We are going to use the King's Cup to try a few different things- Igor Stimac

The Blue Tigers' boss also revealed that he will try to introduce as many new players as he can during the tournament next month.

Igor Stimac comes with impressive qualifications and the Croatian is eager to start charting the future of India's men's football team as the new head coach.

India have enjoyed success in recent times and won many admirers for their performance in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 and expectations are for the team to continue building on that, especially with the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar Qualifiers to kick off soon.

In former international Stimac, India have a head coach who has enjoyed success both as a player and a coach and he shares his thoughts and aspirations in an interview with the-AFC.com.

Hello Igor, congratulations on your appointment. If we may ask, what attracted you towards this assignment?

Putting it very simply, the challenge. India is a great country and we are here to do our best in making it happen in football too.

Watch: Igor Stimac's first ever press conference in India

What kind of research and homework went in to applying and subsequently appearing for an interview for this position? Did you see matches from the domestic leagues in India?

My first talk about Indian football was with our FF President Mr Davor Šuker. After we found out there is a vacant place for Manager/ Head Coach of the Indian National Team we decided to go for it. We saw it as a great opportunity in building up bridges between our FF, and All India Football Federation in all aspects.

As and when I received information from AIFF that I was short listed with another three candidates, offering an interview either through Skype or in person, I didn’t have any doubts. I felt best to present myself – that was my immediate decision.

It was followed with some extensive research on each ‘to do’ point all the way through. I started working on my presentation, and by now, you know the result.

Watch: Indian football team trains under Igor Stimac

I have watched many ISL matches, analysed (former India Head Coach) Mr. Stephen Constantine’s work, learnt about AIFF, read about India’s culture, history, and tradition.

You come from the fabled generation of Croatian football who achieved some great things. Do you think being part of such a team in the past helps one when they become a manager?

Of course it helps. You can’t buy the experience of playing at the highest level, neither can you learn. Either you have it, or you don’t.

It helps us to recognise the body language of the players, the reading on their faces, how they feel, knowing and understanding what they need to do, and perform better.

ALSO READ

• I am feeling stronger day by day- Jobby Justin

• Experienced Croatian duo join India national team's backroom staff

• I have to worry because I have to beat each player to get a spot in the final squad- Michael Soosairaj

What is your evaluation of Indian Football? Where do you see this team being in four years?

We have the obligation to work in favour of National Football in India. Everyone is equally responsible to do everything possible in its development and securing its better future. Football is a team work, both on and off the field. The football family including the fans, mass media, all clubs, marketing sponsors, and AIFF need to work together to make India a recognised force in Asian Football again.

What are your expectations from the team in the Thailand King’s Cup, which is going to be your first assignment?

At the moment, it’s the off-season, and we are introducing our way of work to the players, and improving on their fitness capacities. We are going to use the King's Cup to try a few different things, and as many players as possible. At this stage the result is not our priority, but at the same time, we are certainly going there to win matches.

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

You have previously worked in Islamic Republic of Iran and Qatar - do you think that experience will help in your time here?

Surely it will. As I said before experience is something you can’t buy - either you have it, or you don’t.