Savio Medeira was assistant to Bob Houghton for three years and then was an under-study to Armando Colaco with the national team.
The Goan was then handed over the team for seven month’s during which he guided India to the SAFF Championship triumph before the All India Football Federation (AIFF) handed over the reigns to former Netherlands international Koevermans.
“The AIFF wanted me to continue with the national team and I have already said yes to their offer. Infact, I am expecting the contract in the next couple of days,” Medeira told an Indian daily on Tuesday.
Koevermans is reported to have asked the AIFF to give him an Indian hand as assistant and Medeira fitted the bill perfectly.
That Medeira was himself the national coach just a few month’s earlier proved no detriment. “I take this as another chance to learn and improve. Each coach has something new to offer and I know I can (only) get better,” said Medeira.
Medeira was touted to be the next coach of ONGC who have just been promoted to the I-League. While Medeira admitted there was an initial contact through former Salgaocar midfielder Jatin Singh Bisht, the talks never materialised.
Medeira also denied reports that he was keen to join former India coach Bob Houghton if he were to take up the Hong Kong coaching position. “I will be with the national team for a year before deciding what I have to do next. If there is any approach from a club, I will definitely listen to the offers,” he said.
Goalkeeping coach Marcus Pacheco is also expected to continue with the national team.
51-year old Koevermans will get his first taste of Indian football when the 37 probables that he has named, assemble in New Delhi on July 27. Koevermans is a respected name in Dutch football and was a member of the Dutch squad that won UEFA Euro 1988, although he did not play a match.
Koevermans turned to coaching after his retirement in 1990 and was the high-performance director with the Republic of Ireland before accepting the India job.
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