Panaji: Igor Stimac It will not surrender without a fight. India were dismissed early in the week, after string of disappointing results, starting with being rank the worst team among 24 teams in AFC Asian Cup by scoring no goals and collecting no points – thus missing out on qualification for next stage of FIFA World Cup qualifying games. Stimac said that he has planned to step down even if India make it to third round for the first time.
“I have told some senior players that ‘even if India qualify. I have decided to leave because without proper support it is impossible to work and just listen to lies,”. Stimak told a reporter over an online media interaction that lasted nearly two hours. “No one cares about the players; all over India people at (All Indian) football Federation are more worried about their own personal interests.
In most cases, Stimac targeted senior AIFF officials, beginning with president Kayan Chobe.
“He needs to go as soon as possible so there is any chance for Indian football,” he snappe.
The vice-president NA Haris always “enters airport terminals, travels here and there and never gives sufficient attention to football”,. Whilst general secretary M Satyanarayan expressed surprise at his suggestion of hosting Intercontinental Cup in July right when clubs were kicking off pre-season.
Even the legendary IM Vijayan was not spare. As he put it: “A great soccer player and a legend but not the deserving person. Who can be chairman for technical committee.”
Then there are the usual sticks reserve for FSDL. The body which owns and runs India’s top league – Indian Super League (ISL).
Stimac admitted that they entered into contractual agreement with FSDL believing in good faith but lingering questions remain unanswered.
“This league cannot be run by corporate businesses or controlled by any corporate entity from its headquarters,” he stated across several sport channels.
Stimak, whose contract was extended seven months ago, was sacked this week following a poor display at AFC Asian Cup and an even worse one in World Cup qualifying. Stimac was dismissed less than 24 hours after he informed AIFF that he had been talking to two possible employers and needed time to quit.
“Satya, I already told him (AIFF general secretary) that I am negotiating with both of them for future engagement such that before month end. I’ll accept one of the offers and you should not pay me more than one complete salary;” “the next day they sent me an email terminating me. Unbelievable! It happened within half a day after telling him to be patient and not distracted by social media,” said Stimak.
Stimac who has won bronze medal with Croatia at FIFA World Cup in 1998 was appointe as head coach of Indian team in 2019 after convincing technical committee that he could help Indian footballers punch above their weight. Five years later, although India played more attractive football and won three trophies last year – more than any other Indian side – the Croatian couldn’t take it anymore.
“I came here with open arms but your football is imprison. Nothing will change if you do not change the rules and allow PIO players represent India. Change is slow process. It will take another twenty years or so before attains Progress,” Stimak noted.
The AIFF has started looking for Stimac’s replacement. At the very first instance, 45 applications were receive from trainers globally. Nonetheless, with all the negative press about football, Stimac does not think that it will attract any more attention.
“He will know from minute one,” he said. “We won’t get a big name coach. Who doesn’t know what we are in for when coaching Indian football? The way we operate, you might get someone who is desperate to work here. Don’t expect any success; don’t be stupid.
When quizzed about what he would do differently over his five-year tenure. Stimac admitted that he should have quit after winning the SAFF Championship last July – his third trophy of the year.
“I shouldn’t trust these people,” said Stimac.“I had huge support from media and fans after my three trophies last year. Even if they wanted me gone they can’t. The only way they understand running is through social media. They don’t care about anything else.” This is no way to run any serious institution.
