Our Players Have the Talent; Now It’s About Gaining Experience: Muthoot FA Coach Anees Ahead of Next Generation Cup

As Muthoot FA prepares for the prestigious Next Generation Cup in the UK, Coach Anees offers insights into the team’s preparation, the importance of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL), and the future of youth football in India.

Preparation and Achievements in RFDL

Reflecting on their journey in the RFDL Championship, where Muthoot FA finished third and reached the semi-finals, Coach Anees highlighted the ambition of the players and the support from management. “The boys’ ambition and management support were crucial,” he said. “Training every day significantly impacted our performance and helped us qualify for the Next Gen Cup.”

Challenges and Opportunities

Traveling with a limited squad of 18 players, Coach Anees acknowledges the challenges but remains optimistic. “The boys will gain valuable experience facing Premier League teams,” he said. “They have the talent and technique; what they need is experience, which they will definitely get.”

Bridging the Gap with RFDL

Coach Anees emphasized the role of the RFDL in bridging the gap between youth and senior-level play. “RFDL is a game-changer,” he said. “It provides a well-structured tournament and league system that offers good competition throughout the year, helping youth players develop.”

Key Players and Future Prospects

Among the standout players, Coach Anees mentioned Nandu, Naveen, Anas Rahman, and Arjun, but stressed the importance of the entire team. “All players have a bright future if they focus on their development,” he said.

Focus on Development and Academy Setup

Coach Anees discussed the importance of focusing on the development process rather than just results. “We wanted stability in the academy,” he said. “We have excellent facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, and football field. The setup is there; the boys just need to concentrate on their development.”

Building Mental Toughness

Addressing the development of mental toughness, Coach Anees highlighted the importance of self-belief and resilience. “More matches against teams from outside Kerala are helping the players develop self-belief,” he said. “I’m a bit tough during halftime talks, which helps instill mental toughness.”

Rewarding Journey

For Coach Anees, the journey with Muthoot FA has been deeply rewarding. “Every day is about empowering Indian football,” he said. “We need to improve our facilities and provide more training fields in India. But one day, we will be successful.”

Looking Ahead

As Muthoot FA, Punjab FC, and East Bengal prepare to compete in the Next Generation Cup starting August 1, Coach Anees remains hopeful about the progress of youth football in India. “Initiatives like RFDL, the Next Gen Cup, and Muthoot FA Academy will drive progress,” he said. “Best of luck to our team.”