Field Vision

For the first time in two decades, an Indian women’s side at the youth level has qualified for the AFC Asian Cup. And at the heart of this achievement stands Joakim Alexandersson, the Swedish coach entrusted with guiding the Indian U-20 women’s national team. Calm in demeanor, structured in his approach, and deeply invested in youth development, Joakim brings with him a wealth of experience from Europe but also a refreshing openness to learn from the Indian footballing landscape.

In this conversation, Joakim reflects on his journey from Sweden to India, the road to qualification, and the bigger picture for women’s football in the country.

“It Feels Special – For the Girls, For the Team”

Breaking a 20-year barrier is no small feat, and Joakim’s pride is evident when asked how it felt to qualify.

“Of course, it feels very good. Even though it’s just the qualifiers, it is a confirmation of what we’ve been doing in training. That means a lot. I’m very happy for the girls because it’s their achievement. After 20 long years, they’ve managed to bring this moment, and the experience they gained will stay with them for the rest of their careers.”

From Player to Coach: A Swedish Journey

Indian football fans know little about Joakim, but his journey is one built on years of experience both on the pitch and off it.

“I’m 49 years old, from Sweden, and I was a professional footballer for 14 years – 12 years in Sweden and 2 in Norway. After retiring, I took a break before coaching my daughter when she turned seven. That’s when I realized I had something more to give back to football. It became a pleasure for me, so I took my coaching licenses and began working with youth teams at IF Elfsborg, where I spent most of my professional career. I eventually became the head of their youth program, also coached semi-professional men’s teams, and youth teams at different levels – both boys and girls. That’s my story before coming to India.”

Why India?

The Indian U-20 women’s job came through an agreement between the AIFF and the Swedish FA. But why did Joakim take it up?

“I’ve never been to Asia before, and youth coaching always excites me. I’d heard a lot about Indian football and felt this was the right challenge – to implement my ideas here, test myself in a new environment, and see how I can contribute. It felt like the right opportunity to jump on.”

The Reality Check

Joakim admits he knew what he was walking into. The challenges were clear – fewer games, underdeveloped grassroots structures compared to Europe, and limited early-age training for girls.

“But I also saw potential,” he says. “There are talented players here. The difference is organization. Players need guidance much earlier – basics like controlling and receiving the ball must be instilled at a young age. The encouraging part is that more academies are being set up, especially in men’s football, and now slowly for women too. That’s a very positive sign. India has a bright future.”

Behind the Scenes of Qualification

The path to qualification wasn’t straightforward. Joakim arrived in December and immediately got to work.

“We had a two-month camp, scouting players from state tournaments and combining them with U-20 girls already playing in the IWL. Then came an exposure trip to Turkey, where we played Jordan, Hong Kong, and Russia – valuable games for the girls. Later, we regrouped in Bengaluru and prepared for the qualifiers. The facilities were good, and we worked on every aspect of the game. It was a very good camp.”

Coaching Beyond Tactics

If there’s one thing Joakim emphasizes repeatedly, it is the psychological side of coaching.

“My style is about principles, but also being open. I talk to the players a lot – I want them to feel comfortable asking questions, not scared. I try to build trust, not just in football matters but also outside it. With Indian girls, it took a little more time compared to Sweden, but now they come up and openly ask what they need to improve to get more game time. I always stress positive thinking, forgetting mistakes, and moving on. That mental strength improves their technical game too.”

The Myanmar Challenge

In Myanmar, India faced tough opponents in the qualifiers. The opening game ended in a draw, but Joakim never lost faith.

“I was confident even before we left because I knew what we had in training. Against Myanmar, we showed our quality technically, especially in the first half. The second half wasn’t great – maybe nerves, maybe fatigue. But I wasn’t nervous. We knew our chances, and in the last game, it was about going all out. Sometimes football also needs a bit of luck – and we had that.”

When Pooja scored the decisive goal, Joakim kept his calm.

“I didn’t want to hype the game too much. I told the girls: play the best game of your life, fight till the end. After we scored, I knew it would be tough because so much time was left, but I had planned for us to attack more. In the end, that one goal was enough. I’m very pleased with that moment.”

The Road Ahead

India has eight months to prepare for the Asian Cup in Thailand, but the uncertainty around the IWL remains.

“If I can decide, I’d want a longer camp,” Joakim says firmly. “We need to build on what we’ve started – especially strength and conditioning. Technically too, we must improve in all aspects. Facing higher-ranked teams will be tough, but preparation is everything.”

The Bigger Picture

One of the biggest challenges in Indian football is the lack of playing time for women and youth players.

“That’s the biggest issue,” Joakim admits. “Gametime. In Sweden, kids play a lot more competitive matches. But India is building something. Hopefully, more leagues and opportunities will come up soon. It’s a big difference, but the direction looks promising.”

And what about the coaches themselves?

“Development is needed there too. Cricket dominates here, but football is gaining ground. The AIFF is working on pathways for coaches, which will be very important for the future.”

Europe or Stay Back?

For talented 16-17-year-olds, would he recommend going abroad early?

“It depends,” Joakim says thoughtfully. “Europe has excellent academies and long-term, it helps development a lot. But it’s tough to be away from family at a young age. If players are strong and independent, it’s good to go early. Otherwise, more gametime in India first, and then Europe later could also work.”

Leaving a Legacy

When asked how he’d like to be remembered in Indian football, Joakim smiles.

“As a coach who listened. Who took time to develop players in the best way possible. Strict maybe, but supportive and open-minded. I want players to feel they learned and grew under me, not just played matches.”

Final Word

Joakim Alexandersson may have only just begun his journey with India’s U-20 women, but his methods and clarity of thought bring hope. His insistence on mental strength, structured development, and long-term vision offers a refreshing change.

For Indian football, this is more than just a qualification after 20 years. It is perhaps the beginning of a new culture – one where talent, when nurtured with the right guidance, could finally match ambition.

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