Imagine comparing the Indian Football Team with that of clubs of the Indian Super League (ISL). Former India head coach Igor Stimac took indirect shots at Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan while explaining India’s loss to Afghanistan. Stimac rather blatantly told the media to not expect India to win against the Afghans, if the biggest clubs of the country lose to Bangladeshi and Maldivian clubs in AFC tournaments.
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While the AIFF vs Igor Stimac saga regarding this sacking continues, the former India head coach called on a press conference to share his side of the story. The Croatian was questioned about India’s loss to Afghanistan. While he claimed that the players were tired and sleep deprived, Stimac however completely lost the plot when he compared the National Team with Indian football clubs.
Stimac takes indirect digs at Mohun Bagan
Without naming the Kolkata giants, Stimac indirectly took major digs towards the Mariners. “If our best clubs can lose in AFC Cup to Bangladesh and Maldives, why is it a problem when India team lose to Afghanistan?,” Stimac told the media in a Press Conference.
“Since he hasn’t named us directly, we won’t say anything to him. Had to took our name, we would have surely issued a statement,” said Debasish Dutta, General Secretary of Mohun Bagan Athletic Club to InsideSport.
However, Stimac has also delved into details as to how his team was sleep deprived and fatigued for the Afghanistan match. Stimac claimed that his team suffered playing away at a higher altitude. On the other hand, while returning, AIFF’s promise of arranging a chartered flight was denied. As a result, the Indian National Team had to change flights thrice before reaching Guwahati for the game.
Mohun Bagan’s AFC stint in 2023
Last season, Mohun Bagan didn’t get a direct chance to play in the AFC Cup. However, since the Mariners went on to win the ISL Cup, they had to play AFC Cup second preliminary round. Mohun Bagan went on to beat Machhindra FC 3-1 at home and a 3-1 win over Abahani Dhaka to seal their spot in the AFC Cup.
The Mariners were paired with Odisha FC, Basundhara Kings and Maziya. The Green and Mariner brigade began their campaign on splendid note. They beat Odisha 4-0 away and followed it with a 2-1 win over Maziya. Then began Mohun Bagan’s poor run.
Bagan drew 2-2 at home to Basundhara Kings. Away trip to Bangladesh, the Mariners lost 2-1. Following this they were handed a thumping 5-2 loss by Odisha. Bagan’s fate was sealed when they lost away to Maziya 1-0 to get knocked out of the tournament.
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