Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky has reiterated his commitment to developing young Indian footballers, stressing that regular game time is essential if the country hopes to improve its standing in world football.
The 44-year-old Czech coach, who previously worked with Melbourne City FC in the A-League, has overseen more than 60 matches with Mumbai City FC. Throughout his coaching career, Kratky has earned a reputation for trusting young players and providing them with opportunities to grow.
Speaking exclusively to Khel Now, Kratky said his coaching philosophy has been shaped by his experiences in youth development in the Czech Republic and Australia. He explained that nurturing talent has always been central to his approach and remains one of his priorities in India.
“Look for me where I am from, the Czech Republic and Australia, on that side, I love to develop young players. I was in the football development stages for the Football academy, where we nourish potential. We help people to grow their academy with good young players,” he said.
Reflecting on Indian football, Kratky added, “When I came to India, I was also here to develop young players. To help them to play the best game. They need to play every minute of the game to improve their game. If India needs to improve their standing, development is needed.”
The Mumbai City FC coach believes Indian football has quality players in several positions, including midfield, full-back and central defence. However, he identified the lack of attacking talent, particularly natural number nines, as a major concern.
According to Kratky, clubs must strike a balance between competing for trophies and providing domestic players with meaningful opportunities. “My goal, I proudly said, is to win the league with a bunch of domestic players. Is it possible with an Indian perspective? I don’t know, but we have to try again and again. Foreigners are also very good for the team to complement each other and create quality,” he said.
Kratky also highlighted what he sees as the biggest obstacle to producing India’s next leading striker. He argued that the heavy reliance on foreign forwards in the Indian Super League has limited opportunities for homegrown attackers.
“You tell me, after Sunil Chhetri, who is the proper number 9 for the Indian national football team? There is no one,” Kratky said, adding that clubs must create the right systems and environment to develop the next generation of Indian strikers, even though the process will take time.
