India is gearing up for its fifth appearance at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, which kicks off in less than a month. The national team will arrive in Doha on December 30, for a camp as a stellar performance from the Blue Tigers at Asia’s premier football tournament awaits.
This marks India’s first consecutive qualification for the continental championship since their debut in 1964, highlighting the team’s consistent progress in recent years under the guidance of head coach Igor Stimac.
As the AFC Asian Cup 2023 approaches, Stimac is optimistic about India’s performance in Qatar, aspiring for the team to make a lasting impression in the competition. Speaking on the note Igor Stimac relayed what major qualities he would be looking for from his players with the final 26-member squad set to be announced on Saturday.
” What we are looking for in the final 26 is experience, physical strength and most importantly the strength of their character, no talent is enough without a good character” said Igor Stimac.
India will have a huge work ahead of them as they look to bounce back from a rather low last few months. While winning against Kuwait was a massive high, India have faltered in most of their away gave. Resonating to the note Igor Stimac revealed an array of areas where the Blue Tigers need to work on.
” We will have to work on our defensive compactness, transition, and set pieces. We have to work on our man-marking as we have leaked a lot of chances. Our main focus will be on our fitness with our opponents being physical and strong” added Stimac.
However, currently, Stimac faces a significant challenge as he works to finalize his squad for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup, contending with a mounting injury list. The much-anticipated announcement of the 26-member squad will be on Saturday, but the increasing number of injuries adds complexity to Stimac’s decision-making process.
The defensive lineup is a particular area of concern, with Anwar Ali already sidelined due to persistent injuries, alongside winger Ashique Kuruniyan. Compounding the issue, midfielders Jeakson Singh, Glan Martins, and Rohit Kumar have now joined the list of casualties, heightening Stimac’s challenges, particularly in the defensive midfield position.
