Michael Chopra feels I-League is one of the reasons behind the Indian team's struggles

Michael Chopra played in the fist season of the ISL for Kerala Blasters

Michael Chopra in a recent interview has said that the level of the I-League is one of the reasons why the Indian National team is struggling on the international stage. He feels that the players are used to the level of football played in the I-League and are not able to cope with it on the bigger stage.

He did, however, mention that the players proved in last season’s Indian Super League that they are more than capable of raising their level.

“I think there are many reasons why the National Team is not doing well and yes one of the reasons is the I-League. The players are used to a standard of football they’re playing, and some of them need to come out of their comfort zone. You saw in the Indian Super League the Indian players had to raise their game and to be fair to them they did,” said the former Newcastle United striker.

There are no football facilities in India: Chopra

Chopra, 31, believes that India have to improve their facilities if they want to raise the level of football in the country.

“I think the main thing is the facilities. In Cricket, India are one of the best in the world, and I believe they can do the same in football. There are no football facilities in India, and it all needs to change. With the Indian Super League, it’s changing but it’s not quick enough,” he added.

When asked if Indian players should take up the opportunity to play abroad Chopra said, “I think if they get an offer they should accept it as they might not get it again. That’s when they will test themselves to see how good they are.”