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After India's exit from the Asian Games, following a defeat to Saudi Arabia, national football team coach Igor Stimac vehemently dismissed reports suggesting he consulted astrologers for team selections. Responding to allegations raised by a local news outlet which reported that Stimac based his selection on players' astrological charts, the former Croatia and West Ham player stated, "I rely on my work, I rely on my knowledge and I rely on what I see on the training pitch from my players."
Underlining his commitment to the team, Stimac, who was part of the 1998 World Cup third-place Croatia squad, expressed dismay at the attempts to undermine his efforts. "It is really a disgrace what some people are trying to do to us before coming over here," he remarked.
Having led India to qualify for the forthcoming Asian Cup, Stimac highlighted challenges faced during the Asian Games. He criticized the non-release of players by clubs for the tournament, mentioning, "I had been forced to change my squad list seven times since first announcing it."
In light of recent events, Stimac hinted at re-evaluating his position as head coach. "They (the federation) know what I'm looking for -- it's not about money, we are all clear about that," he clarified, emphasising the need for dedicated time with the national team.
Looking ahead, Stimac highlighted India's challenging group in the Asian Cup, featuring Australia, Uzbekistan, and Syria. Reflecting on his tenure, he said, "I spent four-and-a-half-years suffering, trying to convince people what needs to be done."
He concluded with a call for unity, stressing, "We need to work as a unit, we need to be a team, working together and going in the same direction."
Powered by AI, inputs from PTI
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