We have to use this time wisely, states Indian team head coach Igor Stimac

India to face China, Bangladesh and Myanmar in the Hangzhou Asian Games

Igor Stimac, the head coach of the Indian men's football team, stated in a press conference that the Blue Tigers will use the duration of the journey for tactical preparation before its Asian Games opening match against China in Hangzhou on Tuesday because there won't be any time left for training sessions.

The team's preparations for the Asian Games were interrupted by the dispute between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Indian Super League (ISL) clubs over the release of their players ahead of AFC and opening matches of the ISL.

In the Asian Games, the Indian men's national football team is paired with China, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, and three games are scheduled over the course of five days. Here's what Igor Stimac said in the press conference ahead of their upcoming Asian Games battles.

Igor Stimac's team plans against China

Igor Stimac shared his thoughts on Sunday's press conference ahead of their upcoming battle against China in the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games. Here's what the gaffer said about India's team planning and strategies for their match against the strong side China.

Igor Stimac told, “Don’t be surprised if I leave out Sunil Chhetri and Jhingan for the first game.” “We will not have a single training session prior to the game. “Sunil missed full pre-season with Bengaluru FC because of paternity leave. We won’t risk Sunil getting injured before the World Cup qualifiers. We will sit down and talk to Sunil and Jhingan."

The gaffer further added, ” We will give tactical preparation at the airport and on the flight. We need to let players rest once we reach Hangzhou before the first game.” "I am not thinking about the China game, I'm thinking of Bangladesh and Myanmar. This Chinese team has been playing together for some time. They will play in a 4-4-2 formation and they have a tower of a striker, they will be a very very tough opposition. we need to consider if we want to invest our full energy into this game or skip it."

Stimac's thoughts on upcoming Asian Games campaign

Stimac today at the press meet shared his thoughts on what will the Blue Tigers be looking for in this Asian Cup before leaving for Hangzhou. Igor Stimac said, “There is no reason to look back now. We need to focus on what can be done in the next two days until the kick-off, to do everything possible within our power to open the tournament with a good fight.”

Stimac added, "More importantly, I will need to approach this very carefully and discuss with the players about their physical conditions.” “I am meeting many of them for the first time and it will help me make up my mind about them. There is no time to cry now and go back. We will have to just use this time wisely.”

Igor Stimac's expectations from the young boys in his team

Prior to the team's departure for the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Head Coach Igor Stimac emphasized that the Asian Games will give a chance for younger players in his squad to demonstrate their determination. He also focused on how this Asian Games will give newer opportunities and greater experiences to young boys who have made it to the final squad as they will get a golden chance to display what they can do.

Here's what Stimac said about the new boys, “Those players who are not primarily on the list in the team have a great opportunity in front of them. It’s a great challenge for them to prove themselves, to achieve their dreams, and to prove that they deserve better opportunities in the ISL and in their clubs.”

Stimac further added, “Azfar got into this primary first list of 50 players who were there based on their performances last season. It will be a great opportunity for him to meet the coach of the senior national team, to work with us for a few days as long as it takes and to prove himself.”

The gaffer lastly added, “One of the reasons why no senior player was involved on my first list was my faith and trust in the younger generation and this is because I opened the door of the Senior National Team widely to them on the very first day of my work here.”