Pronay Halder, Pritam Kotal throw their weights behind Igor Stimac

Igor Stimac’s appointment was finally made official on Wednesday and with his first challenge coming in less than a month in King’s Cup, the Croatian would have to hit the ground with the players sooner than later. Though the initial squad hasn’t yet been announced, central midfielders Pronay Halder and full back Pritam Kotal have already shown trust on the coach.

Kotal, who has appeared 34 times in national colours and is playing for ISL franchise ATK, has been one of the regulars during the Stephen Constantine era and said that he was excited to learn from the best.

"He is one coach who has trained the best players. It is always great to learn from the best. We have progressed a lot. But we need to do even better. We are going to participate in the King's Cup after a long time. Hope we do well there under the new coach's guidance. I wish to learn a lot from him," said Kotal, reported Goal.

Halder, who also plays for ATK has shown promising signs in the midfield, has been of the opinion that Stimac has trained world class midfielders and he could learn a lot from the new coach.

"He (Stimac) has trained world class midfielders like Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic. [We can expect] exciting days ahead for Indian football. Personally, I think I would be able to learn a lot from him as he has worked with the best midfielders in the world," said Halder, reported Goal.

"We are going to participate in the King's Cup after a long time. If we can win the tournament then that would be a fitting welcome gift," he added.