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Formerly the high performance director of Republic of Ireland, Koevermans first task will be to lead his new charges in the Nehru Cup, which kicks off on August 23

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has confirmed Wim Koevermans as India’s national team coach on Friday.

The Dutchman's previous assignment was as the High Performance Director of Republic of Ireland on a temporary basis. He was unveiled by Kushal Das, the General Secretary of the AIFF, at an event held at the AIFF Headquarters, the Football House in Delhi.

The former Netherlands international, who signed a two-year contract on the day, takes charge of his new job from July 1.

“It’s an honour to be here in India,” Koevermans said in his first official interaction. “I’m looking forward to meeting the boys. I have travelled in many countries and have been fortunate to have played with some greats and also (been) coached by some legendary coaches.

“I’ve watched some videos of the Indian Team’s recent matches. I will travel to Muscat along with Technical Director Rob Baan, to watch India’s matches in the forthcoming AFC U-22 Championship,” he informed, after having been presented a new Indian jersey by Kushal Das.

The playing style under Bob Houghton was a huge bone of contention. The 51-year-old Dutch national though hinted at a more flexible approach and revealed: “We would start with a certain style that would go with the international football standards.

"It is natural for any team to adapt the best possible style depending on the ability of the players. In international football, teams keep the ball very well. That's the way forward. It increases the chances of winning. It is fun to keep the ball.”

The new coach already seemed aware of the friction between domestic football clubs and the AIFF and assured: “Clubs own the players. I will meet the officials and convince them it is good for them if their players get to play international football.”

The General Secretary of the AIFF explained the logic behind employing the former Dutch International as the new Coach. “We didn’t want to hurry into selecting the new Coach. We look forward to working with Wim. The AIFF will be extending its support to him in every possible direction,” he stated.

Koevermans' first assignment will be at the Nehru Cup which kicks-off on August 23, where he shall most likely be assisted by Savio Medeira, the stand-in coach for the past one year, with the AIFF supporting his candidature.