Indian Football: 3 mistakes of Stephen Constantine new coach Igor Stimac should not repeat

#1 Skipping FIFA international friendly windows

Despite a good performance against China, Constantine was not ready to play more friendlies

After India’s thumping win against Puerto Rico two and half years ago, Indian national team captain Sunil Chhetri had said in an interview, “If somebody had asked before the game if we’d beat Puerto Rico at home, I would not have said 100 per cent sure. It is important to keep playing friendlies against better opponents.”

Not only Chhetri, but India’s present and former have often spoke about the importance of playing friendlies against higher ranked nations. It not only helps in improving the ranking but the players also have the experience of playing against better quality players.

However, Constantine repeatedly ignored the fact. While India played only three friendlies – against China, Jordan and Oman – before the Asian Cup, their opponents played at least six friendlies. Constantine ‘proudly’ spoke how he rejected the offer of playing a friendly against Iran because the fixture clashed with Oman!

India also didn’t accept the offer from Syria, a side they will be facing in the Intercontinental Cup, before the Asian Cup. Instead, they played intra-squad match. The AIFF should also be held responsible for this, as they didn’t put enough effort to convince Constantine.

Stimac should consider this with utmost importance and let his have the opportunity to play as many international friendlies as possible.