Intercontinental Cup 2023: Sunil Chhetri may not play final, says coach Igor Stimac

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Bhubaneswar: Coach Igor Stimac said he may not play Sunil Chhetri in the final of Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023 as he was happy with India's performance in the 0-0 draw against Lebanon in the last group game at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Friday. The Croat opted for a line-up sans Sunil Chhetri or a proper number 9, which may explain the lack of goals on the day.

Stimac praised the effort the likes of Ashique Kuruniyan and Lallinzuala Chhangte put in front of the goal and said he may go for a line-up in the final without Sunil Chhetri depending on how the two training days pan out before the final against World No Lebanon on June 18.

"I want to see how the boys feel, how they recover. I am not thinking about names. I might start with Sunil, I might not," said coach Igor Stimac in the post-match press conference. "It's certain that Ashique's energy disturbed their build-up so much that Lebanon were confused about whom to pass the ball and that's precious for us.

"It's now about how the boys handle the pressure (in training) over the next two days. I am not afraid (to pick my 11), whoever will be in the best condition to play, he will play."

India defeated Mongolia (2-0) and Vanuatu (1-0) to qualify for the final early on as coach Igor Stimac made nine and 10 changes respectively after the first two games in the Intercontinental Cup. Interestingly, centre-back Sandesh Jhingan being the sole player to feature in all three games.

The frequent change in the line-up has been up for debate as some have worried that the coach is yet to find his best playing 11 while some of have seen it as an opportunity for the entire squad especially with the last group game being a dead rubber. Coach Stimac said he is not worried about what's being said as for him developing a squad full of talent.

"I don't think about that (continuity of starting line-up) I am trying to raise the standard of players here and have a clear idea about what they need to do when they have the ball at a particular position.

"India today is a very organised side, very disciplined and compact side with a different set of talented players. That shows the richness of the side. It's a luxury for me to have show many players to choose from and I will use them as the game requires. People here are still talking about 'experiement' and not finding a set starting 11. We are rich with players and I need to keep using them. They are wonderful."