Paul, the first Indian set to join a first division side in Europe, had a month-long trial with the club in October and is waiting for his visa to join the Danish club by this weekend.
‘Our players need to get a taste of football overseas, not necessarily the European clubs. For instance, the Japanese J League and the Korean league are top class and playing there would be a great experience,’ Paul said.
‘Playing in India is not enough, our players must get a feel of the sport in other major leagues around the world. The experience will help us compete with tougher opponents us,’ said Paul. Paul thinks skills-wise Indians are as good as any in the world, what they lack is the big-built physique of their European counterparts.
‘We have a lot of talent and potential. When it comes to technical ability we can compete but we lose out on the body build,’ he said. The former Mohun Bagan and East Bengal goalkeeper is optimistic of figuring in the first eleven. ‘After my trial, the club’s coach and goalkeeping coach were impressed by my performance. They assured me that I would get to play in the first division matches if I did well in practice matches.
‘It has been my dream to play in the European league and the time I get to spend with the players and coaches there will only help me to improve my game,’ he said.
Talking about his lack of inches when compared with the taller European goalkeepers, Paul said:’I’m only 6ft-1in while my counterparts in Europe are all well above 6ft. best.’
‘Our players need to get a taste of football overseas, not necessarily the European clubs. For instance, the Japanese J League and the Korean league are top class and playing there would be a great experience,’ Paul said.
‘Playing in India is not enough, our players must get a feel of the sport in other major leagues around the world. The experience will help us compete with tougher opponents us,’ said Paul. Paul thinks skills-wise Indians are as good as any in the world, what they lack is the big-built physique of their European counterparts.
‘We have a lot of talent and potential. When it comes to technical ability we can compete but we lose out on the body build,’ he said. The former Mohun Bagan and East Bengal goalkeeper is optimistic of figuring in the first eleven. ‘After my trial, the club’s coach and goalkeeping coach were impressed by my performance. They assured me that I would get to play in the first division matches if I did well in practice matches.
‘It has been my dream to play in the European league and the time I get to spend with the players and coaches there will only help me to improve my game,’ he said.
Talking about his lack of inches when compared with the taller European goalkeepers, Paul said:’I’m only 6ft-1in while my counterparts in Europe are all well above 6ft. best.’