Igor Stimacthe Croatian information and mentor of the bunch which received the 3 international locations trophy, Intercontinental Cup and the SAFF Cup for the 9th time, mentioned unequivocally, “I’m not happy.”
Stimac left for his house in Croatia on Tuesday night time, even earlier than the revelry of India’s SAFF victory had died down. Talking to TOI on Friday, the Croatian mentioned, “The boys are carrying the bad habits from isl, Decision-making in the final third is poor. They look to pass where shooting to score is necessary.”
The 1998 World Cupper, who an integral a part of the U-20 World championship profitable Yugoslavia group which boasted of legends like Robert ProsineckiZvonimir Boban and Davor Ĺ ukerdoes not cover his discontent over the best way the leagues are performed in India.
“Certain things need to change and change fast. There must be a clear acceptance of my plan and it has to happen within the coming weeks. We cannot wait till January for that conversation to start,” mentioned Stimac. Stimac’s contract runs out after the Asian Cup which ends up on February 10. The long term path continues to be now not chalked. In between, India performs the King’s Cup, the Merdeka Cup, the Asian Games (U-23) and the World Cup qualifiers. His message to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is loud and transparent.
Taking price of the nationwide group in 2019, Stimac feels India is in phase-II of the developmental procedure. “Mindset has changed and they can play with intensity for 120 minutes. These are good signs.”
What Stimac dislikes is the rate at which the adjustments are getting carried out. “We in India are not living in the real world. The gap with the rest of our competitors will only increase if we drag our feet. We have to decide whether we want to p lay in India and be happy or (go out and) try to compete with the rest of the world.”
The present string of successes, Stimac feels, have proven that Indian boys can compete with right kind making plans and ok time for preparation. “But hiding behind FIFA regulations of releasing players just five days before a competition won’t work. Those rules are made for the world’s best players. And we are nowhere near that level.”
Time is one thing Stimac needs, like maximum of his predecessors did. Happy that in spite of everything the grievance has vanished and persons are seeing the results of his paintings, Stimac mirrored on India captain Sunil Chhetri, “I would like him to play for the national team at least as long as I am here. Unlike others who ask when Sunil will ret ire, I would do everything to keep him playing. From the day I joined I have been hearing about his age. But what counts is his fitness, commitment, passion, hunger and leadership skills. He is the best player India has ever had and his record speaks for it.”
When requested about Brazil’s resolution to rent European knowhow (Carlo Ancelotti) looking for World Cup good fortune, Stimac mentioned, “Obviously, they understand the need to change their approach. It was necessary to bring the players out of their comfort zones. He will manage the distractions, that the Brazil players often get mixed up with, the better.”