'We've got other leaders': India coach Igor Stimac on missing Sunil Chhetri for Qatar match

Indian men's football team head coach Igor Stimac is not thinking about Sunil Chhetri's absence as the side prepares to face Asian champions Qatar away from home on Tuesday (June 11) in the crucial FIFA World Cup Qualifiers tie.

The Indian side has never qualified for the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.Anything less than a win on Tuesday would be a body blow to the hopes. However, the challenge is big as India will not have the services of legendary Chhetri who retired last week after the 0-0 draw against Kuwait.

"We are not thinking about it (Chhetri's absence). We have played several games over the last five years without him, and we have shown that we can play in a composed manner. We have got other leaders in the side, who now need to step up," said Stimac on the eve of the match.

"Of course, Sunil has some great qualities - his personality, leadership skills, football quality, but I am not going to go back to it. This is about the team, not about any individual," he added.

Poor World Cup campaign

India have had a poor World Cup qualification campaign so far, having won only one match out of the fiveplayed. The home loss against Afghanistan earlier this year was possibly the lowest of lows the national team has witnessed under Stimac's tenure who has put his job on the line.

The Croatian manager hasstated that he will leave his position if the Indian team is unable to qualify for the next round.

“If I don’t take India to the third round I will leave, with my pride, with my honour on everything that was done here in the five years of work. I will leave my position to someone else,” Stimac said before the loss against Afghanistan.

Prior to the Asian Cup in January this year, Stimac remarked that he prioritised qualification to the third round over the continental cup as it booked a direct entry into the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. However, up until now, it appears that Stimac may have failed on both fronts.

India will have to play out of their skins to get a result against Qatar. A draw might be enough if other results go in the favour of the Blue Tigers.

(With inputs from agencies)