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It is four months since British coach Stephen Constantine had put his pen on papers. The All Indian Football Federation appointed Croatian Igor Stimac as the new head coach and the new coach has already started his work by naming the list of 37 probables for the preparatory camp.
Speaking to www.the-aiff.com, Stimac said: “I respected the choice of the squad which represented India in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019. The rest of the players have been added post my research watching Hero I-League and Hero ISL matches. I found some players quite interesting, and have summoned them to the camp.”
“I congratulate all the players, and wish them good luck,” he added. “I am eagerly waiting to land in New Delhi, and get on the task immediately. I have always cherished new challenges, and I am looking forward to coaching the Blue Tigers,” he added.
However, there are few areas which harmed India’s reputation during Constantine’s tenure. As the new head coach, Stimac must look at this carefully and should not repeat the mistakes.
In this article, we point out 3 such areas that needs to be taken care of:
#3 Rigid playing style - no Plan B
For the last year, India’s performance surprised their opponents, who were much better in terms of rankings. The game against China or the second half display against Jordan was enough to prove this claim.
India thrashing of Thailand in the opener of AFC Asian Cup was another example of ‘New India’. There is no denying of the fact that it happened under their former coach Stephen Constantine. It was only after the next two losses that we came to know how flawed Constantine’s game-plan was.
Take the example of the match against China. Nobody thought India could win. However, despite facing some big players and a renowned coach on the opposite side, India kept their fight until the last minute and could’ve left the field with smile on their faces. India were on the verge of creating history, yet they were bogged down by a primitive strategy by their British coach.
India fielded a depleted side in the match against Jordan and in the first half, it was clear that they were forced to play the match. The scenario changed in the second half and suddenly the visiting side started attacking and eventually reduced the margin. The question that was discussed for long after the match was why they were so defensive in the first half?
Everybody know what happened against UAE and Bahrain. We shouldn’t waste more time on that.
Defensive. This is the only word that should be thrown out from the team when Stimac takes over the team physically. This Indian team has the ability to play attacking, dynamic football. They have talented midfielders, a phenomenal striker and yes, some famous defenders too. They have every right to show the world what they are capable of.
Stimac shouldn’t deprive them off the opportunity.
#2 Ignoring deserving players for national team squad
Constantine handed debut to 49 players. He promoted and encouraged youngsters to play for the national team. Some went on to cement their places in national set-up.
These are pretty good facts, but hides the real story.
What we all know is, Lallianzuala Chhangte and Rahul Bheke was left out of the Asian Cup squad. Jobby Justin, last season’s highest Indian goal-scorer hasn’t made his debut. He got his first national team call-up on Thursday.
He didn’t explain why the likes of Sumeet Passi, Sarthak Golui or Narayan was called into the squad.
Going through his first list of probables, one can assured of the fact that Stimac is the right person for the job. But this only the first list and any coach on this earth would want to convince his employer’s by taking the right decision.
The country has so many talents on every corner. The I-League and Indian Super League clubs are trying their best to unearth them. The Croatian should call deserving players in his team. If a talented player doesn’t suit his strategy, he should simply change the strategy and think of a new one.
#1 Skipping FIFA international friendly windows
After India’s thumping win against Puerto Rico two and half years ago, Indian national team captain Sunil Chhetri had said in an interview, “If somebody had asked before the game if we’d beat Puerto Rico at home, I would not have said 100 per cent sure. It is important to keep playing friendlies against better opponents.”
Not only Chhetri, but India’s present and former have often spoke about the importance of playing friendlies against higher ranked nations. It not only helps in improving the ranking but the players also have the experience of playing against better quality players.
However, Constantine repeatedly ignored the fact. While India played only three friendlies – against China, Jordan and Oman – before the Asian Cup, their opponents played at least six friendlies. Constantine ‘proudly’ spoke how he rejected the offer of playing a friendly against Iran because the fixture clashed with Oman!
India also didn’t accept the offer from Syria, a side they will be facing in the Intercontinental Cup, before the Asian Cup. Instead, they played intra-squad match. The AIFF should also be held responsible for this, as they didn’t put enough effort to convince Constantine.
Stimac should consider this with utmost importance and let his have the opportunity to play as many international friendlies as possible.
