Panaji: Park Hang-seo, the man who transformed Vietnam football into a consistent continental force, is among the more prominent names who have applied for the coaching vacancy with the national football team.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has received 214 applications so far, with coaches and their representatives registering their interest. That number is expected to rise with another seven days still left for the July 3 deadline.
“We are not looking at any of the applications till the deadline,” a senior official told TOI on Wednesday. “Next week, we will sort out the applications, categorise the coaches and take the process forward. As of now, we are keeping all options open.”
The AIFF may be tempted to look at Park’s application more closely, given his record with Vietnam. During his five-year stint, he took Vietnam from no-hopers in 2017 to the quarterfinals of the AFC Asian Cup where they eventually lost by a solitary goal against Japan.
‘Uncle Park’, as he was popularly known, also masterminded Vietnam’s World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign, taking the team to the final stage of the Asian qualifiers, which included 12 teams. Under the South Korean’s watch, Vietnam maintained their top position in Asean region and spent a record time among the world’s top 100 for a Southeast Asian team.
“Park is a hero in Vietnam and his interest in Indian football is a good sign. He not just managed the senior team but also took charge of the under-23s, delivering the south-east Asian title. His record against much higher-ranked countries is enviable, and he managed to do all this with thrilling, counter-attacking football,” said another official.
When Juergen Klinsmann was sacked as South Korea coach after a catastrophic Asian Cup 2023 campaign, there were calls for the 65-year-old Park to take over as the national team coach.
The AIFF, though, will be wary of the South Korean’s salary. According to sources, the coach was paid a monthly salary of $50,000 (approx. Rs 41 lakh), a significant increase in what the federation paid Igor Stimac till it decided to sack the coach.
In its advertisement, the AIFF has called for applications from coaches with minimum 10-15 years of coaching experience at the elite youth and senior level football. Experience as the first team coach of the senior national team is being preferred, while experience of coaching in the World Cup and continental championship qualifiers is an advantage.
“The coach has to be efficient, plan much in advance and make the best use of the available resources and deliver within the budget,” said the AIFF.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has received 214 applications so far, with coaches and their representatives registering their interest. That number is expected to rise with another seven days still left for the July 3 deadline.
“We are not looking at any of the applications till the deadline,” a senior official told TOI on Wednesday. “Next week, we will sort out the applications, categorise the coaches and take the process forward. As of now, we are keeping all options open.”
The AIFF may be tempted to look at Park’s application more closely, given his record with Vietnam. During his five-year stint, he took Vietnam from no-hopers in 2017 to the quarterfinals of the AFC Asian Cup where they eventually lost by a solitary goal against Japan.
‘Uncle Park’, as he was popularly known, also masterminded Vietnam’s World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign, taking the team to the final stage of the Asian qualifiers, which included 12 teams. Under the South Korean’s watch, Vietnam maintained their top position in Asean region and spent a record time among the world’s top 100 for a Southeast Asian team.
“Park is a hero in Vietnam and his interest in Indian football is a good sign. He not just managed the senior team but also took charge of the under-23s, delivering the south-east Asian title. His record against much higher-ranked countries is enviable, and he managed to do all this with thrilling, counter-attacking football,” said another official.
When Juergen Klinsmann was sacked as South Korea coach after a catastrophic Asian Cup 2023 campaign, there were calls for the 65-year-old Park to take over as the national team coach.
The AIFF, though, will be wary of the South Korean’s salary. According to sources, the coach was paid a monthly salary of $50,000 (approx. Rs 41 lakh), a significant increase in what the federation paid Igor Stimac till it decided to sack the coach.
In its advertisement, the AIFF has called for applications from coaches with minimum 10-15 years of coaching experience at the elite youth and senior level football. Experience as the first team coach of the senior national team is being preferred, while experience of coaching in the World Cup and continental championship qualifiers is an advantage.
“The coach has to be efficient, plan much in advance and make the best use of the available resources and deliver within the budget,” said the AIFF.
Source: Former Vietnam coach Park among 214 applicants for India job – Times of India
