Football

Former India Footballers Call for Coach Stimac’s Ouster After World Cup Qualifier Defeat

In the aftermath of India’s surprising 1-2 defeat to Afghanistan in the World Cup qualifiers, a wave of criticism has emerged from former national team players, spotlighting alleged discord within the team and demanding a shift in coaching leadership.

The match, held in Guwahati, saw India squander a one-goal lead established by Sunil Chhetri in his 150th international appearance, prompting a closer examination of the team’s internal dynamics and strategic direction.

Gourmangi Singh, a former India defender, voiced concerns over a noticeable disconnect in the current setup. “Something was amiss in the current Indian dressing room,” he stated, highlighting an underlying issue that has resonated among the team’s alumni.

His sentiments were echoed by Dipendu Biswas, a former forward, who criticized head coach Igor Stimac’s team selection as “skewed,” directly attributing the poor performance to this flaw and advocating for Stimac’s immediate removal.

The calls for change don’t stop with coaching critiques. Veteran Subrata Bhattacharya raised questions about the efficacy of foreign coaches in advancing Indian football, proposing instead that domestic talent be leveraged to cultivate future stars.

“Foreign coaches never brought laurels to the Indian team,” Bhattacharya pointed out, stressing the need for an Indian coach to develop players of Sunil Chhetri’s caliber.

This unrest comes amid a turbulent period for Indian football, marked by administrative upheavals within the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and underwhelming performances in major competitions. The sacking of AIFF’s secretary general last November for “breach of trust” and a disappointing campaign at the Asian Cup have compounded the sense of crisis.

Despite these challenges, there’s a shared belief in the potential of the team. Gourmangi Singh recalled the squad’s commendable draw against Qatar in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers and their triumph in the SAFFF Championships, questioning the sudden dip in form. “Last year, they achieved greater heights… so suddenly what happened? It was the same team, same players, so what happened suddenly?” he queried.

Dipendu Biswas lamented the missed opportunities for young talent, criticizing Stimac’s reliance on Chhetri and overlooking promising players from domestic competitions. Highlighting the case of Manipuri forward David Lalhlansanga, who has been prolific for Mohammedan SC, Biswas criticized the selection policy that fails to recognize such talent. “But nobody knows David, thanks to Stimac’s flawed selection policies,” he stated.

The call for action is clear: former players demand a restructuring of the coaching strategy and a broader inclusion of domestic talent to revitalize the national team. As the conversation unfolds, it’s evident that for Indian football to ascend to new heights, significant changes are deemed necessary — not only in leadership but in nurturing and recognizing the potential within its own shores.

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

Irfan Pathan opens up on India’s playing 11 changes for ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels the Indian fast bowlers would be tired ahead of… Read More

July 31, 2025

Dhruv Jurel’s childhood coach reveals Gautam Gambhir’s inspiring chat with wicket-keeper ahead of 5th ENG vs IND 2025 Test

With Dhruv Jurel all set to replace injured Rishabh Pant in the fifth Test match… Read More

July 31, 2025

Ravichandran Ashwin backs Ravindra Jadeja to bat at no.5 in 5th Test against England

Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin feels Ravindra Jadeja can bat at number five in the… Read More

July 30, 2025

Aakash Chopra lauds Shubman Gill’s century in ENG vs IND 2025 4th Test

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has showered praise on captain Shubman Gill for continuing… Read More

July 30, 2025

Shubman Gill rates Manchester hundred as most pleasing ahead of 5th Test against England

Former Indian captain Shubman Gill has rated the Old Trafford century as the most pleasing… Read More

July 29, 2025

Brad Haddin backs England to win final Test match against India in Anderson-Tendulkar series

Former Australian wicket-keeper bat Brad Haddin has backed England to win the fifth and final… Read More

July 29, 2025