ISL has 'non-existent' infrastructure: David James
Mumbai, Dec 20 (IANS) Former England goalkeeper David James, player-coach for the Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), has criticised the inaugural football tournament for having 'non-existent' infrastructure but said it possesses 'massive potential'.
"Four, maybe five sides, were playing on cricket pitches. The coaching is another issue," James said as quoted by bbc.com Saturday.
"They have got to do some heavy investment, the infrastructure is near on non-existent."
The shot-stopper also complained about the lack of training facilities and qualified coaches in the country.
"Training facilities are very, very hard to come by. There is a severe lack of qualified coaches in India," he added.
Despite the shortcomings, James said the tournament has the potential to change the face of the country's football as the competition is 'remarkably competitive'.
"If they get those things right, the potential is massive," he said while stating his desire to continue his managerial career in his native land after enjoying his role as coach of Kerala Blasters, inspiring his team to the final of the competition where they face Atletico de Kolkata in Mumbai Saturday.