Sunil Chhetri is a role model to the younger players, but he will need to fight for his place- Igor Stimac

The Blue Tigers' new boss also spoke about the current scenario regarding the ISL and I-League.

Ahead of the upcoming King's Cup, new India gaffer Igor Stimac and AIFF's newly-appointed Technical Director Isac Doru met the media, in Delhi. It also marked the duo's first official media interaction in the country.

Watch: Igor Stimac and Isac Doru's media interaction in Delhi

Currently lodged in Delhi, due to the national team's ongoing preparation camp for the upcoming King's Cup, the 1998 World Cup bronze medallist bought a sense of fresh air, during the press conference.

The Croatian's appointment was announced recently, after it was reported that he beat off competition from the likes of fan-favourite Albert Roca. As revealed by the media and AIFF earlier, his detailed research on Indian football including a list of players he felt should be a part of the national setup, won him the hotseat.

The former Derby County defender started off by saying, "It feels like I have already been in this country for five years, as I have read and heard a lot about India. By now, I already know the names of all my players. So it has been quite a good beginning."

"I am really overwhelmed by the AIFF and its Technical Committee for giving me this chance, as I feel India is a sleeping giant in world football," quipped Stimac. He further expressed his desire to help the Indian FA in terms of improving the game, right from the grassroots level.

He also seemed to be pretty impressed by AIFF's technical committee due to the presence of a few former players within it.

Stimac also said players who didn't get many chances under Stephen Constantine will have the opportunity to prove themselves under him

"But I need a little bit of time, cause it is not going to be easy. It is a job for all of us, to fight for this Indian shirt, not just for the players," stated Stimac.

For quite sometime, the Indian footballing fraternity has fallen victim to false promises from the AIFF, in terms of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, as the administrators have always given false and unrealistic targets to the public. The 51-year-old went on to assure the media, that every country's dream is to play in the World Cup. He also noted that, that's how it had started off in Croatia too.

"Nobody can stop our nation from dreaming. But then hard work needs to be put together with that dream. More professionalism and communication is important," said the former Cadiz player.

The former West Ham player also revealed that there will be a proper and regularised system, right from the grassroots to the senior team. Since starting his managerial career, Stimac has been criticised of taking a conservative approach, as was seen during his tenure with The Vatreni. According to the Croatian media, Stimac has not been open to new tactical approaches during his tenure, with Croatia and Hadjuk Split.

According to Stimac, Stephen Constantine's playing style was effective, as it adapted well with his players. He continued in a reassuring tone, "I promise that I will work hard, and will learn about my players. We need to have options. Like when our plans are not working, we need to shift to a different tactical system. I can't promise you those good things will happen overnight. That's an illusion,"

"The team is ready to learn, and it is time for them to start learning," said the former Zadar boss.

Currently, the scenario in Indian football is daunting with the administrators still unsure about the top-league status. The hierarchy seems to be more favourable towards the cash-strapped Indian Super League, while many fans have given their support to the I-League. When asked about the current situation, Stimac said, "Any conflict is not helpful. I am here to help. Whatever happens, needs to happen in everyone's favour (ISL and I-League), including the national team."

"I watched nearly all the 2018-19 ISL matches. I have been informed about most of the Indian Arrows' players. I have been informed about some players, who didn't receive many chances under Constantine, but I am here to give them a chance to prove themselves," said Stimac, when asked about his research on Indian football.

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He further went on to share his knowledge regarding both the leagues. "ISL is privatised, with invested money. Of course, whoever has invested the money, is expecting to gain returns. I-League has been there for many years. It has a tradition, which can't be bought. It will take a hundred years for the ISL to come in that sector. I can see a window, where we can find a solution."

He further expressed his belief that main competitive Indian football happens in the ISL, while the I-League helps in the growth of youngsters.

For the upcoming King's Cup, India are up against Curacao, and the tournament starts off from June 5th. Stimac revealed that he preferred to start off by taking physical tests of all his players, as most of them were on holidays. He stated that the tests were to find out where the players' fitness levels stand at, so that his team has all the information

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Sunil Chhetri has been the Blue Tigers' sole talisman over the past few years, and could be his side's main man this year too. So it wasn't much of surprise to find out that Stimac has already talked to the Bengaluru man. "He is very important to the team, as he is a role model to all the young players. He is very experienced, and will fight for a place in the team. As successful as you are, you still need to fight for your place. I expect the same thing from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Sandesh Jhingan, as the youngsters look upto them."

On a concluding note, he said, "Depending on their physical test results, we are going to produce a quality plan for the next 8-9 days for the tournament, where we need to play two games." He also expressed his opinion regarding the team's backline, by expressing that he will solve India's weak and porous defensive backline.