I will not make promises, says Igor Stimac
Indian football coach Igor Stimac has stated that he is hoping to be a good surprise for the Indian fans but he would not like to make any promises as of now. The former Croatia coach also asked AIFF, ISL, and I-League to leave aside differences to work towards Indian football’s development.
Igor Stimac has maintained from the very start that his target has been to take to the World Cup and he reiterated the same ahead of India’s Intercontinental Cup clash against Tajikistan, where the Blue Tigers would start their title difference.
The Croatian stated that he wouldn’t put pressure on his players owing to results as the bigger picture has been the World Cup qualifiers in September and October. However, Stimac quickly reminded that despite wanting to give good surprises to the fans and the media, he cannot promise anything.
“Football is so beautiful that it can surprise all of us. I wish we can become one of the nice surprises in the upcoming qualifiers. But I will not make promises. I will do my best on a daily basis by talking to my players, working with them, teaching them and making changes where required so that they can improve and advance their game,” said Stimac in the pre-match press conference, reported the Hindu.
On the hackneyed question about how Indian football could develop more in the future, Stimac was quick to state that it would need a collective work by the All India Football Federation, Indian Super League, and I-League. He also pointed out that 20 games a year would too low for players as each of them should have been playing 50 games.
“It is a long process. It is not only about coach and the players. It is about changing a few things about AIFF, ISL and I-League. It is about starting work with the new kids, it is about improving infrastructure. It is also about not giving long breaks in the calendar as much it is about changing the number of games in a year,” he said.
“You cannot dream of becoming a strong force if are playing 20 games a year. The number should a minimum of 50 for a player to realise his optimum. Like this there are many points which should be discussed, changed and we have all have to start working on them. There are certain differences, I know, but the development of football should be treated above all to help the national team do well,” he added.
The coach also advocated for the country letting in players of origin to come and play as it has now become a worldwide norm. He also revealed that he has a list of players who have been plying their trade outside and wanted to play for the country.
“Allowing PIO is one point where we can improve. If ever country in the world is allowing the players of its origin to come and play, why can’t we do that? That will help us in attaining a level of performance. I have received a list of at least seven players who are playing abroad and whose parents are Indians and the players are looking to play for India. I would not like to get into politics but I feel that we should take help from all the sides which will contribute in our growth in football,” he further added.
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