All eyes will be on India’s skipper Sunil Chhetri as the Indian Football Team prepares to compete in the forthcoming World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. In the list of top active goalscorers, Chhetri trails only the world’s top players, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. While Chhetri aims to see India at the FIFA World Cup, he strongly believes that head coach Igor Stimac is the right man to do so.
“Apart from his technical and tactical knowledge, him being in a similar situation with the Croatia team, and doing something extraordinary and amazing, has helped him understand us a lot,” Chhetri said.
“He is more than a coach, he is more like a father figure – or an elder brother for people like me who are fossils – to everyone. He understands and takes that part of his coaching job very seriously.” he added.
India presently ranks 102nd in the Men’s World Ranking. Croatia overcame the odds and reached the France 1998 semi-finals thanks to the former defender. They lost 2-1 to the hosts before winning bronze in the third-place play-off against the Netherlands.
Chhetri believes India’s World Cup pedigree is working in their advantage, as has Stimac since taking over in 2019. Stimac has established the perfect framework and support network for his team’s growth and development.
“He is always on our case, but when we come here we feel safe. You can be vulnerable, you can come and express, and that is one of the biggest qualities that he has. ” Chhetri added.
“If you see our performances, four years back and now, anyone will tell you there is a good jump. And that is something that has happened because of Igor Stimac and the entire team. Everyone has chipped in together, and everyone has pulled each other up.” Sunil Chhetri concluded.
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