Herald: You climbed up the ranks to become the Services coach. How has the journey of being in the coaching field been so far?
Parshuram Salwadi: The journey was always tough. In 2010, I started gaining coaching knowledge and finally with a lot of hard work and respect for the beautiful game, God blessed me with the responsibility of being a head coach. Being at Services, I had to wait for very long to achieve this feat and to take the team to the final of the prestigious Santosh Trophy. This has been my biggest task as we last won it in 2015-16 season.
Herald: What does your coaching
philosophy comprise of?
PS: Being a coach, I strongly believe in total football development and focus more on build-up play with a lot of movement with the ball, but I am also flexible with my philosophy.
Herald: What are you plans against Punjab in final?
PS: Services need to consider Punjab’s home support as this is their biggest strength. We have to keep them almost at bay and also be alert about their long pass strategy.
Herald: Given that Indian football is progressing step by step, where do you see it reach in the next decade?
PS: Indian football is still taking baby steps and will require some more decades to be where we are aiming for. We as Indians can develop football but before questioning each other, each of us should help in the contribution. It should start from the four walls of our homes and not just from the football pitch.
Herald: If the opportunity arises in the future, would you take up the coaching job of the Goan team?
PS: This was personally the best question asked. When we faced the Goan team, I felt a deep sense of pride burning at the sight of the Goan crest on the players’ chests. Leading the Goan football team is my next mission to achieve. I know that I have a lot to prove to the Goa Football Association (GFA) as we have many talented Goan coaches who are experienced. Hopefully someday I will lead a Goan side after Services.
