The arrival of FIFA-approved Nolberto Solano, the ex-Peruvian star and former midfielder turned manager in the English Premier League, signalled a new era in Pakistan football where the coach has accepted one of the Asian continent challenging stunts.
The new head coach of the senior and U23 men national teams expressed himself with the president of the Pakistan Football Federation Syed Mohsen Gilani. The former Newcastle United midfielder, who has more than 90 caps for Peru, admitted the enormity of the job but added the enthusiasm he has already experienced. That is a massive responsibility, he said. I can see the appetite of the players. That makes real belief.
Solano emphasized on the need to be patient and plan long term. There is no such thing as an overnight success, he said. The U23 team is our first priority and in time and with hard work we can create a strong foundation going forward.
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PFF president Gilani hailed the decision as historic to Pakistani football. This is the first time we have had a coach of his caliber. He will be able to motivate players and our local coaches can learn something new by following the experience of world-class professionals.
Having arrived at a time when the Pakistan soccer is trying to stabilize and move forward, Nolberto Solano has valuable international experience to share and a down to earth albeit optimistic perspective. In a country where footballing optimism has been scarce, his words portend something much needed: an optimistic feeling.
