Head coach Igor Stimac went back to Croatia for a well-earned holiday after a rigorous but successful two-month spell working for the Indian national team. Stimac shared his encounter with fellow Croatian and Real Madrid legend Luka Modric on social media along with photos of his two kids.
With his continued vitality for his club and nation, Modric won the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2018. Together in 2012, Stimac had the honour of coaching the midfielder for the Croatian national team as he led them through the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Off the pitch, the two enjoy a close relationship and frequently express their respect for one another. When Stimac became the Indian coach in 2019, Modric even expressed his gratitude to him
Additionally, Nico and Ivan Stimac’s opportunity of meeting Modric for the first time made this interaction unique. He posted a sweet video filled with happiness and enthusiasm on social media to announce that his kids view the Real Madrid player as their hero. The 55-year-old also praised Modric as one of the all-time greats and expressed his conviction that India will someday succeed Croatia on the footballing stage.
Igor Stimac’s aim to improve the Indian football team further
Igor Stimac is now making the best use of his vacation, but he was unsatisfied with India’s recent victories in the SAFF Championship and the Intercontinental Cup. The Croatian coach earlier requested that the AIFF provide him with at least a four-week training camp before the Asian Cup since he is convinced that the team can improve in a number of key areas.
Due to scheduling issues brought through the Indian Super League, the timing is still undetermined. According to the Times of India reports, Stimac has stressed how important it is for the AIFF as well as Indian Super League to support his plans as they get ready for the upcoming Asian Cup.
It will be interesting to watch how the AIFF responds to Igor Stimac’s requests. However, the Blue Tigers will be taking part in a number of important matches before the Asian Cup, such as the King’s Cup, Merdeka Cup, as well as the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Fans react to Indian football team head coach meeting Real Madrid superstar Luka Modric:
?? Luka Modri? with Igor Stimac today – former Croatia coach & current India NT coach. pic.twitter.com/V1cUYt6plK
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) July 11, 2023
He's simply pure love to watch ? I am talking about our Indian coach Mr @stimac_igor
— Ankit Dwivedi ?? (@Ballu_Bata_Zara) July 11, 2023
Love this man, his efforts for Indian football team
— Priyanshu Pritam (@Priyanshu_173) July 11, 2023
Madrid fans from India will love this
— karanam prajwal (@karanamprajwal2) July 11, 2023
He just won the Saff cup for us,all croatians are ?
— Ash (@Ash__RMA) July 11, 2023
After Madrid come to isl idolo ?
— Kat (@Kat2000__) July 11, 2023
He is a hero in India Don Stimac ?
— Mortuzaaaa (@rodrygoat_22) July 11, 2023
Now he's our own Mourinho
Igor MOURINHO Stimac?— ????? ????? (@arjunsunil05) July 12, 2023
Both of em won medals for Croatia as a players. And it happened on the same day!
Igor Štimac 1998 WC – Luka Modri? 2018 WC pic.twitter.com/o0kdTZ8kWn— Rock Galama (@RockGalama_) July 11, 2023
Igor Stimac sir is allready guiding our Indian football team to a new horizon, I hope he will win more trophies with India ????
— Ardent Mariner ??? (@ardentmariner) July 11, 2023
