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Amir Alagic is being considered for the position of the Indian football coach. Amir Alagic is an ex-Yugoslavia football player who has coached in Bosnia, Germany, Australia, USA, Brunei, Oman and Kuwait among other places. Coach Amir spared some time for us to walk us through what it takes to be an international coach. Coach Amir was also one of the candidates that being considered for the national Indian Football coach when Bob Houghton was initially hired by the AIFF.
Harmit: Please tell us about your childhood? How and at what age did you seriously start playing football and when did you think you could play as a career?
Amir : My father played football and it looks like being a common thing in our family. As many boys of my generation, I started to play football on the street. I enrolled at the local club at the age of 8. At that time I used to play some other sports such as table tennis, basketball and biking. At the age of 17 the club offered me the contract and that turned to be the key moment in my future playing career.
Harmit: How old were you when you started to get professional coaching? Did you ever imagine that this would become your career?
Amir : I started coaching in 1996 in Australia at the age of 36. I did not imagine at the beginning to be professional coach. But after Bosnian FA appointed me as U-19 National Coach in 2000 I had realized that it turned to be my profession.
Harmit: You have played football competitively in many countries and coached in even more countries. Give us a brief insight into how each of these countries are running their soccer programs?
Amir : Yes true, so far I have coached in 8 different countries in four continents. The most professional approach is in Germany and whole football program is focused toward business. Similar situation is in USA and Australia but they are focusing more athletes instead. Although, football in Australia looks closer to European football standards. The program in Bosnia relies on discovering talents mainly playing throughout Europe. Brunei, Kuwait and Oman have something in common that is producing quality amateur players by means of foreign coaches but football is not business for locals. However, they invest a lot of money in infrastructure.
Harmit: How much attention do these countries give to their youth programs and do players from outside the your ranks break into the national teams at a regular rate or is that the exception?
Amir : Youth programs certainly today depend of invested money comparing my time unlike. The more money involved the better youth program. Germany, USA and Australia are perfect samples in this area. No wonder why they win so many trophies at youth level. Kuwait, Oman and Brunei invest considerable money to youth development but social environment is not suitable to produce professionalism. Bosnia is far away from those countries due to lack of financial sources. I may say just a few make the break into national teams.
The next Indian Football Coach ?
Harmit: Which countries had some of the best youth programs and why?
Amir : Brazil, Portugal and Australia are on the top. They have developed such youth programs to produce professional players as many as possible. Also, they play football all year around. Their players play in the best football countries around the Globe.
Harmit: Have you had any chance to see Indian Football or football players in action? What were your thoughts?
Amir : I watched once Indian National Team. Playing level is not competitive yet if compared with top Asian powers but obviously getting better each year. Local Football is slowly transforming into top sport similar to situation in Australia in 90’s. Players become more students of the game and more money is involved. I reckon the Indian Football might have bright future due to large basis of young players and a solid economy.
Harmit: Were you interviewed by the AIFF (All India Football Federation)? What were they looking for and what were your thoughts on the interview?
Amir : I was approached by the All Indian Football federation as one of final four candidates for the post. They were looking for further development of the team and football popularization country wide. I presented my football national level program already successfully used in Bosnia and Brunei. I look forward to coach in India at some point.
Harmit: Have you followed the progress of Indian Football team under coach Bob Houghton? What do you think of the progress that the India team has made?
Amir : Mr. Houghton has made significant progress with the Indian Football team since. He brought discipline and responsibility. He is coming to the critical point though. For further progress the national Team ultimately need to have professional players. Therefore, FA should implement such football program to make it possible in the near future. That’s the only chance to see Indian football close to the top in Asia and wide.
Harmit: What have some of your most satisfying and proud coaching achievements/moments been?
Amir : I would highlight achievements like the Champion and Cup Winner 2004 in Brunei, Bundesliga coaching experience at VfL Osnabrueck and Werder Bremen and UEFA Pro License.
Harmit: On a personal level, how have you and your family dealt with the demands of being an international coach? It could not have been easy on them.
Amir : I have a huge support of my family in that way. Certainly it is hard to cope with this issue. Passion and attitude keep me going. My son follows my footsteps and already playing pro level in Germany. We are happy family.
Harmit: What do you think about world football in future?
Amir : Is going to be less amateur clubs and more demands on players. Money will play a major role.
Harmit: Your thoughts about upcoming World cup in South Africa?
Amir : I do not expect entertaining football since all proved to be pure business. I am glad that Africa finally hosts the tournament to spread out football popularity. My favorite is Brazil.
Harmit: Many thanks for taking the time to speak with us.
Amir : You are welcome. It was my pleasure too.
Edited by: Arpit Kumar
