: Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers: We are here, we are ready, and we will do it: Indias coach Igor Stimac #IndiaNEWS #Football Kolkata, June 1 | With exactly a week left for India to kick off their campaign

@IndiaNEWS

Posted in: #IndiaNEWS #Football

Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers: We are here, we are ready, and we will do it: Indias coach Igor Stimac #IndiaNEWS #Football
Kolkata, June 1 | With exactly a week left for India to kick off their campaign in the AFC Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers here beginning on June 8, head coach Igor Stimac spoke out his mind on the toughest team to face, the injuries, the preparations, him dealing with the boys, and much more.
In an interview on AIFF. com, he stressed his confidence about qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2023.
Excerpts:
Q. We witnessed a spectacle in the stands the last time India played an international match in Kolkata. What are you expecting this time?
A. For the last couple of years we have only been playing away from home. That has been difficult for the team. There have been so many Covid-19 measures, and it has been really difficult. Nobody was thinking about football at that time, and everyone survived some difficulties. Now that we are back to normalcy and can play matches at home again, it feels great.
Q. What is special about Kolkata?
A. Kolkata is a football city. One can feel football, live football, breathe football. you get that extra push that is needed to get the players over the limit. I would like to call all the supporters to come back to the stadium and support us. I felt real passion when I last saw them in Kolkata, and it would be great to play with their support behind our back.
Q. Which team do you think will be the toughest to face in Group D?
A. Afghanistan are the one that come first to mind. More so because physically, they are much stronger. They have so many players from foreign leagues that have well-organised football throughout the year. While these players are playing in quality leagues abroad, we are trying to build that same here, which will take time. Thats why I consider them as one of the major opponents.
Q. Whats your assessment of Hong Kong?
A. Hong Kong have changed a rule that now allows them to naturalise foreigners. So, we will have to see how much better they are now. Foreign players can bring a lot of value to the team. We try to make sure that the players that we bring to the National Team understand the importance of quick decision-making on the pitch. But our boys are doing well, and Im happy with the work theyve done since we started camp in Bellary, and then continued the good work in Kolkata.
Q. How confident are you prior to the three matches?
A. We are confident. We have three games to make sure that India qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2023. Thats the sole objective. We are here, we are ready, and we will do it. With a week left, how are the preparations going on?
Its the final week and there are a few things we are working on putting in the final touches. We are working on set-pieces and on certain aspects of our attack and defence.

Intraday stocks under 50 NSE India Twitter of India

Vote Up Vote Down

Login to post a comment!