Who is Igor Stimac, the Indian football team coach with 2 red cards at SAFF 2023?

When it comes to the Indian football team, there is one individual who stands out for receiving two consecutive red cards in two matches. Surprisingly, it's not a player but the head coach himself, Igor Stimac.

The former Croatian player has displayed quite an aggressive demeanor throughout the ongoing SAFF Championship, leading to his expulsion from the field by referees on two occasions. In the recent match against Kuwait, Stimac was issued a red card during the final ten minutes due to an altercation with the referees.

However, Stimac did not retreat. Instead, he chose to join the fans in the stands to witness the remainder of the game.

What is his background?

Igor Stimac is a well-known figure in Croatia, boasting numerous accolades both as a player and a coach. He was a key member of the Croatian football team that reached the semi-finals in the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

Stimac's most successful managerial stint began in July 2012 when he was appointed as the head coach of the Croatian national team. During his tenure, he had the privilege of training exceptional players like Luka Modric, who played a vital role in Croatia's journey to the finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Luka Modric once said: "Igor has the charisma, knowledge, experience, and everything necessary to lead our team."

Stimac's coaching approach revolves around developing individual skills, emphasizing perfect ball control and a deep understanding of the game. He has employed the same techniques with the Indian football players since becoming the head coach in 2019, and his impact has been widely recognized.

Stimac's achievements as the Indian head coach

Under Stimac's leadership, the Indian football team has secured 14 victories thus far. Notably, India has maintained a streak of 8 consecutive clean sheets at home, extending their record. This remarkable run started on October 15, 2019, with a 1-1 draw against Bangladesh and includes 11 victories and 3 draws.

During the ongoing SAFF championship, the Indian football team is performing admirably. The men in blue secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Pakistan in the tournament opener, and the second match against Kuwait resulted in a draw.