Kolkata, Aug 17: Indian football team head coach Igor Stimac has expressed satisfaction with the national side’s (India XI) performance in an exhibition match against IFA XI here on Monday evening, saying he was looking forward to having such games on a regular basis to improve the performance of the national side ahead of the two international friendlies against Nepal in September.
The men’s team’s preparatory camp had kicked off in Kolkata on Sunday for the friendlies against Nepal, with 23 of the shortlisted players reporting for duty. Those competing in the AFC Cup – currently underway in Maldives – for their respective clubs will join the camp once the tournament is over.
“I am really happy and grateful about the organisation of this game, and we will do our best to have such games like this one,” Stimac stated. This is the first time in 15 years that the national camp is being organised in Kolkata. The last time it was held in 2006 ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Saudi Arabia.
Stimac, who coached Croatia to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014, also hinted that he may consider releasing Sandesh Jhingan from the ongoing camp adding, “Having in mind that the Croatian League has already had five rounds, and the players are fit, we are thinking as to how we can help Sandesh get into form as soon as possible, and also try to facilitate him get his place in the team. It’s important for him to get into the playing XI. So we may consider releasing him from the camp and bringing him back.”
India will be travelling to Kathmandu later this month to play Nepal in two international friendlies in September. (IANS)
