Former India head coach Igor Stimac meets PM Narendra Modi during visit to Croatia

Stimac coached the Indian football team for five years.

During PM Narendra Modi’s recent trip to Croatia, former Indian football team coach Igor Stimac talked candidly about his five-year tenure with the national side.

During PM Modi’s recent tour to Croatia, former Indian Football Team coach Igor Stimac gave some reflections on his time there. After visiting three countries, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to his home country on Thursday.

After a poor showing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Stimac was removed from his duties in June of last year. India were only able to score two goals and earn two points during the match.

Igor Stimac shares heartfelt message after meeting Narendra Modi

Using Instagram, the former Croatian international shared,

“I spent five unforgettable years in India as the HC of the Indian national football team, and that period left a deep mark on my life. That is why it was a special pleasure for me to attend the dinner with the Indian Prime Minister, His Excellency Narendra Modi, who visited Croatia yesterday.”

”This is his first visit to our country and I am glad that new areas of cooperation between Croatia and India are opening up.”

How India fared under Stimac?

India participated in 53 games under Stimac, winning 19, losing 20, and drawing 14. Manolo Marquez succeeded Igor Stimac, but he has not been able to guide India to prosperity, and his future is likewise uncertain.

During Stimac’s tenure, the displays were inconsistent. In addition to winning the Intercontinental Cup, Sunil Chhetri and company won the SAFF Championship in 2021 and 2023. The Blue Tigers had a dismal season, failing to score a goal or earn a point, despite qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2023.

Although it was a disheartening experience, he was able to place India in the third round of the World Cup Qualifiers. During the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, Stimac also managed the Indian U-23 team, although they were unable to go past the Round of 16.

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