Some young Indian players can become big stars in future, says Igor Stimac

In the brief time between Stimac actually getting appointed and being heavily recommended by the AIFF Technical Committee to the federation, a lot of rumours had made the rounds and one of the biggest of them was how the Croatian won over the Indian football board members by his in-depth knowledge on Indian football and footballers.

On Wednesday, after the appointment was official, the coach reiterated the same and also went on to state that he believed that some Indian players could go on to become stars.

“I have seen most of India’s AFC (Asian Football Confederation) games on Arena Sports TV channel and after my candidacy, I have done serious research on the ISL (Indian Super League) and I-League,” said Stimac, reported Goal. 

“I am impressed with your (Indian) players' attitude and with some young players who could become big stars in the future,” he added.

Apart from the Croatian national team, Stimac has also managed NK Zagreb, NK Zadar, Sepahan, and Al Sahania and stated that he has always loved challenges and India would definitely be one. Being a player of the Yugoslavia U20 team that won the 1987 FIFA Youth Championship in Chile, the manager was very excited by the emphasis AIFF put on the youth.

“I love great challenges and as far as I can see, football in your wonderful country is a sleeping giant. AIFF has done so much up until now in organising good work for younger teams and players which gives me a very positive mind on what we can achieve together in the near future,” he concluded.