national team was very challenging,” Roca revealed during a virtual interview from Goa. “It marks a low point in my career in India.”
Player Selection Concerns
Roca acknowledged his mistakes and admitted to struggling with player selection. Initially, he emphasized the importance of finding the right group of players. However, calling up 49 players in five FIFA windows suggested otherwise. “It reflects more on me than anything else,” he stated.
Decision to Persuade Sunil Chhetri
Roca defended his decision to convince Sunil Chhetri to end his international retirement, citing the striker’s goal-scoring prowess in the ISL. Despite criticism for the move, Roca believed it was the right choice. “Chhetri’s professionalism was invaluable, and I stand by my decision,” he stated.
Player Motivation
Reflecting on player performance, Roca expressed a desire for more pride from the players, especially while representing the national team. Conversations with former player Gouramangi Singh highlighted a shift in player mentality over the years. However, Roca clarified that this wasn’t the primary reason for the team’s poor results.
Future Plans
Roca informed AIFF about his decision not to continue beyond the ISL play-offs in April. However, the lack of time to find a replacement delayed his exit until June. The uncertainty surrounding his departure affected team morale, with a disappointing loss to Hong Kong marking his final game in charge.
Looking ahead, Roca is gearing up for a new challenge, coaching FC Goa in the Asian Champions League qualifiers. He expressed concerns about the upcoming season’s compact schedule and its implications for player fitness and performance.
Conclusion
Despite the difficulties faced during his stint with the Indian national team, Roca remains focused on his coaching career, eager to make an impact in continental competitions with FC Goa.
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