Football

“It was the need of the hour” – Indian goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya on sacking of head coach Igor Stimac

India’s veteran goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya has supported the sacking of head coach Igor Stimac after the Blue Tigers failed to make it to the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Croatian was sacked after India played a goalless draw against Kuwait and then lost to Qatar by 2-1 in a controversial manner.

The shot-stopper reckons Stimac’s sacking was the need of the hour and should have been done earlier. During his five-year stint, Stimac won four titles with India including two SAFF Championship trophies, one Tri-Nation Series and one Intercontinental Cup. 

“As an Indian footballer who has played for nearly 2 decades and played under some exceptional coaches; moreover, as an Indian football fan, I am happy to see that finally, things seem to be moving in the right direction, or at least it’s a start. The sacking of the current head coach is not a statement, it was the need of the hour,” Bhattacharya wrote in his Instagram post.

Bhattacharya reckons Stimac made poor team selections during his tenure and came up with excuses after disappointing results.

“The team selection, followed by excuses for poor results is frustrating for players and fans both. What should have been done a while ago has finally been done now. Better late than never I suppose.”

The goalkeeper named coaches like Antonio Lopez Habas, Sergio Lobera or Manolo Marquez as potential candidates to take the coaching baton from Stimac.

“It should be someone who knows and understands Indian football, someone who has got fantastic results time and again at club level. A coach with a strong personality and character who isn’t influenced by a single player or his past achievements alone, someone like Mr. Antonio Lopez Habas, Sergio Lobera or Mr. Manolo Marquez for example.”

“But I’m just one person. There are probably countless other frustrated Indian football fans who probably feel the same and we can finally sleep peacefully, knowing we have taken a step in the right direction,” he added.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

We’ll try to win the ISL again: Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s Jose Molina

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina has revealed that the goal is to… Read More

November 14, 2024

I am fully focused on the Malaysia match: India head coach Manolo Marquez

India’s head coach Manolo Marquez is fully focused on the international friendly against Malaysia. The… Read More

November 14, 2024

“It’s very important that Amorim succeeds at Manchester United” – Nuno Mendes

Paris Saint Germain left-back Nuno Mendes has wished incoming Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim all… Read More

November 14, 2024

Gujarat Titans name Parthiv Patel as assistant and batting coach

Gujarat Titans have named Parthiv Patel as the assistant and batting coach. Patel will join… Read More

November 14, 2024

Arshdeep Singh can actually bowl well in all phases of the game: Parthiv Patel

Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Parthiv Patel showered praise on India’s pacer Arshdeep Singh, stating the… Read More

November 14, 2024

4-0 a distant dream, take one step at a time – Sanjay Manjrekar advise to Team India before Border-Gavaskar series against Australia

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has urged India to take one Test match at a… Read More

November 14, 2024