‘Entry to Asian Cup will open India’s window to Europe’

“Win it, qualify for the Asian Cup, and Europe beckons you,” is the coach’s message. Houghton feels if team wins, the players would be in a loop that includes agents and scouts of top Asian and European clubs. And the players are aware of this.

“During our Portugal tour, agents from a few European clubs had shown interest. If we can move to the next level, there would be a bigger window. Enough of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal or other local clubs, we need to play in Europe if we want to improve,” feels midfielder Renedy Singh. Renedy was all praise for his coach and said things had improved a lot for the players ever since Houghton joined the team.

Sunil Chhetri was sought out by agents during Portugal tour, and the striker believes if India started to play regularly at a higher level, offers would come. Defender Gourmangi Singh concurs. “We all want to play in Europe. But to get there we have to make a mark in Asian football and qualifying for the Asian Cup will give us that opportunity.”