"I don't want to react to what Houghton said when the national team is in the midst of an important campaign, all I would say is it is not the right time and stage for the coach to say such things," Das said.

"I can only say that everyone is aware of India's problems and we are trying to address them, right from infrastructure to grassroots development," he added.

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Houghton, who was appointed the national coach in 2006, said the AIFF has let down the national footballers in a big way.

"I think the federation has let down the boys in a big way with no proper infrastructure and good coaches," he said.

Under Houghton the national team won the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup and are playing in the Asian Cup after 27 years.

India lost their first match to Australia by 4-0 and 5-2 to Bahrain on Friday.

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