Former India international and Inter d’Escaldes head coach Arata Izumi has delivered one of the most candid assessments of Indian football in recent times, calling for structural honesty, stronger coaching foundations and a long-term vision rooted in reality rather than rhetoric.
In an exclusive interaction, Izumi who recently completed a season as head coach of Andorran top-division side Inter d’Escaldes reflected on his journey, Indian football’s present turmoil, and the deeper issues that continue to hold the sport back.
“I never imagined I would become the head coach of a European top-division club,” Izumi said, recalling how his journey with Inter d’Escaldes began. “The club approached me after watching my work. They wanted change, improvement. I presented my ideas, and that’s how it started.”
Izumi revealed that he joined the Andorran club ahead of the 2024–25 season, describing the experience as both challenging and enriching. “The quality of football there is very high. The players are tactically mature, disciplined and technically strong. It pushes you every single day,” he said.
On Indian Football and Coaching Culture
While reflecting on his experiences abroad, Izumi did not shy away from speaking honestly about Indian football’s shortcomings particularly in coaching development.
“Today, we have many licensed coaches in India, but the real question is about quality,” he said. “Coaching is not about collecting certificates. It’s about responsibility, knowledge, and commitment. Not everyone who holds a license should be a coach.”
He added that while India has increased the number of certified coaches, the deeper issue lies in mindset and intent. “In Japan, people become coaches because they truly want to give back to the game. In India, sometimes it feels like people become coaches because it’s a job option. That’s a big difference.”
On the Reality of Playing Abroad
Izumi also addressed a popular debate in Indian football. The feasibility of Indian players succeeding overseas. While acknowledging the ambition, he urged realism.
“Playing abroad is extremely difficult. You’re competing with players who have grown up in top footballing environments. You must be better than the local players to survive,” he said. “It’s not impossible, but we need to understand the level required.”
He referenced players like Sunil Chhetri and Sandesh Jhingan, praising their courage to challenge themselves overseas. “They deserve respect. But we must also accept that not everyone can make that jump. European football is unforgiving.”
A Warning for Indian Football’s Future
Izumi did not shy away from addressing the current crisis facing Indian football. With uncertainty around competitions, player contracts and administrative direction, he warned of long-term consequences.
“People are losing jobs. Families are suffering. Players don’t know if they will have work tomorrow,” he said. “If we don’t act now, the damage will be irreversible.”
He added, “This is not about blame. It’s about accountability. We need people who genuinely care about Indian football, not those chasing positions.”
A Call for Honest Introspection
As the conversation concluded, Izumi made an emotional appeal for introspection within the system.
“We must stop pretending everything is fine. We need honesty, courage and responsibility. If we don’t fix this now, the next generation will pay the price,” he said.
In a footballing landscape often dominated by noise, Arata Izumi’s words stood out for their clarity and sincerity, a reminder that progress begins with uncomfortable truths and the courage to confront them.
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