Once again, Indian football is under fire after a disastrous defeat against Bangladesh in the Asian Cup qualifier, which was only of academic interest as both teams have already crashed out of the qualification for the main round.
Social media is being filled with severe criticisms from football lovers, as their focus is on the players’ lackluster performance in the match held on Tuesday in Dhaka. Many supporters expressed their wrath, pointing out individual failure, questioning effort, desire, and commitment. Frustration flooded social media.
However, the players decided to address the situation honestly. Their responses were not defensive. Instead, they highlighted why Indian football continues to sink into these cycles of disappointment.
Even, Spanish footballer of FC Goa, Javier Siverio, opened up on the Indian players’ miserable performance. He stated, “Players aren’t the reason the system is falling apart”.
Aakash Sangwan also emphasized the depth of the structural cracks. Instead of directly defending the team, he pointed to the long list of issues that define a typical season for most professionals now.
He highlighted how the top division itself hangs in uncertainty, with no clear investment, no confirmed bidders, and barely any communication from those in charge. Players, he suggested, often find themselves signing contracts only to be told days later that there is nothing to train for.
He implied that casual comments about technique or effort only scratch the surface. The real damage, Sangwan hinted, lies in the broken framework surrounding the sport, a framework that leaves players guessing about their futures and battling far more than what happens over ninety minutes on the pitch.
