Igor Stimac believes in Total Football- Sunil Chhetri

The Bengaluru FC talisman also revealed that the new head coach has promised more games with European nations.

Ahead of the upcoming King's Cup, India skipper Sunil Chhetri met the media at Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The Blue Tigers are also training in the national capital ground, under new boss Igor Stimac.

For the tournament to be held in Thailand, the national preparatory camp has seen a host of new names, including the likes of Jobby Justin, Michael Soosairaj, Brandon Fernandes and Rahul Bheke.

The 34-year-old expressed his thoughts about possibly spearheading a newlook India team, "I think it is a good mixture. When the 37 boys were called, everyone got a fair chance. The coach didn't have much knowledge about the players, except for a few clips. So, the way he selected the boys, means a chance for everyone."

Watch: Sunil Chhetri's full media interaction ahead of the King's Cup

The Bengaluru FC ace also revealed that the new head coach had reiterated his belief that Komal Thatal and himself mean the same to him; which according to the former Mohun Bagan man is a sign of good things to come.

The Indian talisman also stated that Stimac's arrival has bought in new training methods and also a new coaching staff; which he believes has bought a sense of excitement amongst the national team players.

In his first official press conference as India's head coach, Stimac had stated that there would be competition for all positions in the team and nobody (including the senior players) should take their place for granted. Regarding this, Chhetri stated, "I think that is a great thing!"

He continued, "If he would have said that no matter what you do, Chhetri will play, then nobody would have liked that. So, he said the right thing." The former Chirag United forward feels that, right now every player has a fair chance to get into the starting XI.

After the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, this is the senior team's first international activity. Also, the Blue Tigers will be walking onto the field under a new head coach since the departure of Stephen Constantine, after India's acrimonious exit from the continental tournament.

WATCH: Indian football team's final training session in Delhi before leaving for Thailand

"I think the first challenge is to understand as to how the coach wants us to play. It takes time, I just hope we can grasp a lot of what he wants us to do ahead of our first match on the 5th of June," said Chhetri.

He further pointed out that, as most of the players were enjoying their off-season, the fitness level of the team was also a challenge. "I just hope that doesn't bite us," said Chhetri, on the subject.

Since his arrival, Stimac has been thrown amidst much fanfare in India. Although, there are a few observers who feel that the Croatian's conservative approach could harm Indian football. Regarding this, the former JCT man said, "I don't think it would be fair to judge him before we play our first game. He is trying a lot of different things and is also trying different players in different positions."

"He is somebody, who believes in Total Football. He wants us to be very strong while defending and also to be very brave while attacking," continued Chhetri. He also pointed out that the new head coach is very friendly and approachable.

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• Sunil Chhetri is a role model to the younger players, but he will need to fight for his place- Igor Stimac

Currently, a majority of Indian football fans feel that Chhetri is the national team's sole talisman. Also in the past, former national skipper Bhaichung Bhutia had said that his former colleague is the team's only shining light. Regarding this, Chhetri stated that there are other good players too, like Anirudh Thapa and Sandesh Jhingan.

Going into the King's Cup, Chhetri is on the brink of making history, as India's most capped player. Currently, the highest capped Indian player is Bhutia with 107 appearances, which will possibly be broken by the forward on June 5th, who also has the same amount of international matches under his belt.

"We do talk about it at times. I just hope we get an answer quickly. What I have heard is all big think-tanks are working on it and hopefully we will get an answer soon," stated Chhetri, regarding the proposed merger of the ISL and I-League.

WATCH: AIFF Technical Director Isac Doru and Indian Football Team head coach Igor Stimac's first press conference

He added, "You (media) need to keep asking them. The media plays a big role. It makes them work hard."

India face Curacao in the King's Cup, while Thailand meet Vietnam. Winners of both the matches go into the final, while the losers contest for third place. The Dutch Carribean Island nation are a daunting team to face, as they boast a lot of players who play in European leagues. Chhetri stated that, the team has seen some footage of the opposition players and are gearing up for the match.

"The coach has promised us that he is going to bring us more European games. In my career, I have never played European countries," quipped the former Dempo man.

Khel Now also asked the Padma Shri awardee about Indian football's future, which he believes to be bright. "The U-15 team under Bibiano Fernandes really excites me. The team has a lot of good players. I think we have a good future ahead."

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After much pressing about who he thinks could be his successor in the national team, the Arjuna awardee said, "One attacking player who could do really well for us, has to be Udanta Singh.

In midfield, Sahal Abdul Samad has the potential to shine." He added, "If he understands the kind of potential he has, and maintains his body, he is a proper talent."