New Delhi: Ranjit Bajaj has made a dramatic change in his position regarding the Indian U-15 football team, saying he is willing to take up a role with the squad if he is given complete control of the team.
Bajaj had earlier rejected the position of team manager after the All India Football Federation appointed him alongside head coach Bibiano Fernandes. The Minerva Academy owner had objected to the arrangement, arguing that two individuals with different football philosophies could create problems for the team ahead of the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan in October.
Bajaj has now said his position could change if Fernandes is no longer part of the setup. He claimed that the former India youth coach has also declined the assignment, reportedly for reasons similar to those he had previously highlighted.
According to Bajaj, a team cannot function effectively when two senior figures have contrasting ideas about how the game should be played. He maintained that such differences could ultimately affect the team’s performance and development.
Bajaj said he remains ready to contribute if the opportunity is available and stressed that his decisions are driven by a long term vision for Indian football. He pointed to the 2034 FIFA World Cup and the 2036 Olympic Games as major targets that should guide the development of young Indian players.
He also insisted that he is not prepared to walk away from the opportunity if it can contribute to those ambitions.
The latest development comes after Bajaj had publicly expressed disappointment over his initial appointment alongside Fernandes. At the time, he made it clear that he had no personal issue with the coach but strongly objected to combining two different footballing philosophies within the same team structure.
With Fernandes reportedly no longer in contention for the role, Bajaj has now signalled that he could return to the setup, provided he is given the authority to implement his vision for the U-15 side.
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