The game against Bangladesh will be far from easy- Igor Stimac

The Indian coach spoke to the media in Guwahati ahead of the friendly against NorthEast United and the subsequent World Cup Qualifier against Bangladesh.

An upbeat Igor Stimac faced the media in Guwahati, where the Indian team has arrived for a 10-day preparatory camp ahead of their friendly game against NorthEast United and the  FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Bangladesh.

Talking about the team's preparation, Stimac replied, "The team started preparing from yesterday. We have eleven training sessions and the game against NorthEast United, before we leave for Kolkata to face Bangladesh."

Despite having only one point to show for their efforts in the two previous qualifying encounters, having lost the opener to Oman at home, it was a point to cherish against Asian champions Qatar. India miraculously drew 0-0 despite the absence of the influential Sunil Chettri, in what was a splendid performance of defensive solidity and work-rate.

But, Igor Stimac insisted on moving on when asked to draw parallels from the historic result, saying, "The result was a great one and so were the players. But, we don't have time to celebrate. We won a point in Doha, which we have to now forget. We have a game against Bangladesh, where another three points are available and we need to win. Otherwise, the game in Doha is worthless."

The coach expressed delight at playing in Kolkata for the game against Bangladesh, with the city last having hosted an international game way back in 2011, when India played Malaysia. "We are very happy to go back to Kolkata. I heard there would be 60,000 - 65,000 people in attendance and it would be great to play there," he said.

The coach stressed on the importance of improving the team's play rather than solely focusing on results, saying, "I don't look to put pressure on the players regarding results. I am looking to improve our style of play, tactically and positionally. The results will come if the quality of play is improved."

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"The team has improved in such a short period of time. Patience is important for results to come," he added.

When asked about the opponents on the 15th in Kolkata, Stimac was modest enough in his approach stating, "We respect Bangladesh a lot, they are a good team. The game will be far from easy and we will face many difficulties against them."

Talking on a tactical level Stimac said, "I expect the intensity to be high. We need to be attacking for the 90 minutes against Bangladesh, who are defensively solid. They are a counter-attacking team and we have to be penetrative enough past the two blocks of defence for Bangladesh, who always cover the midfield."

The 52-year old Croatian had no qualms regarding injuries and the depth in the team. "We have got a lot of new players to the training camp to show them and motivate them to keep working hard for the team," he stated.

"I always say to the team, 'Forget about who played in Doha, if you are playing well and motivated enough, you will get a chance in the side' they have to be ready. If one player is injured, he will be replaced by another player who is fit and perfect for the team."

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Asked about individual performances in the two games that India have played so far, Stimac pointed to the displays of goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and defensive midfielder Rowlin Borges.

"Gurpreet's performance was magnificent. I'm happy with the work the goalkeeping coaches have put in and it's also about the other goalkeepers, who are pushing him to perform to be the first-choice goalkeeper," said Stimac.

On Borges, Stimac replied, "He has been the best player for us in the last two games. The way he sacrificed his ability to defend for the team was brilliant and his organization of the midfielders, as well as his passing, were very good. His passes were long, direct and accurate. He did whatever I expected of him."

"I think he doesn't get the credit he deserves," said Stimac before adding, "If he continues the good work and keeps improving, I think he can go a long way."

The Blue Tigers play the Highlanders on October 9, before leaving for Kolkata four days later. The team face Bangladesh as part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on October 15.