Big things await the Indian football team after Croatian great Igor Stimac was appointed as the head coach of the national team after former coach Stephen Constantine resigned after India failed to qualify for the play-offs of the AFC Asian cup 2019. Stimac who won bronze with the Croatian team in 1998 world cup said that all the players including skipper Sunil Chhetri are equal in the team and everyone has to fight for their place in the team.
“We speak every day. I speak with all our players every day. That’s my approach. I need to do that. I need to get information from them,” Stimac said in the press conference.
“Of course, Sunil (Chhetri) is very valuable to our team. He is a role model to these young players who are knocking on the door. He has played so many games, he is so experienced, and has scored so many goals. But as well as others, he needs to fight for a place in the team,” he added.
Stimac is currently conducting a national camp for the national team probables for the King’s cup in Thailand.
The 51-year-old further raised his concern over the defense of the Indian team and the lack of options at the center back. “Over the next few months, my job will be to find more competitors for the centre-back position, which we are short on right now,” Stimac said.
Stimac was also impressed with the fitness and attitude of the players. The former Croatian International further asserted that he has realized the talent of young Indian footballers and he will give them ample opportunities to prove their mettle in the national team.
“There are many young players knocking on the door of the senior team and I see a great chance to keep improving the team and get results. I am happy with the quality I have seen and together, we can do great things,” Stimac said.
