Bridging the gap between proven international stars and home players will be a challenge but Delhi Dynamos coach Harm van Veldhoven feels the presence of names like Alessandro Del Piero and Zico in ISL will gradually help in developing the national team and boost its rankings.
The inaugural Indian Super League is to be held from October 12-December 20, and the Dutch-Belgian manager said it will be of paramount importance that the Indian players listen carefully and pick up tips from once-globally renowned footballers such as Zico, Del Piero, Robert Pires, David Trezeguet, Luis Garcia and Freddie Ljungberg.
"It's important that these players (and coaches) say the right things at the right moment and it's also very important that Indian players listen and pick up the knowledge. Day by day, gradually, you will see the Indian players grow and also the national team (in terms of rankings)," Veldhoven told PTI.
"The task is to get the Indian and international players onto a similar level. Of course, it's very, very difficult, and there is also shortage of time," he added.
"We want to bring it (standard) to the same level, higher level, whether it's about on the pitch or off it, organisation and organisers. Yes, it will definitely need some time to take the next step... Can learn a lot of things once they bring a mix of experienced coaches, players, new ideas."
The 51-year-old coach said Italian World Cup winner Del Piero, who is expected to arrive in the country next Friday, will bring in the required experience and guide other players.
"When you have a player with this kind of experience he can bring in a lot not only on the pitch but also off it. He brings in a lot of experience and it will be difficult to bring them (others) on same level... And time is also short.
"Del Piero has achieved everything in football. He has to be in his best position. Everybody knows that this player with so much experience will say the right things," he said.
