Amelia Valverde has emphasized that the Indian women’s football team possesses speed, quality, and immense potential as they prepare for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. The newly appointed head coach, who led Costa Rica to two FIFA Women’s World Cups, highlighted the importance of organization, focus, and mental strength for the Blue Tigresses to succeed in the continental tournament.

Amelia Valverde Highlights India’s Strengths

Amelia Valverde, who officially took charge of the Indian women’s team until the end of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup (March 1-21), praised her squad’s attributes. “This team has players of great quality, especially in fast attacking transitions,” she said. According to Valverde, India’s youthful squad offers flexibility and energy, which can be maximized if players execute their roles with precision and intensity.

Organised and Compact Team Structure

Valverde stressed that while India has talented and quick players, organisation and compactness on the field will be crucial. Recovering possession efficiently and attacking with intensity were cited as central strategies. “We want to be a very organised and compact team, and when we recover the ball or have possession, we want to attack with intensity,” she explained.

The emphasis on structured play reflects her philosophy of combining speed with tactical discipline, ensuring that India can compete against consistently strong Asian teams like Japan, China, and the Philippines.

Building Mental Strength and Self-Belief

Amelia Valverde believes mental resilience will be a decisive factor in the Asian Cup. High-level matches are often tight and unpredictable, and maintaining focus can make the difference between victory and defeat. She stressed self-belief, encouraging players to trust their abilities and remain ready for decisive moments on the pitch. “This competition is built every day, mentally, physically, and in all areas, so that when the moment arrives, we can deliver our best possible performance,” she noted.

Leveraging Experience and Coaching Staff

Joining the Indian camp in Antalya, Valverde works closely with the existing coaching team, including Crispin Chettri, Priya PV, and Mario Aguiar. By combining her international experience with the local knowledge of her staff, she aims to create a unified and effective strategy. “We have to build a team within the team, technically speaking. Our task is to combine all that knowledge and energy to help this group grow as much as possible,” she said.

Youthful Energy and Tactical Adaptability

The Costa Rican coach highlighted that India’s quick and young players are an advantage in fast-paced attacks. She wants to exploit this while remaining tactically disciplined. Against structured teams in Asia, India must balance speed with organisation, ensuring each player understands their role within the system. Valverde’s approach combines dynamic attacking football with strong defensive organisation.

Valverde’s Coaching Credentials and Philosophy

Before joining India, Amelia Valverde was the longest-serving coach in Costa Rican women’s football history, leading Las Ticas from 2015 to 2023. She participated in the 2015 and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cups and began coaching in 2011. Valverde is known for developing brave, aggressive, and cohesive teams, emphasizing unity and collective performance over individual glory. She believes no player is above the team, on or off the pitch, and her philosophy centers on mutual support and disciplined execution.

Focused Preparation for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup

Valverde is mindful of time constraints but stresses the importance of focusing on daily improvement. “We are in a race against time. We have to focus on today, on the energy, and on strengthening everything that already exists within the team,” she explained. Her plan includes raising intensity, improving physical conditioning, and enhancing tactical awareness to ensure India is competitive against top Asian nations.

Team Unity and Support

The head coach also prioritizes a united team environment. Valverde encourages players to support each other in attack and defense, highlighting the importance of team cohesion. According to her, success at tournaments like the AFC Women’s Asian Cup is achieved not just through individual talent but through collaboration, discipline, and shared responsibility.

Outlook and Expectations

With Amelia Valverde at the helm, India enters the AFC Women’s Asian Cup with optimism. Her emphasis on speed, quality, organisation, and mental strength aligns with the team’s strengths and potential. As the Blue Tigresses prepare in Antalya, they aim to implement their philosophy and make a strong impact in Australia, showcasing their growth and competitiveness on the continental stage.
Amelia Valverde, Indian Women’s Team, AFC Women’s Asian Cup, Blue Tigresses

Explore More