A LaLiga official has revealed that talks are going on with Spanish clubs regarding their possible involvement in Indian football. The Indian Super League (ISL) is replete with Spanish players and coaches, with the ISL champions ATK Mohun Bagan riding on head coach Antonio Lopez Habas’ guidance to win their third title.
“To work professionally in football in India is fantastic because they are shaping their football now,” said Jose Antonio Cachaza, Managing Director, LaLiga India. The La Liga is the men’s top professional football division in Spain.
“India are taking steps in the right direction, maybe not in the same way as it’s done in the European countries, but the direction is in the right one. Evidence is there. More kids playing at the grassroots and national teams are improving.”
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According to Cachaza, the ISL is already a brand and is growing steadily. Thus, they are ready to help the league to promote the sport in India in whatever way they can.
“It’s important for Indian football that the two biggest brands historically are there and competing with strong teams. What we are trying to do is trying to help Indian clubs and Spanish clubs to build relationships. We are working in that direction. Atletico had the experience with ATK. La Liga does not invest in the world, but we can help with our knowhow,” he said.
ISL club ATK previously had a tie-up with LaLiga club Atletico Madrid which ended in 2017, and they were no longer known as Atletico de Kolkata.
Cachaza had many positive things to say about Spanish clubs looking at associations with Indian counterparts.
“It’s undeniable that Indian football has been looking towards Spanish football in the last few years. Even last champions of ISL had a Spanish coach, who had an influence in making teams champions. That’s the line of work I always had in my head the very minute I arrived in India,” Cachaza said.
