We are still far from implementing coach Stimac's vision, says Chhetri

The Indian football team is still far from fully implementing coach Igor Stimac's vision, captain Sunil Chhetri conceded here on Wednesday.

Fitness has been a top priority under the Croatian World Cup semifinalist Stimac, who was appointed coach in May as Stephen Constantine's successor.

"We are still far from exactly being in sync with what he wants us to do but we keep trying," Chhetri said.

"The best thing about Stimac, apart form his technical knowledge, is that he gives everyone a chance who does well in training. He simply comes to training and sees who does well, and in which position, and will give him the chance," he added on the sidelines of an event organised by Herbalife Nutrition.

At a time when the capital is grappling poor air quality, Chhetri, who grew up in Delhi, called it an "alarming" situation.

"We feel irritation in our eyes. I hope it is rectified as soon as possible. I am from Delhi but I rarely come here. I know some of the foreign players do wear masks.

"It is difficult to keep oneself fit in Delhi because the pollution is more here than in other states. It is not nice. The capital is the hub."
The Asian Football Federation (AFC) has recently recognised the ISL as the country's top league and asked about the country's domestic structure, he said, "I think they have discussed with the AFC and I hope every stakeholder will come together. For me more teams the better, as soon as possible."
"We are not happy with our performance against Bangladesh. The team played well but our strikers missed a lot of chances, and that's why we lost two points which we should not have, and that really bothers us."