India’s preparation for the 2024 Asian Cup is more likely to start on December 30 when the gamers assemble in Doha. The plan is to ring in 2024 as a household and do the very best within the 12 days of coaching attainable earlier than the primary recreation in opposition to Australia, mentioned a group official right here on Wednesday.
India soccer coach Igor Stimac(AFP)
The official, who requested anonymity to guard relationships, dominated out friendlies to organize for Asia’s showpiece occasion citing lack of time and threat of damage. “To play one could cost us three training sessions at least, in terms of preparing for that game and recovering from it. Better we focus our energy on games against more superior opponents,” the official mentioned.
At least considered one of whom, in line with India head coach Igor Stimac, are superior to Qatar. “Australia are better than Qatar,” he mentioned after India’s 0-3 defeat to the reigning Asian Cup champions right here on Tuesday.
India begin on January 13. Uzbekistan, who got here from behind to carry Iran 2-2 on Tuesday, are up subsequent on January 18. They have pressured attracts in opposition to Mexico and Venezuela and crushed China and Vietnam this 12 months. For the Asian Cup, Uzbekistan shall be getting ready for six weeks, mentioned Stimac. India finish the group league in opposition to Syria on January 24. This is the primary time India have certified for 2 consecutive Asian Cup finals.
“So, let’s stop talking about Asian Cup. We didn’t get what we wanted. I was very clear. You give me time and I might provide results. Without the time, do not ask about results,” mentioned Stimac, talking inside a altering room at Kalinga Stadium that was the press convention space.
“We are going to fight, definitely, leave everything on the pitch…I will go there with pride to represent India and we are going to try to do everything (to get a good result).”
But the World Cup qualifiers stay crucial competitors now. “Let’s stay on earth. We will seek points from Afghanistan and Kuwait games and then we will see. I need to make sure that we get enough points in our group in the World Cup qualifiers so that we have five-six home games in the third round. That will be a huge benefit for Indian football.”
If India, who’ve by no means gone that far, make the third spherical, they are going to be assured of 5 house video games. After two video games, India have three factors and are third behind Kuwait on purpose distinction. On six factors, Qatar are first with Afghanistan, who’ve misplaced each video games, fourth. The prime two groups from every group will make the third spherical.
India might want to finalise the record of 23 gamers 15 days earlier than the sport in opposition to Australia. Central midfielders Jeakson Singh and Glan Martins, central defender Anwar Ali and ahead Manvir Singh are anticipated to be match by then and with Stimac explaining that the nationwide group shirt isn’t going to go to anybody who has had a few video games in ISL, it’s unlikely there shall be surprises within the squad.
Stimac mentioned he had used the qualifiers in opposition to Kuwait and Qatar to see if some gamers would make the Asian Cup shortlist. Left-back Subhasish Bose, midfielders Suresh Wangjam and Lalengmawia Ralte and central defender Rahul Bheke have confirmed their positions, he mentioned.
Udanta Singh has not. “We have been carrying Udanta with us for a long time and have been expecting a lot but not getting enough. Same was today, I am sorry to say. Bur we don’t have time to wait for some players. Udanta will need to go back to his club and prove to everyone in the country that he deserves the national team shirt again,” mentioned Stimac.
Since his debut in 2016, Singh, 27, has performed 48 occasions for India largely as right-side midfielder. He didn’t play in opposition to Kuwait and was changed at half-time on Tuesday. As per Transfermarkt, he has two targets and three assists for India.
“I love the boy and my biggest hopes in big competitions were Ashique (Kuruniyan) and Udanta. Because they have enormous speed, energy and endurance. But if you don’t push yourself everyday no good things will happen. And we are not the team which can carry people who are not improving… on a yearly basis at least,” mentioned Stimac.
Kuruniyan is dominated out of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament damage.
Stimac mentioned gamers have been informed what they should do earlier than the ISL break. “What they are doing in ISL is enough for ISL and not the national team. I want more work, more hunger and more sacrifices.”
For Udanta that would imply, extra runs behind the backline as a substitute of ready for the ball at his ft, utilizing area between full backs and centre-backs along with growing the accuracy of his deliveries. He has 5 video games to do it. Having moved to FC Goa this time period after 11 seasons and 201 video games for Bengaluru FC (22 targets and 22 assists, in line with Transfermarkt), he’s with Manolo Marquez, a coach who has solid a popularity for bettering Indian gamers.
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Source: www.hindustantimes.com
