Pakistan's coach Nolberto Solano has said that if progress is to be brought to football in Asia, then players need to be given the opportunity to play in European leagues.

Solano, who has played around 230 matches in the English Premier League as a midfielder in the past, said that playing in European leagues is a completely different experience.

Former star of Newcastle United Solano showed Pakistan's captain Abdullah Iqbal as an example. While praising the defender from Mjällby AIF, a team in Sweden's highest football league, Allsvenskan, Solano said that Abdullah Iqbal is an example for young players. He also said that his leadership and difference is from the experience he gained via the golden opportunity in getting to play in European football.

"Our captain is an example for other players. It is an opportunity to progress in European football, and we are looking at such opportunities," said Solano, while describing the benefits of playing in Europe.

"I hope that this happens for all countries. Asian football needs to pay special attention to this."

In the ongoing 2026 Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament at Male', Pakistan will be facing Afghanistan tonight in the final.

This is the first final match Pakistan's football team will be playing in in 35 years. Solano said that getting to a final after such a long time will change Pakistan's opinion regarding football. In Pakistan, cricket is a very popular sport.

Pakistan, who has faced suspension three times from FIFA one after the other, does not have an official football league.

Solano stated that the next step Pakistan needs to take is to establish their own professional league.

"This is in order to provide an opportunity to Pakistani kids who have a dream of becoming a professional football player," said Solano while highlighting the importance of a professional league in Pakistan.

Pakistan has not conceded any goals in the three matches they have played in the 2026 Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament. The team has five goals total. Solano's team formation is set to have five defenders. Even though they have won their matches, some Pakistani media have criticized Solano for his formation choice.

Solano went on to say that he does not pay any attention to said criticism and that his system in play is an easy style for Pakistan's players.

"Criticism is a part of sports. The day we win is the day we become the best. The day we lose, we are the worst. But do not worry about it, those are opinions made out of respect. I believe that our players know this system," as was said by Solano.