Igor Stimac knows how to deal with the players, claims Adil Khan

Stephen Constantine's tenure witnessed a vast change in Indian football, with the national team storming into the top 100 of the FIFA rankings and also made a cut to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. But, it was following their group stage exit that the British manager stepped down from the post. Croat Igor Stimac was appointed as the head coach, but he still hasn't tasted too much success with the side, barring the goalless draw against Asian champions Qatar last year. Yet despite that, Adil Khan believes that the experienced coach knows how to deal with players and opined that Stimac will take Indian football to the next level.

“Stimac has been an experienced player and knows how to deal with players. He understands the emotions and what he can get from a player. He keeps in touch with us and stresses on fitness. He has a good idea about football and will take us to the next level. It is a process and will take some time. We need to be patient,” said Adil Khan, during an online interaction with the Indian Super League.

In the meantime, the stopper is only concerned about the ISL, with his side Hyderabad FC yet to make a mark in the league, having finished at the rock bottom last season. But, with Albert Roca at the helm of affairs, the footballer feels Hyderabad FC will give a tough competition to the top team teams in the new season.

“Due to lack of concentration and mistakes, we didn’t get the results (last season). After coach Albert Roca took over, we started doing well and keeping the ball more. Next season will be better. We will give a tough competition to the champion teams and target playoffs,” added the Indian footballer.