German football legend Lothar Matthaus has delivered a powerful message to Indian football authorities, urging them to bring international legends and former players to train local coaches. The 1986 World Cup winner expressed his surprise that the world's most populated country continues to miss football's biggest stage while smaller nations regularly qualify.
World Cup Winner's Direct Advice
The football icon didn't mince words when discussing India's absence from the global football landscape. Matthaus specifically emphasized that India cannot remain in a situation where it fails to qualify for the quadrennial World Cup extravaganza while countries with much smaller populations like Cape Verde successfully reach the global event.
His comments, made on November 17, 2025, highlight the growing concern among international football communities about India's untapped potential. With over 1.4 billion people, the country represents what many consider football's final frontier for development.
The Coaching Development Solution
Matthaus proposed a concrete solution to accelerate India's football growth. He strongly recommended bringing legendary players and experienced former professionals to teach and mentor Indian coaches. This knowledge transfer, he believes, would create a ripple effect throughout the entire football ecosystem.
The German legend's approach focuses on building from the ground up rather than relying on quick fixes. By elevating coaching standards through direct knowledge sharing from world-class players, India could develop its own sustainable football philosophy and training methodology.
Global Perspective on Indian Football
Matthaus drew direct comparisons between India and successful football nations with smaller populations. His mention of Cape Verde serves as a powerful example of how strategic development can overcome demographic limitations. The African nation, with a population of just over 500,000, has consistently punched above its weight in international football.
The German star's intervention comes at a crucial time for Indian football as the country continues its efforts to establish itself on the global stage. His advice aligns with growing calls for more sophisticated technical development programs and knowledge exchange initiatives.
Football experts believe that implementing Matthaus's recommendations could accelerate India's journey toward international competitiveness. The focus on coach education rather than just player development represents a more sustainable long-term approach to building football excellence.
