3 potential replacements of Igor Stimac in Indian football team
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) parted ways with Indian national football team head coach Igor Stimac on June 17, 2024. The decision came after the repetitive poor performances of the nation at the continental/international stage.
Moreover, Igor Stimac himself had claimed that he would step down if he failed to take India to the third round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. So now, with India's World Cup dreams coming to an end, the AIFF has finally made the golden handshake with the Croatian.
Now comes the question "who will replace Igor Stimac"? Will it be someone who is new to the sport in India or an international figure? Or someone from the roots itself, who knows Indian football like the back of his palm? Today, we will look at three such candidates.
#1 Antonio Habas
Mohun Bagan have decided not to continue with Antonio Habas at the helm of the club and brought in Jose Molina to lead the charge. Habas has suffered a few health issues in recent times but his tactical prowess is unmatchable to others working in Indian football, if we may put it that way.
The Mariners were struggling in the Indian Super League last term and Habas came in and changed the side instantly with his tactics and man-management strategies. Considering his success on Indian soil and his experience here in the country, the AIFF can or rather should consider him a top candidate for the job.
#2 Albert Roca
Apart from Habas, if there's a coach in India who is worshipped by fans, it is Albert Roca. Surprisingly Roca, who a few years back was also a part of the FC Barcelona coaching staff and trained the likes of Lionel Messi and co., is liked by not only Bengaluru FC or Hyderabad FC faithfuls but also by the entire Indian football community.
Although his success (trophies) is less than Antonio Habas, his knowledge and of course the Barca philosophy is something which makes him an ideal candidate for the national team job. Roca is currently working at Bengaluru FC but not as a coach. He is currently 61 (a lot elder to Stimac), but if India want to establish the national philosophy which they highlighted in the roadmap, then Roca is the person they can consider appointing.
#3 Derrick Pereira
We expect some readers reading this article to be born post 2005. Well, in that case, you have missed the early days of Derrick Pereira where he guided a star-studded Mahindra United to success. In his managerial career, Pereira has managed many I-League/NFL outfits and even ISL side FC Goa whenever their head coach has left the role.
Until a few weeks back, Derrick Pereira was working as the technical director of FC Goa. In 2021, when Juan Ferrando left FC Goa, the management relied more on him than appointing another foreign mentor. With such credibility and also his knowledge of Indian football, Pereira stands out as perhaps one of the best Indian tacticians who can guide the national team in the coming years.
Pereira was enjoying a holiday in United Kingdom and might have now returned to India. He has left FC Goa too. If AIFF wants to hire an Indian coach on a long-term basis, then perhaps Derrick Pereira will be the most suitable option for them.