Igor Stimac, coach of the Indian men’s football team, has called for cautious planning for the 2023 Asian Cup and has stated that he would be utilising the forthcoming FIFA World Cup to construct case studies that will help in preparing the squad for the continental championship.
Igor Stimac opens up on the Asian Cup
Less than a year remains for India to be ready for the AFC Asian Cup. “I’ll research the results that various preparations yield in order to develop a strategy for us as well. It’s crucial that we meet with FSDL (commercial partners) quickly to organise the schedule for the upcoming season, which must provide the national team ample time to prepare, according to Stimac.
The champions of the 2022–23 and 2023–24 I-League seasons would have the opportunity to advance to the top-tier ISL without paying a participation fee, providing they meet the club licence requirements, according to the roadmap authorised by the Asian Football Confederations (AFC).
Stimac stated, “I am extremely thrilled with this,” when asked about the future of Indian football. It’s been a long journey, but we’ve now succeeded in persuading everyone of the significance of moving from the I-League to the ISL.
The I-League clubs will have to battle for it, and it will provide something extremely crucial to our league system: competition. “I’m also looking forward to the start of the relegation since there will still be competition at that level, too. Such games will become more intense and fast-paced as a result.
The ISL’s expansion will be a significant move, according to Stimac, even if it could take a few years. The league will eventually become what it needs to be in terms of size, number of teams, and other factors, he said, but it will take a few years to materialise.
The players will play in more games, and the national team coaches will get to see them play more before deciding who to call up, which will be great for Indian football. The I-League clubs’ fortunes will be constantly monitored, according to Stimac, who is presently in Croatia.
The bio-bubble has made the past two years challenging for players in both divisions. But I’d want to let everyone in the I-League know that you may finally take pleasure in your football and be yourself while playing it. Stimac declared, “We will keep tight watch on you.
As long as you are in possession of an Indian passport, you have a chance to play for the national team in the next AFC Asian Cup.