ISL: Hyderabad FC's co-owner reiterates that club's philosophy will be to build a core of Indian players

Indian Super League (ISL) side, Hyderabad FC's co-owner, Varun Tripuraneni has reiterated that the club's main focus will be on keeping the core of their side intact and that going forward, their philosophy will be focused on building and developing a core of Indian players

Hyderabad beat Kerala Blasters FC in the final of the 2021/22 season to win their maiden ISL title, with goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani starring after the game went into penalties, with the shot stopper saving three penalties to help his side clinch their maiden title.

Tripuraneni who has had executive roles with Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters in the past is full of praise for head coach, Manolo Marquez who has been instrumental in blooding youngsters and giving them opportunities to display their talents.

"Our debut season was a blessing in disguise because there were quite a few injuries. That’s why players like Asish and Yasir got a lot of game time. Then we have Manolo who’s extremely good with younger players. Sana, too, has come through brilliantly as he features in the national team regularly," Marquez told Sportskeeda.

"Going forward, our philosophy will be focused on building and developing a core of Indian players. It’ll be a mix of bringing in young players from other clubs and developing players through our own grassroots system. At times, we’ll be forced to release some players and look at the transfer options, but the key is to have a good supply line in place," he added.

Tripuraneni is also happy that the ISL authorities will stick to the four-foreigner rule come next season, as he believes that it will be a step back for Indian football as a whole.

"I feel that it will be a step back for Indian football if we return to the five-foreigner rule. I don’t think the quality of the league has dropped by fielding only four foreigners in the playing XI. A lot of Indian players have got more game time. For example, we’re used to seeing an Indian and a foreigner in central midfield like Joao Victor playing alongside Hitesh Sharma/Souvik Chakrabarti/Sahil Tavora. Some teams like Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters play with two Indians in that position.

"We signed a lot of players in December 2019 keeping in mind the four-foreigner rule for the 2021-22 season. We feel that our planning has worked really well, which makes me very happy," he concluded.