With just over a month to go before the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) made a bold move by appointing Costa Rican Amelia Valverde as head coach of the Indian senior women’s team. A veteran of three FIFA Women’s World Cups — one at U-20 level and two with the Costa Rica senior team — Valverde arrives at a crucial moment, with India eyeing a historic first-ever World Cup qualification.
Speaking exclusively to RevSportz, Valverde discussed taking charge with limited preparation time, her early impressions of the Indian team, leadership within the squad, her remarkable coaching journey, and why she believes this group has the potential to surprise.
Q: Coach, you have just around 40 days before the Asian Cup. With the pressure and expectations around World Cup qualification, what motivated you to take up this responsibility?
Amelia Valverde: First of all, greetings to everyone. I am really happy to be here. You mentioned some very important words — pressure, expectation and the possibility of a World Cup. But for me, the motivation is not just about that. It is also about the players and the group.
Before taking this decision, I studied the history of the Indian team and followed their recent performances. When the federation contacted me, I felt honoured because it is a big responsibility when another national federation looks at you and trusts you with such a role.
When I watched the team play, especially in the tournament in Thailand, I felt something different. This group has a special energy. In some ways, it reminded me of Costa Rica when we were starting our journey. Most of the players play domestically, they have strong commitment, and now our focus is to control what we can — preparation, training, physical, tactical, technical and psychological aspects.
We do not know what the final result will be, but we know we have to be the most competitive team possible.
Q: You’ve spent a few days with the squad in Turkey now. How has the preparation been so far and what is your early assessment of the group?
Valverde: These first few days have been very interesting. For me, it is extremely important to know every player and also understand the staff. The staff has been working with the team for a long time, and they are doing a very good job.
I do not want to change everything immediately because we do not have much time. We have just 40 days. There have been some challenges, like weather conditions, but we have to adapt.
Right now, it is about knowing each other, talking to the players, understanding how they play, and slowly introducing my ideas. The most important thing is to improve whatever can make the team better.
Q: Have you already identified leaders within this team, apart from the captain?
Valverde: I am still getting to know everyone. There are around 35 people in the group, and it takes time to build relationships. But yes, every team has leaders – some with the armband, some without it.
For me, leadership is not only about one player. Everyone is important. We need to be united, strong and responsible. That is the culture we are trying to build.
Q: Do you genuinely believe this team has a realistic chance of qualifying for the World Cup?
Valverde: If I did not see potential, I would not be here. I like teams that want to compete, teams that are brave and different.
Yes, this team has been away from this level for many years, but I see something special here – responsibility, commitment and hunger. Physically, tactically and mentally, we can improve a lot.
We know teams like Japan are very strong. Vietnam and Chinese Taipei have World Cup experience. We do not have an easy group, and qualification will not come without hard work. But this team wants to compete, and that is the most important thing.
Q: Your coaching journey began very early. You became a coach at just 23. How did that transition happen?
Valverde: It happened unexpectedly. I was playing university football in Costa Rica and captaining a club called Flores. One day, our coach disappeared, and the club had no resources to appoint another one.
The players asked me to take charge. I was finishing my studies in physical education and decided to try. I realised very quickly that coaching was my place, not playing.
Two years later, I joined the Costa Rica national team setup – first as a fitness coach, then as an assistant, and eventually as head coach. I spent 13 years with the national team. That journey shaped my life.
Q: You’ve coached Costa Rica at multiple World Cups. How special were those experiences?
Valverde: They are moments I will carry in my heart forever. In 2015, it was Costa Rica’s first senior Women’s World Cup. We drew against Spain and Korea and competed strongly against Brazil.
In 2023, qualifying again after many ups and downs was very emotional. Those experiences taught me responsibility, patience and belief — lessons I want to bring here.
Q: Before accepting this job, what was your perception of Indian and Asian football?
Valverde: I studied the team carefully. I watched their games and spoke extensively with the federation. I also discussed it with my family because it is a big decision.
This is a huge responsibility, but also a great opportunity. We are possibly the first technical staff to have a chance of qualifying for a World Cup with a different federation, and that means a lot to us.
Q: How do you view the women’s league structure in India and players playing abroad?
Valverde: Of course, the league can improve, but the most important thing is that India has a league now. You have to start somewhere. This gives players competitiveness and visibility.
With the Asian Cup, many young girls will watch these players and feel inspired. That is how growth happens.
Regarding players abroad, the federation and staff are in talks with their clubs. We are trying to get them as early as possible, but it depends on confirmations.
Q: Finally, what is your message to Indian fans ahead of the Asian Cup?
Valverde: Believe in the process. This journey did not start 40 days ago – it started much earlier.
These players are serious, committed and determined. We cannot control results, but we can control preparation and effort. Trust this team, support them positively, and we will give everything to make the country proud.
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