Ex-Blue Tigers Coach Igor Stimac Reflects On His Memorable Five Years in India During PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Croatia

Former Indian Football Team coach Igor Stimac has reflected on his tenure during PM Modi’s recent trip to Croatia. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently concluded a three-nation visit and returned to India on Thursday.

Stimac was relieved of his duties in June last year following a disappointing campaign in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. India could only manage two points and score two goals in the proceedings.

The former Croatian international took to Instagram to post, “I spent five unforgettable years in India as the HC of the Indian national football team, and that period left a deep mark on my life. That is why it was a special pleasure for me to attend the dinner with the Indian Prime Minister, His Excellency Narendra Modi, who visited Croatia yesterday. This is his first visit to our country and I am glad that new areas of cooperation between Croatia and India are opening up 🇭🇷❤️🇮🇳!”

Under Stimac’s tenure, India played 53 matches, winning 19, losing 20 and drawing 14 games. Manolo Marquez replaced Igor Stimac but he has failed to lead India to the path of success and his future is also up in the air.

It was a mixed bag of displays during Stimac’s tenure. Sunil Chhetri and Co. lifted the SAFF Championship title in 20221 and 2023 while they also triumphed in the Intercontinental Cup. Despite qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2023, the Blue Tigers endured a disappointing campaign as they failed to register a single goal or point. He did manage to pit Indian in the third round of the World Cup Qualifiers, but it turned out to be a disappointing affair. Stimac also coached the Indian U-23 side in the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023 but they failed to get past the Round of 16 barrier.