Now Reading: Ranjit Bajaj ready to coach India U-15 after AIFF shakeup
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Ranjit Bajaj ready to coach India U-15 after AIFF shakeup
Ranjit Bajaj has reversed course and said he is ready to manage India's Under-15 team for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan, but only if he has sole charge. The…
The Story in Brief
Ranjit Bajaj has reversed course and said he is ready to manage India's Under-15 team for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan, but only if he has sole charge. The Minerva Academy founder had initially rejected the role because he was asked to work alongside head coach Bibiano Fernandes, citing incompatible coaching philosophies. On Saturday, Bajaj said he learned that Fernandes too had declined the role, prompting him to offer his services again to the All India Football Federation.
"If he is not there, please don't think about it anymore. I am still here," Bajaj said in an Instagram video. He had earlier volunteered to coach the team on condition of full autonomy to appoint his own staff. The tournament, featuring all 211 FIFA member associations, will use an 8-a-side format with 20-minute halves.
The Indian Opinion
The AIFF's flip-flop on the U-15 manager role makes Indian football look amateur again. First they appoint two coaches with clashing philosophies, then both walk away. The federation has avoided addressing the real problem: a chaotic selection process that prioritises egos over planning. With the FIFA U-15 World Cup in October, will they now pick a single, competent coach and stick with them, or muddle through more drama?
Source: hindustantimes.com
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