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Barreto for more foreign coaches

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Jose Ramirez Barreto should rank as the most marked player in the country. The Brazilian, with a pleasant countenance even in the most testing times, is known for his sensational finishing.

His presence on the field will be a vital factor when Mohun Bagan meets Mahindra United in its last match of the ONGC I-league at the Ambedkar Stadium here on Thursday.

Barreto, a much-feared striker and the key man in Bagan’s excellent show this season, has spent enough time to understand the state of Indian football.

On Tuesday, he spoke his mind when he noted that induction of more foreign coaches would help in boosting the image of Indian football.

Without casting any aspersions on the quality of coaching in India, Barreto said, “Indian clubs should invest more in foreign coaches. They bring new ideas. But the Indian clubs are investing too much in local coaches.

“Look at Japan which invested in foreign coaches who departed after ten years to leave the stage to the local coaches.”

Improved programme

Barreto suggested improved programmes for the clubs. “There should be more academies and more and more coaching programmes to help the youngsters grow. Latest tactical programmes should be made available and then help can come from foreign coaches, who are constantly innovating.”

“There has been an overall improvement since the time I came to India (in 2000). The skills and the endurance factor have gone up but then the improvement has to be sustained to take the game to the next level. I can see the players have become more physical and appear better off financially. It augurs well for the game,” he said at the end of a training session.

Barreto reiterated his philosophy of faith in oneself to become a good footballer. “You have to love the sport to be good at football. Commitment and passion come with your involvement but you have to love the game.”

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