India Urgently Needs to Change for Better Results: Igor Stimac
Igor Stimac, the Croatian coach of the Indian national football team, has expressed his dissatisfaction with certain aspects of Indian football and has called for swift changes to be made. Despite India’s recent success in winning the three nations trophy, Intercontinental Cup, and the SAFF Cup for the ninth time, Stimac believes that there are deep-rooted issues that need to be addressed.
One of Stimac’s main concerns is the poor decision-making in the final third of the pitch. He feels that the players tend to prioritize passing instead of shooting when it is necessary to score. According to him, this bad habit has carried over from the Indian Super League (ISL) and needs to be rectified.
Stimac, who has a contract with the Indian team until after the Asian Cup in February, believes that changes need to happen quickly. He claims that there must be a clear acceptance of his plan within the coming weeks and that waiting until January to start the conversation would be too late. He has sent a loud and clear message to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that time is of the essence.
As a former player in the 1998 World Cup and a member of the U-20 World championship winning Yugoslavia team, Stimac has experienced success at the highest level of football. He feels that certain aspects of the way leagues are conducted in India need to change in order to bridge the gap with the rest of the world. He believes that the speed at which these changes are implemented is crucial, as procrastination could widen the gap instead.
Stimac acknowledges that India is in phase-II of the developmental process and that there have been positive signs of improvement. He is pleased with the change in mindset and the ability of the players to play with intensity for the entire duration of a match. However, he emphasizes that proper planning and adequate time for preparation are necessary for sustained success.
Stimac highlights the issue of FIFA regulations that allow players to be released just five days before a competition. He argues that these rules are designed for the world’s best players and are not suitable for India, which is not on the same level.
When asked about India captain Sunil Chhetri, Stimac praises his fitness, commitment, passion, hunger, and leadership skills. He believes that Chhetri is the best player India has ever had and that his age should not be a concern as long as he is fit and motivated to play.
Stimac points out Brazil’s decision to hire European coach Carlo Ancelotti as an example of the need for change in approach. He believes that Brazil understood the importance of bringing players out of their comfort zones and managing distractions.
In conclusion, Igor Stimac’s comments highlight the need for rapid change in Indian football. He believes that certain habits inherited from the ISL need to be rectified, and the speed at which these changes are implemented is crucial. Stimac urges the AIFF to accept his plan and start the conversation immediately. He emphasizes the importance of proper planning and preparation for sustained success. Despite the recent achievements of the Indian team, Stimac believes that India is not living in the real world and must decide whether to play in India and be content or compete with the rest of the world.
