When it comes to international football, Brazil and Argentina command the largest fan following in India. But if there is one player who has earned the respect and admiration of Indian footballs fans of the 90s, it is the German legend, Lothar Matthaus.
The Germany’s World Cup-winning captain is on a three-day promotional visit to the country. He attended the ISL match between Kerala Blasters and Jamshedpur FC yesterday in Kochi, and will also attend the match between Mumbai City and Chennaiyin FC in Mumbai tomorrow.
The Germany and FC Bayern Munich legend, who took part in five successive World Cups—from 1982-1998, and winning it in 1990—is in India as part of the Bundesliga Legends Tour.
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Excerpts from a conversation with Matthaus before the match in Kochi:
Can Indian players make it to the Bundesliga?
Yes, it would be easier for young Indian players to play in Bundesliga than any other European league. We are not cash-rich like English Premier League. Foreign billionaires cannot buy our clubs [because of regulations]. German clubs are investing in their academies from their own revenue, and are grooming the stars for future. English teenagers do not have opportunities in England. But, Germany gives them opportunity. Jadon Sancho is an example. There are French and American teenagers playing in the Bundesliga. Indians also would get a chance.
It is said Indians are physically weaker. Your views?
I am also like Indians. I am short, and do not have a great physique. Just look at the Barcelona team some time back. Messi, Iniesta, Xavi—can you spot anyone among them with a great physique? Physical strength and height does not have significance beyond a limit. It is the mental strength that matters.
How can India be one of the top football teams? How can Germany help India?
You should groom the new generation. German coaches should come to train young Indian coaches. The federations of both the countries should discuss it. If there are good teachers, good students would happen. It is applicable to football, too. Indians should learn from German coaches how we should teach football to our kids. Bundesliga teams should come and play in India. Then the world would notice Indian football. India will become a football market. And, German coaches would come to Indian Super League.
Will you come to India for coaching?
I was invited by some agencies, around five years back. But I could not come then.
Your thoughts on the future of Indian football?
I think India can play the FIFA World Cup within eight years. With hard work, India can qualify for 2022 World Cup, itself.
Messi or Ronaldo—who is better?
For the question Messi or Ronaldo, my choice would be Messi. I like his game more. I expect he will stay in the field for a longer time.
Can you share your memories about the 1990 World Cup final and Maradona?
Maradona was not the Maradona of 1986 when he was facing West Germany under my captaincy in 1990. Argentina also has changed a lot. Maradona was there in the field. He was their captain, too. But, 1986 was not possible for him. It was our time, and we raised the World Cup. Apparently, 1986 final was neither a good time for me, personally, nor for my team. It was a time when Maradona's feet were on fire. There is a similarity between the two finals—both were won by the best teams of the respective times.
What do you have to say about Indian football fans?
The Indian passion for games is immense. Hockey is the national game of India. Cricket also has a lot of following. Football has got a great future here. Every single ticket of Under-17 World Cup were sold. Money is not the biggest asset for the development of the game; passion is. India has that. We did not have social media or many TV channels when we were playing. Now, there are several platforms where the fans can spread the spirit of football. Indian football will bloom in the passion of fans here.
What did you feel when you watched ISL on TV?
I came to know that there are a lot of football fans here. Fans are more important than players. The mood they create is of immense value. India has players of new-age looks. I am old-school compared to them—neither have tattoos, nor any ear studs. But, I can understand the mind of new-generation fans.
