"I Have to Make Do With Guys Who Play Once Every Two Months," Says Nolberto Solano on Pakistan's League Struggles

Pakistan head coach Nolberto Solano reflected on the national team's FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign in an interview with Peruvian football media, highlighting the lack of a professional domestic league and regular competitive football as major challenges for Pakistan.

Solano Reflects on the ASEAN Cup

Solano explained that Pakistan were invited to the tournament after China withdrew due to other commitments. He welcomed the opportunity to face stronger national teams, saying it helped expose the differences between Pakistan and more established football nations.

“We had to play against Thailand; Thailand has had its professional league for more than 20 years. The Philippines has its professional league, Vietnam has its professional league. And that is where we struggle a bit, because we don't have one.”

Reflecting on Pakistan's results — which included a 4–0 opening defeat to Thailand and a spirited comeback from 2–0 down to draw 2–2 against the Philippines — Solano acknowledged that the Thailand scoreline looked harsh on paper, while praising the side's stretches of strong play and fightback during the tournament.

“We lost the first match against Thailand — 4–0 sounds ugly, right? — but we had half an hour of good football, coming back from 2–0 down, and the goals we conceded came down more than anything to specific, conceptual errors, which we are going to keep correcting for the future,” he explained.

Lack of Match Fitness a Major Concern

Solano said Pakistan's lack of regular competitive football puts the team at a disadvantage against opponents whose players compete in established domestic leagues. He noted that only two or three overseas players compete in professional tiers, while most of the diaspora squad plays in the English third to fifth divisions.

“I have to make do with guys who play once every month, once every two months — especially the local ones, the ones who play in Pakistan. And there we are at a slight disadvantage.”

He also highlighted the physical demands placed on midfielders, who must constantly cover ground between attack and defence without the benefit of weekly league football.

“It just happens to be in the most important sector of football today, which is the midfield, where you have to run forward and backward,” Solano added.

Despite these difficulties, he insisted that the lack of a professional league was not an excuse, saying Pakistan were still competing well against stronger opponents.

Solano Praises PFF's Support

Discussing his position as Pakistan head coach, Solano said the backing he has received from the Pakistan Football Federation has helped him focus on improving the team.

“Honestly, here in Pakistan I am doing very well. I'm pleased because there is good backing. I'm pleased because, first of all, there is immense trust from the side of the presidential board. It's not like a bad result happens and they say ‘he's no good’ — instead, they back you because they know where they stand.”

He stressed that building a competitive national team requires patience, adding that coaches need time to develop their sides and correct mistakes. “Time is going to be key, and well, you have to have a lot of patience,” Solano said.

Looking Ahead to Regional Rivals — and a Joke About Facing Peru

During the interview, one of the hosts jokingly asked if Solano's Pakistan side would have a chance of beating the Peruvian national team right now. Solano laughed off the comparison, insisting his team needs to take things step by step.

“Take it easy on me, buddy! What do you want, for them to fire me? Let me play for now against the ones we can actually defend ourselves against! Later on, once we catch good momentum, then things change,” Solano joked, adding: “We are on a good path — just don't elevate me to that level just yet!”

When the hosts brought up upcoming regional tests against India and the Maldives, Solano highlighted the gap in domestic infrastructure compared to South Asian neighbours like India and Bangladesh.

“India has had football for more than 15, 20 years, they have a professional league, and they have a good national team. And they have many footballers playing abroad,” he said. “There is Bangladesh too, which is another national team that has many players in England. That is the difference with these countries — because they have a professional league.”

However, Solano reiterated that Pakistan must roll up their sleeves, work with the players available, and continue improving despite the structural challenges.

Solano Addresses Peru Return Rumours and Confirms Contract Renewal

Towards the end of the interview, Solano was asked whether he would consider returning to Peru if a good coaching offer came along next year. While admitting that coaches never close the door on future opportunities — and that coaching his home country remains a lifelong dream — he confirmed that he is committed to the PFF and has renewed his contract to lead Pakistan through the upcoming Asian Cup and World Cup qualifying cycles.

“One is always open, we don't close the door on anyone. But at this moment I am happy, and I want to fulfil my contract — I have just renewed to stay a couple more years with the Pakistan national team, because we play qualifiers for the Asian Cup and for what's coming in the World Cup.”

“So from there, we will see — never closing the doors to anyone. This is football, and we will see what God proposes for us along the way,” he added.

Watch the full interview: Nolberto Solano's interview on YouTube