KOLKATA
Despite all odds, Indian soccer group head coach Igor Stimac is backing his aspect to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup.
Even because the group has been troubled by accidents and cancellation of a pleasant in opposition to Zambia, Stimac was glad with the general preparation for the Asian Cup closing qualifying spherical, beginning right here from June 8.
“The camp was planned carefully. Our main worry was fitness. The Ballari (camp) was a good decision. It had good facilities for fitness conditioning. Coming to Kolkata was a good choice. It’s a football city. You get that extra needed to push players to the limit,” mentioned Stimac at a roundtable interplay on Tuesday, hours after the group landed right here after taking part in its pleasant in opposition to Jordan in Doha.
“Only bad thing was Zambia cancelling the match.”
Tangri to exchange Ritwik
Stimac mentioned that centre-back Deepak Tangri would change Ritwik Das because the latter was dominated out as a result of rooster pox.
Looking again on the Jordan match, Stimac mentioned, “We went into it with a great mindset, thinking how to win. Most of all, for me, is the quality of performance.”
Entering the ultimate week of preparation, Stimac mentioned the first objective could be to qualify for the Asian Cup. “We have to make sure India gets the points to qualify. We are here, ready and we will do it with the help of supporters.”
Stimac mentioned Afghanistan, which has allowed its gamers to play in overseas leagues, and Hong Kong, which has modified guidelines to permit foreigners, can be robust sides in Group D. He anticipated Cambodia to play counter-attacking soccer.
Stimac mentioned although the Indian Super League (ISL) supplied a very good stage, the kids getting good salaries there wanted to be protected. “Salaries bring comfort and comfort brings weakness, weakness brings possible problems of disappearing soon.”
Dismisses Gokulam declare
On I-League champion Gokulam Kerala coach Vincenzo Annese reportedly claiming that a few of his gamers might play within the National aspect, Stimac mentioned, “They had a great season, but let’s stay realistic. Never mind the win Gokulam had against ATK. If they play 10 matches, they will win one. I am quite sure each coach of the I-League will say the same thing – three of its players could play.”
Source: www.thehindu.com
