Former Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes has emphasised the need for good quality coaches if India are to develop a footballing philosophy similar to that of Spain.
The 42-year-old is presently an ambassador for La Liga and was the chief guest at the La Liga World event held in Kochi on Tuesday.
Speaking on the difference in footballing philosophies of India and Spain at the event, Morientes said, "It is a mix of culture. We have a really old football culture. It is important to work hard at the grassroots level. We understand that football is not only about winning. We have to win by playing good football. It is the academies where you need to work."
The idea of Indian players playing abroad to hone their skills has been widely discussed. Offering his thoughts on the same, Morientes expressed, "Indian players going out on loan is not relevant. What's important is to train your trainer. The base for Spanish success is that we have a great pool of coaches. That is where you should invest. Then the players will be ready to play anywhere."
The former Liverpool striker has tasted Champions League success three times in his career and was also the tournament's top scorer in the 2003/04 season with AS Monaco.
Morientes helped launch a three-team pre-season tournament involving Kerala Blasters, Girona FC and Melbourne City to be kicked off from July 24, 2018, in Kochi.