NEW DELHI: Igor Stimac, the outspoken coach of the Indian football team, expressed confidence in the progress of Indian football, stating that it is "definitely out of its slumber." However, he cautioned against setting lofty expectations as India gears up for the Asian Cup in Qatar starting this Friday.
Despite being a cricket-dominated nation with a population of 1.4 billion, Stimac, a former West Ham and Derby defender, believes that Indian football is making strides. He was appointed coach in May 2019, and India briefly entered FIFA's top 100 rankings for the second time in nearly 30 years, currently standing at 102nd.
"A giant is definitely out of its slumber now," declared Stimac, but he added a note of realism, saying, "But I reckon it will take us another four years to enter the top 10 in Asia."
Under Stimac's guidance, India secured qualification for the Asian Cup with three wins from three matches against Hong Kong, Afghanistan, and Cambodia. However, the road ahead is challenging, with India drawn against 25th-ranked Australia, Uzbekistan, and Syria in the group stage.
"We are far from being happy with the draw, but it is what it is," Stimac commented in an email interview. He expressed concern about the short preparation time and injuries to key players but affirmed the team's commitment to giving their best.
Stimac highlighted India's shortcoming in previous tournaments, having never progressed beyond the group phase in their four previous Asian Cup appearances. They also face the uphill task of qualifying for the World Cup.
The coach acknowledged challenges, including a 3-0 loss to reigning Asian champions Qatar in World Cup qualifying, injuries to key players, and controversial refereeing in friendly matches against Malaysia and Iraq. Stimac, known for his straightforward approach, emphasized the need for improvement in refereeing standards in Asian football.
In the past, Stimac has been vocal about issues in Indian sports administration and has called for significant changes in the domestic game. The coach has brought in over 20 youngsters during his tenure, aiming to inject excitement into Indian football.
Captain Sunil Chhetri, at 39, remains a key player for India, having scored 93 international goals. Stimac praised Chhetri as a role model for aspiring football players and emphasized that there is no pressure on him to retire as long as he continues to enjoy the game with the same passion and fitness levels.
As India embark on their fifth Asian Cup, Stimac is optimistic about the future of Indian football, balancing enthusiasm with a realistic assessment of the challenges that lie ahead.
(With inputs from AFP)
