Jamshedpur, Nov. 23: Impressed by the infrastructure and the cadets of Tata Football Academy (TFA), Iranian coach Ahmed Sanjari has shown an interest in training them as part of exchange programmes.

Sanjari, who is at present undertaking the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) “B” license course for coaches, has also initiated talks with senior functionaries of the Tata Steel Sports department regarding the matter.

Sanjari who was very impressed by the TFA cadets during the physical and theoretical session with them, said both the countries could take each other’s help in the overall improvement of the game.

“The TFA guys are playing well but they need to improve on certain aspects to better their game. This can be done through an exchange programme with Iranian footballers so that the former can learn the finer nuances of the game,” he said.

He pointed out that although the academy was nurturing talents and providing them to the premier clubs of the country, none of them have gone on to make a mark at the international-level or gone on to play for international clubs.

He added that what the TFA cadets need at present is the pressure game, which implies the pressure of marking, defending and attacking at the same time, on the lines of European and other country football scenario.

Confirming this, Tata Steel chief (sports and TFA) Sanjeeva Singh, pointed out that: “Nothing has been finalised yet, though the Iranian coach has initiated talks with us. We would consider different aspects of the proposal and then come to a conclusion.”

The Iranian coach was also all praise for four to five TFA cadets and admitting they were very promising, added that they have to play a different level of game so as to fully nourish their skills and achieve the desired performance.

Sanjari and another Iranian coach Jamshed Nassiri, are at present camping in Jamshedpur to undertake the Asian Federation Confederation (AFC) license “B” course, which is witnessing the participation of 19 odd coaches from all over the country.

While Sanjari had been with the Iran national team, apart from having coached many other teams, Jamshed has represented East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohemmadan Sporting in the late 80s.