Chit Chatting With Jamshed Nassiri

Jamshed Nassiri, an ex-Iranian footballer who made India his home after donning the jerseys of some of the greatest Indian Football Clubs, was in Delhi to address the Press Conference of Tata Tea – Arsenal Soccer Stars campaign, which is to kick start in Mumbai on 13th of December. Apart from addressing the Conference related to TATA’s initiative, he spoke about the importance of spotting talent at young age, Indian Soccer Team and Bob Haughton.
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I don’t think what Bob is doing is good for the country. He is no doubt a very good coach with vast experience behind him but his style of working will lead India nowhere. He needs to unearth more talented youngsters”. However he was quick to add that “Bob has done amazing things as well. He was instrumental in helping the AIFF draw up the national football structure which is really appreciative”.

Talking about his association with Tata Tea – Arsenal Jaagore Soccer Stars, he said, “I am really proud to be associated with something like this working at the grass root level. I wish we could train boys who are as young as 5-6 years old. I feel beginning nurturing at 14-15 years is bit late. We can just push these players ahead but can make them a world class player.”

Being a talent Scout for Tata Tea – Arsenal Jaagore Soccer Stars campaign, his reply to, on what basis are the young players selected, he said, “We look for players who are well built, physically strong and technically sound. But the most important thing is to find out their dedication level, desire and how hard working they are. After all they are going to play with world class teams in England.”

Having witnessed Indian football closely for three decades from club level to state level to school/college level, he said with a heavy heart that “There’s no dearth of talent in the country. It’s just the right grooming and proper training that is needed.” Citing an example of the Jaagore Soccer Stars who represented India in the Arsenal International Soccer Festival, he said “If these boys can beat teams like Canada and other foreign countries with just two months of training then just imagine where they would have been with proper guidance and training all year round for 7-8 years”.

On being asked whether the current Indian team comprises of the best players available in the country, he without any hesitation replied, “No, there are many more talented players playing for different clubs in the I-League”. However he refuses to name both the deserving and undeserving set of players.

When asked about India’s chances in AFC Asian Cup 2011 in Doha, he unsurprisingly said “No Chance” and signs off.