The ambiguity surrounding Indian football persists.Igor Stimac, on the other hand, finally has a clear squad for the Asian Games in 2023. Sunil Chhetri and company will arrive in Hangzou on Monday with little time to prepare. Speaking prior of the continental portion, Stimac expressed his displeasure with the lack of time before a crucial competition.
“A good fight is all I can ask of the players,” he said at a media interaction on Sunday.
Stimac stated that he will coach the players on planes and at airports because the team will not be able to do a single training session before the first match against China on Tuesday. On Thursday, they face Bangladesh, and on Sunday, they face Myanmar. Stimac maintained that the latter was far more significant to him.
“I am not thinking about the China game, don’t be surprised if Sandesh Jhingan and Sunil Chhetri are left out in the first game. I’m thinking of Bangladesh and Myanmar. My focus is in that game” Igor Stimac stated.
Igor Stimac said that his objective is to keep his players healthy rather than to press for success. It has pushed him to consider not starting Sunil Chhetri and Sandesh Jhingan, two of the three overage players permitted in each squad, in Tuesday’s encounter. He said that the upcoming tournaments, World Cup Qualifiers and Asian Cup, are far more important to him.
Unprepared India to face China in Asian Games without any training session
We have to approach very carefully, keeping in mind the bigger picture. My playing XI will depend on the fitness condition of players,” the Croat said.
“My priority at Asian Games to ensure players are not injured. We have already lost a very important player in Aashique. I have to be wise to see how much energy we can spend in the China match.”
“I have the World Cup qualifiers (in November) in mind. Have to be wise to use senior players keeping in mind those games. This tournament will serve as opportunity for players who are not regulars in the national team,” Igor Stimac added.
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As a result, the emphasis will be on playing players who haven’t been in his plans recently. These outliers should see the Asian Games as a platform to make their case.Despite the bargaining and genuine pleas to clubs, the selected 22-member team is short on players at numerous crucial positions, leading Stimac to consider backup plans.
Indian Football Team squad for Asian Games:
Goalkeepers: Gurmeet Singh, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, Vishal Yadav.
Defenders: Sumit Rathi, Narender Gahlot, Deepak Tangri, Sandesh Jhingan, Chinglensana Singh, Lalchungnunga.
Midfielders: Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Samuel James Lyngdoh, Rahul KP, Abdul Rabeeh, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Bryce Miranda, Azfar Noorani, Vincy Barretto.
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Rahim Ali, Rohit Danu, Gurkirat Singh, Aniket Jadhav.
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