Igor Stimac's report card post AFC Asian Cup debacle: Where does the Croatian stand after drubbings in Qatar?

Despite playing nearly 50 games in the build-up to this tournament, India failed to score a goal and get a point.

In the summer of 2019, Igor Stimac took over the reins as the head coach of the Indian football team with the primary objective of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2023 and improving upon the team’s performance from the previous edition. Fast forward to the present, India find themselves bowing out of the tournament in Qatar with zero points in Group B, trounced by higher-ranked teams like Australia, Uzbekistan, and Syria. 

This disappointing outcome has sparked a flurry of questions and criticisms directed at the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Indian Super League (ISL) clubs, and most notably, head coach Igor Stimac. Khel Now brings you the report card of Igor Stimac which tells you the story of Indian National Football Team under him.

Before diving into the key indicators, it is worth noting that Igor Stimac had better backing from the AIFF in comparison to his predecessors. India played 49 games (excluding Asian Games) under his tutelage and he performed poorly.

Managing Team’s Transition: B

One of Stimac’s key challenges was overseeing the transition of the team, introducing young players who could adapt to his style of play and contribute in the gameplay. A significant aspect of his tenure is the staggering number of debuts (40, to be precise) handed out in 49 games. However, despite this injection of fresh talent, the search for a reliable goal-scorer beyond Sunil Chhetri has proven to be largely unsuccessful, with India managing only 54 goals during Stimac’s tenure.

Style of Play: C

Even before Igor Stimac’s arrival, there was a clamor for implementing possession-based football, mirroring the playing style of the league influenced by Spanish coaches. Stimac did bring the possession-based style of play. Unfortunately, for a large part of his tenure, the team has failed to showcase ability to breakthrough an opposition, particularly against physically imposing opponents. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the tactical approach deployed by the Croatian and its suitability to the team’s strengths and weaknesses.

Squad Selection: C

The issue of squad selection has been a persistent concern in Indian football, with ISL sides not helping by playing foreign centre-forwards. This has resulted in a lack of strikers who can convert chances into goals.

Same issues are not outlined in the I-League and players like Lalrinzuala Lalbianka and David Lalhlansanga have been scoring goals for their respective sides. However, coaches, Stimac and his predecessors have been reluctant in picking players from Tier-II of Indian football. In the build-up to the AFC Asian Cup 2023, none of these two were called up to see if they could perform at the desired level compared to other players in the roster.

Other notable absentees that raised eyebrows are Jerry Mawihmingthanga and Puitea, who were often overlooked. Meanwhile, inclusion of players like Udanta Singh, with limited contributions in the ISL, remains a subject of scrutiny.

Usage of Substitutes: D

Stimac’s handling of substitutions has lacked a discernible pattern and, at times, appeared confusing. Instances like not substituting an exhausted Manvir Singh against Australia or failing to make bold calls in crucial moments have left fans and critics question his decision-making alike.

The lack of strategic substitutions has been particularly evident in matches where fresh legs could have potentially changed the course of the game. Igor’s rigidity in important games has been the highlight of his time as India’s manager.

Tactics: B

Stimac implemented a 4-2-3-1 setup after extensive work on the system, showing promise in 2023 as India looked like a well-drilled team leading up to the AFC Asian Cup. However tactical decisions, such as overlooking players like Asish Rai and Naorem Roshan Singh for full-back positions have raised eyebrows. Additionally, the surprising underutilization of players like Brandon Fernandes have left fans questioning the coach’s strategic choices.

Player Development: A+

In terms of player development, Igor Stimac has played a pivotal role in bringing in and nurturing young talents. The likes of Jeakson Singh, Anwar Ali, Apuia, Sahal Abdul Samad, Akash Mishra, and Naorem Mahesh Singh have debuted under his guidance and become integral parts of the team. Lallianzuala Chhangte, Ashique Kuruniyan and Nikhil Poojary have transformed themselves to another level while Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Sandesh Jhingan have continued to be the backbone in Stimac’s era.

This is the sole indicator where Stimac’s performance stands out, without any questions whatsoever.

Tying Everything Up: B

Despite the extensive backing and nearly 50 games under Stimac, India’s performance has fallen short of expectations. India have won 18 games, lost 17 games and drawn 12 games in four-and-a-half years under the Croatia’s tutelage. Aside from a notable display against Iraq in the King’s Cup in September, the team has struggled to deliver significant results against tougher opponents (another exception was Kuwait).

Furthermore, India’s dismal away record, with recent wins mostly coming at home, raises concerns about the team’s ability to perform under varying conditions.

What next for Igor Stimac?

Igor Stimac’s immediate agenda will be to make sure India reaches Round 3 of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a thing which he is very positive and vocal about. There are four games that will decide the fate of India’s aspirations going forward. The AIFF had offered him a 2+2 year contract extension and Stimac needs to underline that with performances. If Igor Stimac fails to deliver on his promise, things could change at the helm for the Blue Tigers.

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