Following India’s exit from the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, Igor Stimac, the head coach of the Indian men’s national football team, denied all claims that he had consulted an astrologer to choose the team (for some international competitions in 2022).
“Of course, it’s not true. I rely on my work, my knowledge and seeing what the players do on the pitch. In recent times, (some) people in India are looking to discredit my work,” he said.
The selection of the team for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers last year allegedly involves consultation with an astrologer, according to several media allegations made before the Asian Games.
The bronze medalist from the FIFA World Cup 1998 verified that these accusations were untrue. “I am trying to stay as far away as possible from all of that,” he said, “It’s a disgrace what they are trying to do to us.”
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The Croat won the SAFF Championship twice, the Intercontinental Cup once, and the Tri-Nations Series once with the Blue Tigers. He has been the head coach of the men’s senior team since 2019. Stimac’s contract was extended by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in October 2022 through the Asian Cup 2024, which he had previously intimated would be his final assignment as head coach of the Indian squad.
However, Igor Stimac remained mum about a contract extension after the Asian Games match, in which India was knocked out by Saudi Arabia in the round of 16 for the first time in 13 years. “I will make a decision in the upcoming 48 hours while seated with the appropriate individuals. They are aware of my search criteria. Money isn’t the issue,” he insisted.
“It’s about whether are we capable of providing time for the national team to be together and work together. If we want to go higher, I need time to work with my players. I cannot do it without time provided to work with them.”
Igor Stimac, the head coach of the Indian men’s squad for the Asian Games, made a number of adjustments as some Indian Super League (ISL) clubs refused to release players for the competition. Sunil Chhetri, Sandesh Jhingan, and Chinglensana Singh were the only veterans on the finalized second-string team for the Hangzhou Games.
“You are aware of my dedication to Indian football. I tried to persuade people about what needs to be done for four and a half years. We must collaborate and work as a team, said Stimac.
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