Indian Football Team head coach Igor Stimac has asserted that India is emerging as a footballing force but anticipates it will take approximately four more years for the country to break into the top 10 in Asia. As India prepares for their fifth AFC Asian Cup campaign, Stimac acknowledges the progress made but emphasizes the need for more time to achieve a top-10 ranking in the Asian football landscape.
Since Stimac took charge in 2019, the Indian team has made significant progress, entering the top 100 in the FIFA rankings for the second time in three decades, currently holding the 102nd spot.
“A giant is definitely out of its slumber now,” declared Stimac speaking to AFP, before cautioning: “But I reckon it will take us another four years to enter the top 10 in Asia.”
Despite India’s qualification for the Asian Cup with convincing wins against Hong Kong, Afghanistan, and Cambodia, the upcoming tournament in Qatar poses a challenging task, especially in navigating the group stages against formidable opponents like Australia, Uzbekistan, and Syria. Stimac expressed dissatisfaction with the draw, citing the limited preparation time as a hurdle.
“We are far from being happy with the draw, but it is what it is. With a very short time for preparation, it’s difficult to expect great things, but my even greater concern is the injuries to some of our key players. Anyway, we are going to give our best and make it very difficult for our opponents,” stated Stimac.
Sunil Chhetri, India’s captain and a revered figure in Indian football, will lead the team once again. At 39, approaching the twilight of his career, Stimac assured that there is no pressure on Chhetri to decide on retirement. Stimac emphasized Chhetri’s role as a role model and mentioned,
“If he keeps enjoying his game with the same hunger and maintaining such brilliant fitness levels, then we are there for him as long as it takes. He is a proper role model for many Indian kids dreaming about becoming football players.”
