I wish to coach Delhi Dynamos one day, says Brazilian great Rivaldo
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Former Barcelona forward Rivaldo, who was in Delhi for a three-day tour of India, expressed his wish to coach Delhi Dynamos in the near future. Attending a grassroots programme for young players, Rivaldo said that India needs to follow Japan's model to make it big on the international level.
"I have played in Uzbekistan, Angola and Greece as I always loved a challenge. This will be a new challenge for me and why not. If I have this opportunity I will be in Delhi Dynamos," Rivaldo told PTI, on the sidelines of the grassroots programme organised by Delhi Dynamos.
The 2002 World Cup winner, who is on a three-day tour of India, cited the example of Japan for India to develop football from the grassroots level.
"It is very important that big names coming from overseas teach the young players here. It's important they see the big stars train, observe them carefully, listen and learn from them,” the Brazilian said.
"When Zico(FC Goa's coach) was in Japan towards the end of his international coaching career, they recruited a lot of foreign players but, at the same time, the Japanese were also very dedicated and hard working and those qualities helped them learn quickly.”
“Now they don't need any foreign players. They have inculcated Zico's philosophy and methodology and they are going along, playing in the World Cups. I hope this happens in India also," Rivaldo explained.
Speaking about the progress made by the ISL, the 44-year old said, "I hope the championships would change to six and seven teams, good days await you I believe. Like, teams will be more professional. India is a big country and if you work in a proper way you will find good players here."
Rivaldo also felt that Neymar is set to become the world's best player in a year's time.
"Football has changed a lot in general. I hope Neymar can one day become the best. He is already creating history in Barcelona and also with the national team if you look at the Rio Olympics. I think by next year Neymar can become the world's best player. Also, like Neymar, everyone in Brazil is born with a dream to play for the national team and excel, so it's not like Neymar's is a different case."
