Now Reading: Bajaj ready to coach India U-15 alone after Fernandes declines
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Bajaj ready to coach India U-15 alone after Fernandes declines
Ranjit Bajaj says he is ready to manage the India Under-15 men's team after learning that head coach Bibiano Fernandes has also declined the role. Bajaj earlier rejected the position because he…
The Story in Brief
Ranjit Bajaj says he is ready to manage the India Under-15 men's team after learning that head coach Bibiano Fernandes has also declined the role. Bajaj earlier rejected the position because he did not want to work alongside Fernandes, citing different coaching philosophies. Now, he says if Fernandes is out, the AIFF should give him the job alone. Bajaj, founder of Minerva Academy, wants complete control to build the team for the 2034 World Cup and 2036 Olympics.
The AIFF had appointed both men for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan in October. Bajaj had initially expressed unhappiness with the arrangement. He is now ready to serve if he is the sole person in charge.
The Indian Opinion
The media frame this as another ego-driven drama in Indian football, but both coaches have a point. Running a team with two conflicting philosophies hurts the players. What matters now is whether the AIFF will appoint a single, empowered coach or keep trying split responsibilities. The real test is who they pick and whether that person gets full control.
Sources (2): hindustantimes.com, sports.ndtv.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
