𝐀𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚

Puspa Lal Sharma, the esteemed head coach of Paro FC, boasts an impressive track record, clinching four Bhutan Premier League titles, notably securing three consecutive victories- a truly remarkable feat. His influence extends beyond Bhutan, as he has proudly showcased his skills and dedication on the international football stage, leaving a lasting impact.

Q. Could you share some of the key strategies and tactics that have contributed to the consistent success of Paro FC in the Bhutan Premier League over the past three years?
A. First and foremost, thank you very much for having me on this podcast. Media highlights a crucial role in promoting sports, and I appreciate the opportunity to share my journey with Paro FC. Winning a title once could be attributed to chance, but securing it four times and achieving a three-time consecutive win requires a significant investment, unwavering commitment, dedication, and hard work. It’s not solely the result of the technical team; rather, it’s a collaborative effort involving contributions from both the management and the players.

Q. How do you see the future of football in Bhutan, and how do you envision Paro FC shaping that future?
A. Given the recognition received, such as the Bhutan Olympic Committee being awarded the Druk Thuksey Medal on the national day, and notable athletes, including the popular footballer Chencho Gyelthshen, it signifies a significant acknowledgment for aspiring players. This recognition, coming from the throne, highlights the importance of understanding the substantial acknowledgment for the efforts invested in football. I firmly believe there is vast potential for the sport.
The role of Paro FC is even more significant. We have consistently aimed to envision everything for the greater good of the nation. This commitment is evident in our robust grassroots program, a world-class facility at Paro FC, and our tailored curriculum designed for both grassroots youth and seniors. The imminent publication of our playing style and philosophy is also a part of this visionary approach.
Collaborating with individuals from outside is driven by the desire to provide a substantial boost to the scope of football in the country. I am confident that Paro FC will play a crucial role in the development of players in the near future. Our aspiration is to become one of the best academies and clubs in Asia in the coming years.

Q. Since you have talked about Chencho Gyeltshen, who is considered a standout player in Bhutanese football, could you tell us what makes him different from the rest and his contributions to the success of Paro FC?
A. He is really doing well, and many grassroots children and youth look up to him as an idol. Chencho has made a huge impact on the promotion of the game, being a great ambassador. His name has also popularized the nation, contributing to the state of football in the country. I acknowledge his efforts, and Chencho Gyelthshen has been part of Paro FC from his high school days to becoming an elite player. I have worked with him and appreciate his commitment, determination, discipline, and focus on the game. He played with Paro FC for two seasons, winning his first title in 2022. Chencho made a remarkable contribution, although he had to leave halfway due to international assignments, which we understand is crucial for his career. His influence goes beyond the field; he’s been a great inspiration for our academy and grassroots players in Paro FC. Many players in our academy draw significant inspiration from him.

Q. How do you prepare your players for away games, considering psychological aspects and other factors?
A. Certainly, psychological preparation plays a crucial role in our approach. However, in Bhutan, the absence of a dedicated fan base makes it less challenging to ready the team for away matches. Until recently, playing at Ugyen Academy Ground posed difficulties due to its natural field, unfamiliar to our players. Yet, of late, you may have observed the upgrade to an artificial playing surface, astro turf. In terms of the playing surface, there isn’t a significant difference.
Psychologically, our players are relatively young, so our emphasis lies in preventing early goals. Conceding in the initial stages makes it challenging to mount a comeback, especially when opponents are already buoyed by strong support. Whether it’s at Ugyen Academy or Tensung, their home ground with its windy conditions and passionate fans, we consistently remind our players to stay alert in the opening minutes and the second half. This proactive approach enhances our preparedness, maintaining a high level of alertness.
Apart from this, there are no specific psychological preparations that we prioritize for our players.

Q. How does the Bhutan Football Federation support and nurtures the development of football in the country?
A. Well, the Bhutan Football Federation is the apex football governing body in the country, also referred to as the member association. It is affiliated with AFC and FIFA. Technical certifications for coaches are conducted through the Bhutan Football Federation. They provide program support for grassroots, youth, and even the senior team, offering travel subsidies and a small amount of subsidy for the club’s sustainability. While the amount is minimal, the support from the Bhutan Football Federation, both in terms of technical assistance and financial aid, is of significant importance to the club at the moment. In addition to technical and financial support, they also conduct professional development programs for the strategic planning of the club, including financial and coaching philosophies. They provide technical support in these aspects as well.

Q. How do you personally handle the pressure and expectations that come with being the head coach of Paro FC, which is considered one of the top clubs in Bhutan?
A. Well, I actually acknowledge the effort made by the management. I have one of the best supports from my management, which is a key thing in the success of a club. I’ve been given the autonomy to work on the technical aspects without any interference. This, I believe, is crucial. I do not face interference regarding substitutions, tactical decisions, or any influence from the board members. Having this freedom contributes to my success in managing pressure. The more prepared you are, the less pressure you feel. Preparation is key. As a coach, it’s essential to watch good games, listen to podcasts, watch documentaries, but beyond that, reading is a significant habit to cultivate. Personally, I relieve a lot of pressure through these avenues. In modern football, you’re bombarded with information, and making the right choices in information selection, finding good sources, and applying the key insights to your team all help relieve a lot of pressure

Q. What are the challenges of playing at the international level, especially in the AFC, and why do teams like Paro FC face difficulties in performing well?
A. The champions of the Bhutan Bank of Bhutan Premier League earn the opportunity to represent the country in the AFC Cup. We’ve had this honor three times, with a potential fourth opportunity next year. However, I am dissatisfied with our performance in the AFC. The first time we were champions, we faced Defenders FC from Sri Lanka in the preliminary playoffs, advancing to the next stage where we played against Bengaluru FC. Despite a modest score at home, we were thrashed in the away game. The second time, against Valencia in the Maldives, we went into extra time and suffered a loss. As a coach, success is measured by wins, not by reasons or failures. Unfortunately, I feel that I failed again the third time against Machindra this year. I don’t want to provide reasons or blame external factors. The disparity between clubs inside and outside Bhutan lies in the quality of investment.
AFC allows six foreign players, but it poses a financial challenge for us. Operating a football club is not profitable for us, and financial stability is crucial. Facing clubs with higher rankings, especially during their off-season when they can create a dream team, presents a significant challenge. Most of the clubs we face have a higher national team ranking than Bhutan, making the competition challenging. Additionally, meeting them in the off-season allows them to assemble a team with more national players. In our case, we focus on our own players and face challenges in recruiting competent players outside our club. These are some of the challenges we grapple with.

Q. Are you planning any new tactics for upcoming AFC matches, and what are your future plans for AFC?
A. It is indeed a lengthy process. We are required to navigate through the preliminary rounds, and although the format has not been finalized by the AFC, there have been some changes. Presently, the intention is to partake in the AFC Challenge Cup. Instead of a direct entry into the group stage, we must traverse through several preliminary rounds. The sequence involves preliminary round one, followed by preliminary round two upon success, and then preliminary round three. Only after completing these rounds do we reach the group stage, where a minimum of four additional contenders will participate. The group stage is scheduled to take place in a centralized venue. While this is the current plan, it has not been officially confirmed by the AFC. Nevertheless, we are gearing up to be better prepared than last year, with a focus on strengthening both the national and international squads. Plans for this are already in place.