Games against NorthEast United will prepare us well for Bangladesh, says Igor Stimac
aiff
India football coach Igor Stimac has stated that India’s match against NorthEast United FC would be good practice for his side before they take on Bangladesh in a FIFA World Cup qualifier game. The Croatian had called 29 players for the training camp but Jerry Lalrinzuala pulled out with injury.
Not playing enough friendly matches has been one of the biggest problems for India with the AIFF and Igor Stimac even getting blamed for the same. India have played out a loss against Oman before a historical draw against the same team, but with more competitive matches things might have been different.
With the NorthEast United being scheduled before the Blue Tigers played Bangladesh aiming for a win, the Indian coach has stated that it would be good opportunity for players in the national team to prove themselves and earn a place in the squad.
“We’re very happy to have got a chance to play against Northeast United FC. This game will serve us very well to prepare for the Bangladesh match. I feel it will be a competitive game. It’s a chance for my players to prove themselves and to earn a place in the team. It’ll be nice to try as many players as possible. I expect them to do best to their abilities,” said Stimac, reported AIFF.
The national team is currently training in Guwahati and is scheduled to play Northeast United on Wednesday at the Indira Gandhi International Stadium in Guwahati. More interestingly, this match would be against compatriots Stimac and Robert Jarni.
“It'll be a great pleasure for both us. He was a fantastic player and a great coach as well. I wish him all the best for a successful career with Northeast United FC. Back home, we face each other every day as we stay only 200 metres away. I see him while going to the market, the bank every time. But, I have never faced him as the opponent coach, it'll be an interesting battle for us surely,” Stimac added.
