Bhaichung Bhutia Says he is a Consultant With Atletico de Kolkata
Bhaichung Bhutia also believes the Indian Super League, which took the country by storm in its inaugural edition last year, has brought football to news headlines again in a way helping the game garner more interest as kids are now readily taking to it.
India's soccer icon Bhaichung Bhutia on Wednesday disclosed that he was now a consultant with Indian Super League (ISL) franchise Atletico de Kolkata.
"I work as a consultant with Atletico de Kolkata. I deal with the technical matters. The management had a meeting with me and the first step was to have Habas (Antonio Lopez Habas) back as the coach, which we did."
"I work in accordance with the head coach. If he tells me he needs a striker of this height and having these skills, I find them and give him a list along with player details. I give him information, send him videos. I support Habas technically."
Bhutia also believes the ISL, which took the country by storm in its inaugural edition last year, has brought football to news headlines again in a way helping the game garner more interest as kids are now readily taking to it.
"There wasn't much interest in the I-League. The ISL has changed it all taking football to news. Little kids are taking to the game in numbers which makes it easier to spot more talents. The league has helped garner more interest in youngsters and helped football," he said.
However, the 38-year-old also rued the fact there has been no change of infrastructure to develop the game in India, saying the state associations need to play an active part if Indian football has to reach new heights.
Bhutia also hoped the Under-17 World Cup will be a game changer and would ensure India have proper training and development facilities.