Pakistan men’s football team is set for changes in its coaching staff following the side’s underwhelming performance in the U23 Asian Cup qualifiers.
According to insiders, head coach Nolberto Solano is the driving force behind a reshuffle in his backroom staff.
As a result, local assistant coaches Mehmood Khan and Gohar Zaman will no longer continue with the national setup. The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) is now exploring options to bring in a new assistant coach, potentially a foreign appointment, along with a performance analyst to strengthen the team’s technical department.
However, former captain and current goalkeeping coach Jaffar Khan is expected to retain his role with the senior squad.
Solano, who took charge of the national football team just a few months ago, has been vocal about improving Pakistan’s tactical preparation and overall professionalism, particularly after the team’s struggles at the youth level. The planned appointments are seen as part of a wider effort to raise standards and prepare the national side for upcoming international commitments.
While the final names are yet to be confirmed, insiders suggest that the inclusion of a performance analyst could mark a significant step forward for Pakistan football, helping the team bridge the gap with more established Asian sides.
Pakistan’s junior side finished the U23 Asian Cup qualifiers without a win, but the focus of the coaches and players now shifts to upcoming senior assignments.
The national team is set to resume its AFC Asian Cup qualification campaign against Afghanistan next month. With changes to the Pakistan football team’s coaching staff on the horizon and the arrival of some established foreign-based players, Solano will be hopeful of delivering improved results in the months ahead.