Igor Stimac happy but not content with India’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers showing
India finished third in their FIFA World Cup qualifier group but earned a spot in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers third round.
When Igor Stimac was appointed as the head coach of the Indian football team back in May 2019, his primary target was to ensure the national side makes it to the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
Having taken a step closer to realising that goal with India making it to the third round of the Asian Cup qualifiers, the former Croatian World Cupper is happy, but only just.
“Mission accomplished! In a few words, it was difficult. We lost 500 days with the pandemic around us. But we accomplished the aim,” Igor Stimac said during a media briefing on Friday.
“But is that good enough? We expected more points from the group,” Stimac stated.
India finished third in Group E of the joint World Cup and Asian Cup second round qualifiers with just seven points from eight matches.
It was just enough to finish above Afghanistan (6 points) and clinch a direct entry into the third round of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers without having to play an extra playoff match.
“But we need to be satisfied with what we got and keep improving on the platform,” the Croat added.
Stimac inherited an Indian squad which gave a good account of itself at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. The expectations, hence, were sky high from him.
But after a string of below-par performances which saw India go on an 11-match winless run, the head coach has been under criticism from all quarters of Indian football.
Stimac, though, isn’t too bothered.
“When you start a project it is difficult. It was the same with Mr (Stephen) Constantine (India’s former head coach),” he said.
“I was brought here to change the style of football from defensive to having more control of the game, improving on passing accuracy. From that aspect, we have succeeded in a certain way.
“I have my numbers which show that we have improved in ball passing accuracy and ball retention. When you are changing the style with not too many technical players you will find yourself in a difficult position,” the 53-year-old reasoned.
With no competitive action till next year, Stimac is hoping for a few friendly ties for the Indian football team during the international window in September and November.
But with his contract up for review, Stimac knows his future in India is not guaranteed.
“I am honoured to be working with AIFF. We have a good platform for the future. It is now on the AIFF technical committee, AIFF, and president to decide my future. If they are not happy with my performance I am ready to accept that,” Stimac said.