AIFF officially confirms Igor Stimac’s appointment as national team coach

Less than one month before the King’s Cup, the AIFF has finalized Stimac’s appointment as the head coach of the men’s senior team coach on a two-year contract. With over 18 years of experience in coaching, structuring, and developing the football in Croatia, Stimac has handed debut to the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Ante Rebic, Alen Halilovic, and Ivan Perisic, and others.

“Igor is the right candidate to coach the Blue Tigers. I welcome him on board. Indian Football is going through a transition, and I am confident his vast experience will guide us to higher echelons,” said AIFF President Praful Patel, reported Sportstar. 

Apart from the above, Stimac has also played crucial roles in developing the likes of Dario Srna, Daniel Subasic, Ivan Strinic, Kovacic, Perisic, and others. AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das has revealed that it was his credential as a player as well player that ticked the odds in Stimac’s favour.

“His credentials as a coach, and experience as a player are sure to add immense value to the players, and the Indian football ecosystem. The momentum gained needs to be sustained,” Das said.

Chairman of the Technical Committee Shyam Thapa revealed that everyone in the committee was hugely impressed with Stimac and his recommendation was unanimous.

“All the members of the Technical Committee including the AIFF Technical Director Doru were immensely impressed, and convinced about him being best suited for the job. He is a World Cupper, and has guided Croatia to World Cup as a coach. Who else could have been a better candidate? He also impressed us with his extensive research on Indian Football,” said Thapa.

Stimac’s very first assignment would be the Kings Cup in Buriram, Thailand, where the Blue Tigers would be playing Curacao in their first match on June 5.