We are going to do absolutely everything in our power to win, claims Igor Stimac
Igor Stimac put up a brave front ahead of India’s opening qualifier, stating that any team can be defeated with the right spirit and focus and was confident of India’s chances against Oman. He also discussed the team’s tactics, the experience of playing at home and the areas that need improvement.
After the immense build up that has carried on for months, India is finally on the brink of starting the qualification process for the upcoming World Cup and Asia Cup as they will take the field against Oman in Guwahati on Thursday. Speaking on the eve of the game in the press conference where he was joined by skipper Sunil Chhetri, Igor Stimac addressed the excitement around the event as he reassured the countrymen that the team is fully prepared for the challenge that lies ahead.
"It is great to feel this atmosphere and play in a full house of our supporters. We have had three camps, we have had an improvement in our game and the improvements they had on conditioning and fitness. I feel the understanding will be crucial among the players," the Croatian was reported saying by Khel Now.
The 51-year-old has made some overhauls in the squad since taking over in May and has yearned to give the youngsters a chance to express themselves. He has placed a lot of focus on fitness and being in peak shape ahead of a match.
"We are very clear with the starting XI for tomorrow's game. We have worked on it for the last seven days. Obviously, others have trained well and are ready and fit if they have to come off the bench. We need them for the future as well, with the ISL starting soon. We will follow their performances and work accordingly," Stimac revealed.
The highlighting feature of his tenure so far has been the integration of possession-based football and tactics that include building from the back to play an aggressive brand of football, something that has not been a common practice for India in the recent past.
"We need to focus on implementing the new style which has a bright future in India. Everyone in the AIFF are willing to take the long journey and improving each sector of the game, which can decide the future and the success of Indian football," he reaffirmed.
While India’s attacking threat is well known led by the world’s second-highest active international goal scorer Sunil Chhetri, it’s defence line has been pretty wobbly as was evident in the dismal King’s Cup and the Intercontinental Cup.
"It is right that we have conceded some silly goals. But, we also played against greater opponents like against Thailand and Syria, where we have shown we can handle the pressure and remain organized throughout the 90 minutes in each part of the field," the coach countered.
India have been placed in a tough group containing Oman who are way above them in the world rankings, not to mention the 2022 World Cup hosts and reigning Asian Champions Qatar. However, Stimac who had led Croatia to a world ranking of number four in his time there, reaffirmed his faith in the Indian players.
"I was not afraid of any team in the draw, maybe that's why Croatia is a leading footballing nation nowadays. There is only one idea, that is to win and we are going to do everything in our power to achieve that. None of the teams are unbeatable. We just need to be wise and concentrated and defending well and taking the chances when they come," he signed off on the matter.
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