‘I see a lot of talent': Optimistic Solano outlines roadmap for Pakistan football
Solano is focused on first understanding the local talent before defining a playing style

Alam Zeb Safi
Correspondent Nukta
Alam Zeb Safi is a sports journalist, having served in the capacity for 25 years. Covered so many international sports events on foreign soil also including England and Australia.

New national coach Nolberto Solano is hoping to put Pakistan football on the right track
AFP
Pakistan football team’s newly appointed head coach, Nolberto Solano, has made it clear that his approach is rooted in practicality and adaptability.
The Peruvian legend, having played for clubs such as Newcastle United and Aston Villa, emphasized that his coaching philosophy revolves around tailoring tactics to suit the players' strengths rather than imposing a rigid system.
“I am a very easy and simple man. You need to adapt whatever you have. From there you start to build the way you want to play,” Solano stated during his first press conference at the PFF headquarters.
Solano, who has spent less than a week in Pakistan, is focused on first understanding the local talent before defining a playing style.
“It is too early to tell my philosophy because I will see what we have first. I want to build a team; I try to be very competitive,” he said.
“I like to be very strong both defensively and attacking as it’s the only way you win games,” he said.
Relations with PFF President
Meanwhile, Solano talked about his discussion with the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Mohsen Gilani, where they both discussed the challenges and road map for the future.
“First of all, I want to thank the PFF President Mohsen Gilani, for giving me the opportunity. In football, we always say that when you get the opportunity, the challenge is very important. For me, of course, it's a massive responsibility for Pakistan football,” he said.
“I believe in the president. I hope that, as soon as possible, Pakistan starts becoming professional. That will be key to developing players and the national team,” he revealed.
Having engaged in extensive discussions with Gilani, Solano demonstrated a grounded understanding of the sport's current situation in the country. “I know the issues in Pakistan football. But I’ve always been a positive person, ready to take on challenges. There's a lot of great talent here.”
Despite only being a few days into the role, he has already spent time observing the Under-23 squad. “I was watching the Under-23 players during training. I can see there’s a lot of talent.”
Future Plans
On the other hand, the 50-year-old also stressed about adopting an approach that yields positive results both in the short and long term.
“I believe if we do the job we have to do with full support from the federation, we have a real chance to develop. Our first goal is to get Pakistan to a level where it can compete with the rest of the teams in Asia,” he said.
The upcoming Under-23 tournament in Cambodia has been identified as an immediate focus. “That’s our first target. We will try to do our best.”
However, he stressed that real progress requires a systemic improvement. “Your country needs time to improve football in all departments. I hope we can start building a team of young lads who will become competitive very soon.”
One of the coach's core strategies is to strike a balance between domestic talent and players of Pakistani origin playing abroad.
“Many young talents want to be part of the Pakistan national team. We want to create a balance to be competitive,” he explained.
“Will it be tough? Yes. But that’s why we also look at the Pakistani players around the world. We’ll keep a balance between the local boys and the foreign players to try to be competitive,” he said.
Though fully aware of the challenges, the coach made it clear that he is not interested in excuses.
“If I was here to make excuses, I wouldn’t be sitting here,” he said firmly. “I know the issues in the federation, but that’s what makes it a good challenge. I hope that in the long term, we can see progress in Pakistan.”
One of the major goals he outlined is the professionalization of the football structure in Pakistan, something he sees as crucial to long-term success.
“What we hope is that soon, players will start becoming competitive as a team. Clubs need to start competing with each other. That will be very important,” he added.
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